Is preparing and packing for a trip really half the fun? For some, maybe so. But for us, making a perfect cast and watching a GT recklessly chase and explode on a fly is far more thrilling than loading up your toiletry bag. There’s just something undeniably more appealing about stalking a double-digit brown trout after hours of hiking in the New Zealand backcountry than folding clothes and packing a suitcase. Call us crazy, but we’d much rather play a game of feast or famine in search of a 50” musky deep in the still waters of the Northwoods than rifle through drawers and cabinets to corral all the necessary charging cables and travel accessories.

Whether you're crossing an ocean or spending a week exploring fisheries closer to home, packing is a necessary evil. While it’s not as fun or memorable as the fishing itself, it certainly has a way of building excitement and anticipation. No matter where your home fishery is, as anglers, we all love to gear up and travel to new locations to pursue fish that aren’t within striking distance of our everyday lives. This is why Simms put forth the time and energy to create the all-new Tailwind Collection—a collection of gear designed, developed, and tailor-made for the traveling angler.

Travel gear and fishing-focused luggage are not new territory for Simms. Anglers have long relied on Simms to safely and securely transport rods, reels, gear, and apparel around the world. So what makes the all-new Tailwind Collection stand out? First, it is the most robust array of travel-focused gear Simms has ever released. Second, the Tailwind Collection utilizes more durable, performance-driven fabrics than ever before. Third, this collection implements innovative construction techniques to withstand the inevitable wear and tear that comes from extensive travel. Finally, the product team has spent the past 18 months tinkering, tweaking, and perfecting all of the features anglers will find in every piece of the collection.

The anchor of the collection is the Tailwind Roller, a go-to for long-haul, multi-week journeys and explorations. Constructed from highly abrasion- and tear-resistant 420D Nylon fabric with a carbonate coating, the main zipper allows access to the 161.5-liter main compartment and is reinforced with a rain flap for increased weather protection. Beneath the lid, anglers will find dual mesh organization pockets that provide optimal storage for smaller necessities. Behind these pockets, the Roller incorporates another zippered pocket, ideal for stashing dirty or wet clothes for the trip home. Inside, built-in compression straps secure clothing and gear, and a lightweight yet rugged aluminum frame gives the Roller a sturdy structure. For lifting and loading, multiple grab handles have been included, as well as a small zippered stash pocket on the exterior for smaller essentials.

Another high-capacity option is the all-new Tailwind Duffel. Available in 80- and 50-liter models, the Tailwind Duffel exceeds the expectations of the average duffel bag. Both duffels utilize the same 420D water-, abrasion-, and tear-resistant Nylon with a carbonate coating as the Roller. Like the Roller, beneath the lid, anglers have access to two zippered mesh organization pockets as well as a hidden zippered drop pocket. A cavernous main compartment easily accommodates clothing, outerwear, and other apparel, while another zippered pocket is ideal for storing waders and boots. Anglers can carry both duffels traditionally with a removable shoulder strap, or they can deploy a removable shoulder harness for a convenient backpack carry option.

The Tailwind Collection isn’t just for toting clothing and apparel—the all-new award-winning Tailwind Rod & Reel Vault is the perfect solution for safely transporting rods and reels to your final destination. Built with a highly crush-resistant, compression-molded 900D ballistic polyester exterior, the Tailwind Rod & Reel Vault can easily accommodate up to four 4-piece rods up to 10 feet in length. This case is also designed to carry multiple reels. Internal dividers allow anglers to configure the internal organization in various ways. Beneath the lid, as expected, anglers have access to two zippered mesh organization pockets, perfect for storing fly lines, shooting heads, fly boxes, and other smaller essentials. Much like the duffels, anglers can carry the Vault over their shoulder or take advantage of a removable cushioned shoulder harness system. If more safe storage for reels is needed, the Tailwind Collection also includes the Reel Vault. Built with the same construction and fabric as the Rod & Reel Vault, this case can carry up to nine reels. For extra rods, the collection also includes the Tailwind Rod & Reel Cannon, which can accommodate two 4-piece rods with reels attached.

Finally, for everyday endeavors and compliant carry-on needs, there’s the Tailwind Backpack. Utilizing the same fabric as the duffels and the Roller, this feature-rich backpack offers 24 liters of carrying capacity. Features include a padded side-entry zippered laptop pocket, a designated side-entry passport pocket, a lofted fleece-lined sunglass and accessory pocket, and a multitude of zippered mesh pockets for next-level organization.

 As you embark on your next adventure, let the Tailwind Collection be your trusted companion, ensuring that every piece of gear arrives safely and ready for action. Designed with the angler's journey in mind, this collection merges durability, functionality, and thoughtful design to make your travels as seamless as possible. While the thrill of the catch will always be the highlight, rest easy knowing that your gear is in the best hands, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: the pursuit of your next great fishing story.