umpqua-tailgater-organizer-review

Umpqua Tailgater Organizer Review

*Please note this product may no longer be available to purchase on our website*
With the introduction of their new Tailgater Organizer, Umpqua has taken gear storage for your car to a whole new level. The Tailgater Organizer fits over the edges of almost any standard plastic bin to increase its capacity and usefulness. It gives you added space for fly boxes, tools, tackle, and any other angling essentials you may have rolling around in the back of your car or truck so that you can keep your gear neat and organized.

The Plastic Bin

When I first started guiding fly fishing, one of the things I learned right off the bat was how crucial it is to keep your car clean and your fishing gear organized within your car. As I looked around and peeked into the tailgates and trunks of other guides’ trucks and SUVs, I noticed that most of them used big plastic bins to store everything from fly boxes and sunscreen to muddy boots and waders. I quickly caught on and picked up two large Rubbermaid bins for the back of my car. Since then, I haven’t looked back or even considered the possibility of needing something more – that is, until I saw the new Tailgater Organizer from Umpqua. This new tool will add even more storage space and versatility to my trusted plastic bin system.

Pockets, Pockets, and More Pockets

With ten storage pockets, various other attachment points, fly patches, and tool holders, the new Umpqua Tailgater Organizer is designed to give you enough extra space to hold all your gear for any adventure. It provides you with a great space to dry out the contents of your chest pack or boat bag in between trips and an easy way to transfer all of you gear from one vehicle to another when it is not your turn to drive. It has two large side handles for easy lifting and carrying, and the side straps are adjustable so that it can accommodate almost any storage bin that you use. Finally, the large mesh pocket on the back serves as a great place to put wet rain gear after a soggy day on the water.

One of my favorite features on the Tailgater is the two large bellowed pockets on the front. When I am going wade fishing, I usually leave a few fly boxes behind, and I never have a good place to put them. They often end up scattered and sometimes they even go missing, but since these large bellowed pockets are big enough for even my large boxes, that problem will now be solved forever.

Of all the new gear and equipment that is new for 2015, the Umpqua Tailgater Organizer is definitely one of my favorites. I am a big fan of gear that keeps my equipment organized and an even bigger fan of things that maximize space in my small SUV. If you want to learn more about the new Tailgater Organizer stop by our fly shop in Edwards or call (970) 926-0900 to talk to one of our expert shop staff members.

Andy “Otter” Smith, Guide and Content Writer