Note: I have four extra monster size Baraja Binders for sale.  If you are interested please email me at: mdraft1@gmail.com  11/27/2011

Shimano

Shimano is a international company that started in Japan in 1921.  From humble beginnings Shimano products have made a name for themselves in a wide range of activities.  From cycling, to fishing Shimano has constantly produced top quality products.  From product design to production Shimano is also committed to sustained environmental stewardship. 


Baraja Binders 



How to sort, protect, and travel with fly tying materials has been a near endless topic of discussion.  Some tier's prefer to pack rubbermaid bins with supplies, while others opt for expensive wooden boxes complete with brass hardware.  Over the last twenty years of tying I've tried both extremes and just about everything in between.  Problems I've encountered with using plastic boxes and duffel bag is that my supplies tend to get smashed and any organization that I might have had descends into entropy after digging around for a particular material.  Now my solution to sorting, and traveling with my fly tying materials comes in two parts.  Instead of packing up a small (or large) suitcase with supplies each time I need to travel I decided to keep my supplies organized in containers that allow me to use them at home with the same amount of ease as when traveling.  For storing and traveling my tying tools, vice, and dry fly capes I use the Orvis Safe Passage Fly Tier's Kit Bag.  For all other supplies I use a series of Shimano Baraja Binders. 



The Shimano Baraja Binders offer a number of advantages over plastic bins and other fly tying bags.  First, the binders feature heavy duty zip lock bags with reinforced grommets.  The bags hold an incremental amount of materials while allowing you to quickly locate exactly what you are looking for.


Second, the binders also include four small zippered pockets for storing smaller items such as beads heads, hooks, extra tools, etc...


Third, the binders feature some of the best zippers I have ever used and the binders are made from a nearly indestructible 1200 Denier poly fabric.


Fourth, They come in two sizes to help keep you organized.




Here is my system:  I have three large binders and three small ones.  For the large binders I have one for synthetics, hair, and feathers.  The small ones are stocked with hooks, specialized materials, and dubbing blends. I'm thinking of adding another large binder for new materials or seasonal materials.  When I travel all I have to do is throw the binders I need in the trunk.  There is no need to pack a special case full of materials I think I might need.  And when I get home there is no unpacking required.  I simple transfer the Baraja Binders to my tying area.   Each binder comes complete with 8 heavy zip lock bags that are attached to a series of rings.  You can add more bags or take them out as needed.  Shimano even sells replacement bags. 


In Sum: Shimano Baraja Binders are perfect for storing and transporting tying materials.  They offer protection, organization, durability, they are expandable, and inexpensive. If you are tired of digging through a huge rubbermaid container looking for that piece of red Finn Raccoon or trying to lug around a heavy wooden box, then for less money than some "all in one" tying bags you can get four times the storage with Baraja Binders. 



Disclosure- Shimano provided the featured products free of charge for me to review. I was not compensated in any other way for this blog post.