Trip to Orvis (What do I NEED?)

I am a big fan of Orvis. Some people I have talked with do not like their products, and maybe as I become a more seasoned fly fisher, I will find products that better meet my skills. So that being said, I was recently in Chicago for a mini-vacation and had the opportunity to go to an Orvis retail store. It was a real sad time for me. I DIDN’T NEED ANYTHING. Here I am, standing looking over all the fine quality merchandise and not being able to find one thing I needed. That is not to say I didn’t want anything. Oh my, yes there were many things I wanted. I can use a 5 weight 4 piece Superfine trout rod for when I go back packing some time in the Rockies. I can use at least three different fly lines (just because). I can use new tying tools because they look cool (wouldn’t help me tie any better). So there I stood just looking and dreaming. Thinking about the next time I can wet a line. Thinking about the last time I wet a line. I stood there debating about taking my fly stuff when I go deer hunting because I will be close to a couple of streams where I can fish. I looked at wading- boots, I looked at waders and fleece under wader garments. I looked at the tying materials, but I wasn’t low on anything. So, last time my wife went to Orvis (without me) she got me a baseball cap (she got a cool sweatshirt). Here I stood looking at the caps, and I didn’t need one. I looked at the gloves, but again I didn’t need any. What heck was I to do, be practical? I just bought new gold clubs and down hill skies and boots, so my guilt said no to nothing I wanted.
Finally I did think of something I needed – a new wallet, so yes I did find something at Orvis I needed and I got it without feeling guilty. Next time I got to Chicago, I will need to look over my stuff and find something I need prior to going - Maybe that 4 piece rod for backpacking? Sounds like a plan!