Deli Fresh Designs (DFD) products are simple pieces of gear and made with the goal of allowing YOU to spend more time outside. Hallelujah!

We not only make bags in the USA, but we’ve also found a way to integrate recycled materials into our designs. Therefore, every time you buy one of our bags it’s not only made in the USA but is also environmentally conscientious. – Ross, DFD Founder

All DFD products (100%) are made in Denver, Colorado, and more than 75% of materials used are sourced from the United States in the form of recycled/reused products like waders and climbing rope. More on this unique aspect of DFD products below.

Fly Fishing Gear

As with so many American Outdoor Gear companies, DFD was started to fill what the founder saw as a market gap.

I didn’t see any other companies making a bag that suited my fly fishing needs so as a maker I decided to make my own. Making the bags we sell is at the core of DFD and by extension making them in the USA is too. Outsourcing overseas just wasn’t an option and will never be an option. If it was then I wouldn’t have started a company. – Ross, DFD Founder

DFD has numerous fly-fishing products to choose from, which include the following:

  1. V2 Sling Pack
    • This sling has a large main pocket, front accessory pocket, and cord loops for your nippers, pliers, or any other fishing tools you carry.
  2. V2 Chest Pack (small or large)
    • If you want your flies and tools immediately at your fingertips, then a chest pack is probably the way to go. This pack has a main pocket that includes internal pockets to keep your fly boxes organized, along with a smaller front pocket for accessories. A Velcro patch on the front of the pack facilitates easy access to flies. The shoulder straps are padded as is the back panel. It also has a sleeve and a D ring to accommodate long handle or smaller fishing nets respectively.
  3. Daypack (you should know that Ross (DFD Founder) never leaves home without this bag!)
    • This is a 17-liter bag with a large front pocket, two side water bottle pockets, and straps to carry hiking/trekking poles. It is a great companion for a day on the river, a day hike, and other outdoor adventures.
  4. Duffle bag
    • This 26-liter bag is great for your traveling needs, fishing or otherwise. It’s large enough to carry your waders, boots, and two fly rods (built in straps are specifically made to carry fly rods)
  5. Fishing Fanny Pack
    • This simple pack is great for the minimalist fisher.
  6. Fly Wallet
    • This wallet is a great way to quickly access streamers, nymphs, and midges (wet flies only) from a fly patch made of American sheep wool. It also has an internal pocket for extra leaders and accessories.
  7. Tippet Keeper
    • Please be kind and take cut leaders and tippet home to a trash can 😊
  8. Fly Tyers Tool Roll
    • This is for the fly fisherman who takes their tying kit to the river or on the road. It has 12 pockets to meet your needs.
  9. Custom Bamboo Fly Rod
    • Last but not least, Ross will make a custom 7’6” 3wt or 5wr rod with cigar cork grip, chrome snake guides, and a maple reel seat all neatly packaged in an aluminum rod case.
Travel and Accessories

In addition to fly-fishing bags and custom bamboo fly rods, DFD makes a variety of other bags and accessory products. Here’s a quick rundown.

  • Everyday Fanny Pack – to carry whatever strikes your fancy
  • Beer Koozie – because warm beer sucks
  • Dopp Kit Accessory Bag – stay organized on the road people
  • Dog Bowl – your pets need to stay hydrated in the field too!
Environmental Sustainability
Recycle/Reuse

DFD recycles or reuses numerous materials that may otherwise end up in a landfill, which in my book makes their products even more appealing. Here’s a brief rundown of the products/materials that DFD is recycling or reusing to create their unique product list.

  • Sailcloth (Dacron)
  • Climbing Rope
  • Unused/scrap wood from a skateboard manufacturer
  • Fishing Waders
  • Recycled soda bottles (turned into heavy canvas)
    • Yes, you read that correctly. DFD sources this material from Thread International. The details of this supply chain are inspiring, so click HERE for more info.

We make bags out of repurposed and recycled materials many of which are sourced locally. By doing so we help to reduce waste and reduce impact on the environment due to landfill and environmental burden from creating new fabrics. – Ross, DFD Founder

Packaging

DFD also does not use plastic bags or plastic wrappers in any of its packaging. On top of that, mailing envelopes and cardboard boxes they receive are reused whenever possible.

Slow Fashion

DFD acknowledges that part of the sustainability equation is less (slower) consumption, which may seem counterintuitive for a for profit product-based company. Yet, this trend really must become mainstream and it’s great to see DFD being part of the solution!

To that end, one of the biggest challenges DFD faces according to its founder is “changing consumer culture away from fast fashion towards products that are more expensive but are going to last longer.”

I encourage all of you to Google “fast vs. slow fashion” and think about your outdoor gear purchases, and all purchases for that matter. Your buying power matters, and you can make a difference on this front.

Cultivating Excitement

DFD is stoked that DFD fishing products excite their customers and drive them to get out there.

We’ve had our bags go all over the world to Japan, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, the Dominican Republic and all over the states. The coolest part of what we do is seeing people excited to go fishing because of our bags. – Ross, DFD Founder

Favorite American-Made Gear

When asked what his favorite piece of American-made gear from another company is, Ross (DFD Founder) responded with his L.L. Bean Boots (Made in Maine). He also mentioned that he uses a Wald basket on his bike for daily needs.

A big thanks to Ross and DFD for being a part of American Outdoor Gear Hub!

Sling a Few
  1. Get geared up for your next fly-fishing trip or outdoor adventure. DFD gear is just a click away – HERE .
  2. Think hard about your purchases and make them count. Fast fashion must go.
  3. Come back to AmericanOutdoorGearHub.com’s The Goods every time you’re looking for new outdoor gear and support local gear makers with your wallet.
  4. Follow American Outdoor Gear Hub on Facebook and Instagram @americanoutdoorgearhub
  5. Be a part of American Outdoor Gear Hub by contributing HERE.