Tools and the Trout Unlimited Story

Words and Images by Steven Brutger

Between the spring thaw and the first fall snow, there is a small window where you can access the Wyoming high country. Places like Little Mountain and the Wyoming Range, which are home to thriving populations of deer and elk as well as native trout, are inaccessible much of the year. So during the few months where we can get into the mountains we try and take advantage of it.

At Trout Unlimited, our mission is to protect Coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. This work takes many forms, including partnering with local ranchers, engaging sportsmen, and working with land management agencies such as the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. All of this is to ensure that we have cold, clean, fishable water for future generations. But we also need powerful imagery to tell the story of the places we work. That’s where Lowepro comes in.

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Trout Unlimited has partnered with Lowepro and we have been using their products in the field for the last year. We’re tough on gear. Flat tires, scraped bumpers, broken fly rods, they are all part of the norm for us. Fortunately, products like the Flipside Sport 15L AW and the Photo Hatchback 16L AW, have kept our camera gear in better condition than our trucks.

These packs keep our gear organized and safe while bouncing down miles of dirt and hiking into remote locations. With the packs mentioned earlier, the Flipside Sport 15L AW is usually devoted to a DSLR and accompanying lenses while the Photo Hatchback 16L AW is most often carrying a couple of GoPro’s and their assorted accessories. Both of these packs have the features we need. Rugged construction yet lightweight, silky smooth zippers even after being exposed to tons of dirt and dust, and most of all plenty of storage.

As the snow begins to melt, we are eagerly awaiting the start of another great season afield. With the help of Lowepro we’ll be out there working to protect the places we all hunt and fish, while bringing back images to tell the story.

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