Why we designed the InterFlo System

I usually end up having some kind of conversation with people I pass on the water.  Before I began thinking about founding a fly-fishing brand, these conversations normally were about the bite and getting a feel for how the water was fishing that day.   After starting the design process, I began to slip in a few questions about gear in general and what people expected from it.  About half the time people had more negative things to say about their pack than not.  It actually tends to be the most common complaint from people I meet.    

I realized two things.  People tend to shop pack categories, either sling, lumbar, chest, etc.  If they didn't like a pack, it was typically blamed on the category, not the features and what the pack is designed to accomplish.  The second realization was that packs are either hard to get into, or they are in the way.  The former is a bigger subject for a different and later blog, but the latter concept was the inspiration for us at MWF. 

The InterFlo system is designed to move.  It’s instant, it’s there when you need it and out of the way when you don’t.  It’s a hard-working piece that makes the tedious tasks required to catch fish easier and definitely more efficient.  It is a tool, not just something that holds your gear.   It’s a solid foundation to build on.  

The pack itself has a boxy shape with EVA foam paneling to hold its structure without being stuffed full.  This shape allows the full 9L capacity to be utilized.  When a packs form is too rounded, the effective size is less than the actual size or intended size.  Organization becomes more difficult, and cramming becomes a problem.  There should be some open space inside.  We added multiple organization options on the interior side of the pack to ensure this is possible.  You don’t have to use all of them, but they are there if you need them.   The structure and the flap opening in conjunction with the shape make the pack extremely easy to get into.  There is a clear line of sight into the pack when contents are needed.  The front pouch has a magnet close for quick access, and you can balance your rod when re-rigging.  The covered magnet strips also act as a place to hold a fly temporarily. 

All these features are greatly enhanced, if not made possible, by our integrated 3-part belt, net holster, and rail system. This feature is something we dialed in and really distinguishes our brand.  The integrated net holster shares the same linear space with the rail on the belt.  This concept allows the pack to seat back in the lumbar region after the pack is floated back from the front.  In this way, we also maintain the look, comfort, and potential function of a traditional lumbar pack.  But the buckle is placed off center so the pack can be moved to the front when needed.  I should also highlight that the belt is ambidextrous and can be turned upside down so the pack can be set to move around the right or the left side of the waist.   

Nick and I dislike carry systems that don’t have options.  There should always be at least a few different ways to use something that is inherently a multi task gear piece.  Unlike waders, boots, rods and reels that just need to accomplish one thing perfectly, carry systems need to do multiple things adequately. At least that is our outlook.  It is an important distinction not often made.