Summit and Stream

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  • Prepping for a High-Plains Archery Hunt

    There’s nothing subtle about the high plains. It’s big, open, windswept country that doesn’t give you much to work with. At first glance, it looks simple — wide sage flats, rolling breaks, grass that seems to stretch forever. Step out into it, though, and you realize just how deceiving it is. Distances double, cover disappears,…

  • Best Gear for Fishing in Heavy Rain: My Top Picks

    Some gear failed. Some gear thrived. And one piece surprised me completely. I was standing mid-stream with rain hammering my hood, fly line sagging under the weight of water, and graupel stinging my knuckles like a handful of gravel. The creek had been running low, but every fresh round of rain bumped it just enough…

  • Backcountry Meals That Actually Taste Good — Quick Tips + Favorites from Elk Creek

    If you’ve done enough nights in the backcountry, you know the drill: tear open a foil pouch, add hot water, wait, and hope for the best. Most of the time you get something that’s… edible. It fills the hole, but it’s not exactly a meal you’d rave about. On our latest Elk Creek trip, we…

  • Five Days, a Fly Rod, and the South San Juan Backcountry

    “When the rain comes every afternoon, and the trout still rise, you learn quick what matters and what you can leave behind.” There’s a certain kind of quiet you only get when you’re miles from the nearest road. It’s not just the lack of engines or voices — it’s the way the air feels unclaimed,…

  • Between Snowmelt and Sunsets: The Magic of June Fly Fishing in Colorado

    There’s a brief and beautiful window in Colorado when the rivers start to breathe again. Snow still clings to the peaks, but the valleys below are coming alive. The current slows just enough to invite a clean drift. Trout are hungry. Insects are waking up. And for the fly angler, June feels like a long…

  • 10 Fly Fishing Essentials I Never Hit the Water Without

    Whether I’m waist-deep in a mountain stream or hiking into a remote alpine lake, there’s a core group of gear I bring along every time I fly fish. After years of trial and error, these ten items have earned a permanent spot in my kit. If you’re building your own loadout—or just looking to upgrade—this…

  • 10 Things You Don’t Need in Fly Fishing

    Cut the clutter and get back to what really matters on the water. Fly fishing has a reputation for being gear-heavy and intimidating, but the truth is, most of what you think you need… you don’t. Here’s a no-nonsense list from the Colorado backcountry to help you lighten your load, simplify your kit, and actually…

  • Backcountry Fly Fishing Tips for Colorado Adventurers

    Backcountry Fly Fishing in Colorado: A Hardcore Angler’s Paradise Fly fishing in Colorado is already world-class. But if you really want to get away from the crowds, find untouched waters, and catch wild fish that rarely see a fly, you head into the backcountry. That’s where Colorado turns into a paradise for anglers who are…

  • The Mental Benefits of Fly Fishing: Finding Peace on the Water

    Fly fishing is more than just a way to catch fish—it’s a form of therapy. For many anglers, stepping into a cold mountain stream and casting a line isn’t just about the pursuit of trout; it’s about disconnecting from the chaos of everyday life and reconnecting with nature. The mental health benefits of fly fishing…

  • White Duck Regatta 13 Bell Tent Review: Real-World Cold Weather & Setup Test

    At a Glance: Field VerdictThe White Duck Regatta 13 is a heavy-duty, 4-season canvas bell tent built to handle high winds, driving rain, and sub-freezing cold. While it is strictly a vehicle-camping setup due to weight, the breathable DYNADUCK canvas and pre-installed stove jack make it one of the most reliable basecamp shelters available. Key…