For a long time I have been bad mouthing Orvis. My main issue was how pricey their products are. I felt the brand name was synonymous with snob.What I started to notice was year after year I seemed to be buying more Orvis stuff. When I hit the stream now I sport a Orvis Chest Pack and Waders. It's not that I have more income or less access to other stores. I have found that Orvis has some pretty good deals now and then. Better deals than you can find at other stores and even online retailers. Even my beloved Sierra Trading Post can't compete sometimes.
Orvis is also one of the few stores that seems to consistently provide programs to get people into fly fishing. Free fly tying and casting classes. They even offer a free trip on local waters here in the Triangle. They provide all of the equipment, waders and boots included. Of course the end goal is hoping you'll get hooked and buy gear from Orvis. Still the gesture is there and it is getting more people exposed to the sport. If you sign up for their mailing list you will get coupons fairly regularly. The best coupons are the $25 off a $50 purchase. I mainly use these when I stock up on tying supplies. I have been looking for a decent cheap midge box for quite some time. I was surprised that Orvis had one of the cheapest options. They have come out with slim pocket fly boxes. These boxes vary in several different sizes and no matter what size you choose they are all $10.
The midge boxes come with a magnet at the bottom and fit great in your pocket or fishing pack. Orvis has really converted me into liking them. I still think many of their products are over priced but I have to admit they are good quality. Their fly tying materials are priced pretty much the same as most fly shops. I'm not recommending Orvis for all of your fly-fishing needs but I do suggest giving them a look the next time you're hunting for something.
