14. Tough yet lightweight waders

Middle Fork Packable Waders, available at Patagonia, $349 River Salt Wading Boots, available at Patagonia, $449

Patagonia's Middle Fork Packable fishing waders are about the weight of a rain jacket. Sure, I still have to pack (or wear) boots, but the Danner x Patagonia boots that go along with them are comfortable enough to wear on the plane if need be.

Moreover, these waders are as tough as anything. I was bushwhacking, sliding down banks, and catching them on anything and everything, just trying to tear them. No such luck. Yes, they're a pretty penny and probably about twice what I've paid for waders in the past, but I'll place my bets on these things lasting a good long while. —Owen Burke, senior reporter

Read our review: Patagonia and Danner teamed up on a packable fly-fishing wader and boot set that only weighs 5 pounds — here's how it stacks up after 6 months of heavy use