Driving a pickup to fly fish across the Mountain West isn’t the wisest financial decision, but it’s hard to beat the utility a solid truck offers. Until last Thanksgiving, I drove a little 2012 Toyota Tacoma. It had the inline-4 motor, a 5-speed transmission, and a 4:12 rear axle gear ratio. It got 20 miles to the gallon, and being a Toyota, was as durable as you’d expect. But after almost 300,000 hard miles (many of them on rough “roads” in the Rockies) I finally parted with it for a new-to-me 2017 F150.

I briefly considered an SUV, but I live in rural Wyoming and use the bed space in my truck for everything from hauling firewood to bringing a new dryer home (we live 2.5 hours from the nearest Lowe’s, well outside of their delivery range). And with all the fishing and hunting I do, a truck just made more sense.

I’d rigged up my old Tacoma for fly fishing, complete with a nifty system for carrying fly rods out the rear sliding window. I was eager to do the same to the F150, but wasn’t sure where to start.

As luck would have it, a few companies reached out around that time, asking for honest reviews of their products—Decked, Leitner Designs, and Firestone. For the last four months, I’ve had the chance to thoroughly use and abuse the Decked Drawer System, Leitner Designs‘ Active Cargo System, GearPODs, GearBAGs, and HydroPOD, and Firestone’s Destination X/T Tires.

I’ll go into detail on each product in a moment, but in short, I’ll say this: I don’t think I could’ve found, or DIYed, a set of products more aptly suited to the fly angler’s needs. Traveling with my fly fishing gear has never been easier, and if you do a fair share of adventuring through remote regions, I can’t recommend these truck accessories highly enough. Shoot, I have so much storage space in my truck now that I haven’t even filled all of it! Plus, my truck’s cab has never stayed this clean or decluttered in my entire life.

Neither Leitner, Firestone, nor Decked paid me to write this review. In fact, they took a gamble sending me products, without any assurances I’d have something positive to say. And in the spirit of full disclosure, I’ll tell you right now that I thought the Decked Drawers were overkill. I’d seen them in some fly fishing videos, and knew a few anglers who had them. The idea of a drawer system always intrigued me, but I wondered how much I’d use them, and I certainly didn’t want to give up my bed space. As I said earlier, I use my truck for truck things, and I put a premium on bed space.

I’ve changed my tune in four months. Of all the products I tested for this review, the Decked Drawers are my favorite.

Before we get into the reviews themselves, I’ll finish by saying that I think you could easily add a rooftop tent or rod rack to this list and have a great setup. I didn’t include them here because neither of those items are something I’d actually use myself. I prefer sleeping on an air mattress on the ground, or in my truck, when I get to camp. As for the rooftop rod rack—I’ve never seen the need for that unless I was guiding, which I don’t do anymore. To each their own, of course, but that’s why I don’t include those products on this list.

Decked Drawer System

When Decked initially asked me to review their Drawer System, I was hesitant. I use my truck for truck things; it’s not a pavement princess, as so many pickups are. The bed is regularly filled with firewood, garden waste, trimmed trees, shingles, household appliances—basically, everything you can get delivered if you live in a big city, but that you need to haul yourself when you live in the middle of absolute nowhere.

The Details

Decked sent me drawers designed to fit the 5’6″ bed in my truck. When assembled, the drawers support a 2,000-pound payload—exactly what my F150’s bed supports on its own. Each drawer has a 200-pound capacity, and the entire assembly clocks in at exactly 200 pounds. I also received the Accessory Pack with Drawer Dividers, Stash Bins, D-Ring tie downs, and two utility boxes that are perfect for hauling tools, emergency supplies, or anything else you’d normally stuff in the truck bed, or under the back seat. The Stash Bins are installed on either side of the wheel well, allowing access to that part of your bed and turning it into functional storage space. The Stash Bins have lockable and waterproof covers.

The drawers are waterproof and dust-proof. That’s not just marketing copy, either. I couldn’t believe how, after hours on dirt roads, all the gear in my drawers was dust-free. It’s an impressive feat of engineering.

The Install

Decked couldn’t have made the install easier, unless they sent someone to my house to do it for me. The included instructions (yes, I read them) are funny, clear, and to the point. I had a buddy help me, and it took us just under two hours to get the drawers out of the shipping boxes and into my truck bed. I can’t overstate how simple it was to get this install done. The instructions were idiot-proof, and I didn’t have to repeat any steps. There’s also an install video that I highly recommend watching before you start. That’ll make the job easier.

The only part of the install that wasn’t ideal was securing the drawers to the preexisting tie downs in my truck bed. The angles to tighten and secure everything weren’t ideal, but that’s not Decked’s fault.

What I Love About The Decked Drawers

They Deliver On The Promise

The surefire way to disappoint customers is to over-promise and under-deliver. Decked talks a big game about their Drawer System being an outrageously efficient organizational tool and supremely useful. One of the reviews I’ve seen the company use in a few marketing materials is this: “It has ruined my life! Now that I’m organized I have way too much time on my hands. No more ‘I left the tool at the shop’ just so I can go get some mid-morning tacos. I’ve already lost 15lbs (my wife thinks I got a girlfriend) and it has ruined my reputation as a so-so handyman.” Tim T. (Contractor)

By and large, Decked delivers on that promise. Getting ready for a fishing trip has never been simpler. Whether I’m headed to the local creek, or making the drive to Montana or Utah or Idaho, I can usually just grab my waders and hop in the truck. The drawers have enough room for my reel bag, nearly all of my fly rods (I own 40-something rods, and I haven’t tried to fit them all in the drawers at once) a backpack, my chest pack, a couple of nets, and all the flies I’ll ever need.

And that all fits in just one drawer! Most of the second drawer is empty, save for my ratchet straps and jumper cables.

Decked also included a bunch of accessories, including two boxes (the Sixer 16 and Halfrack 32) that would be ideal for storing tools. I use mine to store propane canisters for my cooking stove, knives, game bags, and a few other hunting accessories. The drawer dividers are useful and can be placed almost anywhere in the drawers, allowing you to customize the space to exactly what you need.

Smooth and Durable

The drawers themselves are mounted on a smooth system that moves without a hitch. Even after four months, countless miles on dirt roads, and hauling a few loads of yard waste to the dump, the drawers are as smooth as the day I installed them. They slide out and lock into their fully-extended position with a satisfying click, and I can easily reach through the entire area of the drawer from either side.

Decked built this assembly from high-quality materials, and it shows. The drawer handles are cast aluminum and rock solid. The frame is built from galvanized steel, and the rest of the hardware is stainless steel. Short of going at the high-density polyethylene with a jackhammer, I’m not sure how you’ll damage it.

My Bed Is Still Usable

My biggest hesitation with the Drawers was not wanting to give up my bed space. I did cut the vertical bed space in half, but the bed on my F150 is still usable for hauling large loads. I didn’t have a problem hauling tree branches to the dump after pruning this spring, and I didn’t even need to borrow a trailer to haul junk when I cleaned out the garage at the start of summer.

If you’re worried that you’ll essentially be losing your truck bed by installing the Decked Drawers, don’t be. Are there times when I wish I had the full bed depth back? You bet. And in those instances, you can remove the drawers in about 15 minutes if you really need to. So far, though, it hasn’t come to that, and I doubt it will.

Secure Storage

One of the reasons I don’t like rooftop rod racks is they seem fairly easy to break into, and thieves are catching onto how expensive fly fishing gear is. Years ago, a guide buddy of mine in a major fishing town had his car broken into. The thieves only stole the radio and cash, but left a half-dozen Sage fly rods (which were worth more than the car). I’m not sure that situation would happen in 2024, and I love how securely I can lock away my gear, especially from prying eyes. Decked sells locks with their drawers, but I have a locking tailgate, so I didn’t need them. If your tailgate doesn’t lock, I’d strongly suggest buying the locks.

Why Fly Anglers Will Love Them

Between the drawers and the rest of your truck bed, you can safely store all your fishing gear for any trip that involves your pickup. It’s secure, safe from the elements, and you can organize it your heart’s content. The drawers are durable and will stand up to all sorts of abuse. If they can convert someone as skeptical as I was, then I’m certain you’ll find a use for them.

Leitner Designs Active Cargo System

The Active Cargo System (ACS) is Leitner Designs’s base on which a truly modular, customized storage solution can be crafted. The ACS is compatible with a range of accessories, but the ones I reviewed are the GearPOD DUAL, GearPOD XL, the GearBAGs, and the HydroPOD Shower Kit.

The Details

The ACS is built from an aluminum alloy that’s obviously been coated to enhance durability and prevent corrosion. The brackets the ACS uses to mount to your truck bed are powder-coated steel, and the entire rack clocks in at 85 pounds. The top load bars measure 2 inches square, and they easily slide so you can access more bed depth, if you need to load something tall into your truck bed. This rack is rated for 1,400 pounds of parked static weight capacity, and 400 pounds of off-road dynamic weight capacity. Put simply, you’ll have a hard time loading the ACS with more than it can handle. Leitner also notes that the ACS is compatible with the Decked storage system. If you opt for both the ACS and Decked, I strongly recommend installing the ACS first. I did it the other way, and fastening the clamps on the underside of the bed lip took longer than it would’ve without the drawers.

The Install

This is the only part of the ACS I don’t love. My set didn’t come with printed instructions, so I had to rely on my phone. The instructions aren’t as crystal clear as Decked, and it took me the better part of five hours to get the ACS installed. I did put a few things together backwards, and I had to re-assemble the load bars a few times. It was also hot, and I put the ACS together at the end of a long week of work, so it’s entirely possible my experience isn’t representative of what most folks have. A quick perusal of online reviews shows that a lot of people didn’t have problems with the install, but I figured it’s worth mentioning.

If you opt for the FORGED model, which I received, you will need to drill four holes in your truck bed to finish mounting the ACS. It’s a painless process, and Leitner has a video on the process that’s hugely helpful.

What I Love About The ACS

Once installed, the ACS adds a whole new level of usability to my truck. For those who want a rooftop rod rack, it’s a piece of cake to mount that to the square load bars. It’s also the perfect platform for transporting a canoe, or other small watercraft. I’ve used the rack to hang and dry waders after long days on the water, and I’m excited to use them to more quickly de-bone game meat while in the field.

I was worried about the stability of the ACS, especially after long, hard miles on rough roads here in the Rockies. But after over 100 miles of bad dirt roads, the ACS hasn’t shifted or come loose. As long as you torque everything to the specs in the instructions, I don’t think anything short of a tornado is going to make these things move.

What I really love about the ACS, though, is the added storage I get when paired with the accessories. Let’s take a look at those right now.

GearPOD DUAL & GearPOD XL

The GearPODs are what will make the ACS so great for fly anglers. These are water-resistant boxes that fit on the sides of your ACS. Leitner designed them to fit the contours of your vehicle, so they don’t stick out from the side. They’re flush with the bed, as you can see here.

They lock, which gives great peace of mind for leaving some gear unattended at times. What I’m most impressed with, however, is how sturdy and easy the lids open. Leitner uses a spring-activated “Leitner Lid Lifter” arm that seems rock solid, and doesn’t have many exposed parts. The GearPODs still open and close as smoothly as they did four months ago, so I feel comfortable calling the Lid Lifter durable enough for any fly angler.

The DUAL has a 75-quart capacity, or enough room to fit two of the GearBAGs (which we’ll get to in a moment). The XL can fit 160-quarts of stuff, or up to three of the GearBAGs.

Installing a GearPOD is simple, and neither of these took me more than 10 minutes to attach to the ACS. I use the GearPODs to store my waders, wading boots, sleeping bags, and food while on longer trips.

The only downside to the GearPODs is how much bed space they take up, especially if you have one on either side of your truck. I’ve still been able to use my truck bed to haul larger items with the GearPODs installed, but it took some Tetris work to make it happen. The good thing is that removing the GearPODs is a piece of cake, so if you need the bed space back, it shouldn’t be a problem to take the PODs off.

You’ll also want to note that the GearPOD is only water-resistant. They’re not completely waterproof, so you’ll either want a GearBAG in there, or to keep your sensitive equipment in the cab of your truck. Speaking of the GearBAGs, let’s look at those.

GearBAGs

Leitner makes waterproof GearBAGs to store items in the GearPODs. They’re large enough to hold a sleeping bag, and they fit seamlessly inside the GearPODs. Leitner also includes velcro labels so you can quickly identify what’s in what BAG. Each BAG has a 30-liter capacity. I’ve found these more useful than I expected, since they keep the PODs organized. And that’s sort of the whole point with adding extra storage to the truck, right?

The GearBAGs aren’t listed as 100% waterproof on Leitner’s website, but if you pair their weather-resistance with the weather-resistance of the GearPODs, I’d be confident leaving anything except sensitive electronics in them.

HydroPOD Shower Kit

Of all the accessories Leitner sells for the ACS, this is the most unique. It’s a rack-mounted shower system with a 20-foot hose and a 4.8 gallon capacity. You pump the tank to pressurize it, then can use the shower attachment to rinse off anything – yourself, your dog, or your waders and boots.

This is where I see the HydroPOD as almost purpose-built for fly anglers. As we know, one way to quickly ruin your waders is to leave dirt and debris built up in the face fabric. If you were wading through thick mud, sand, or walked a dusty road back to the truck, hosing your waders off before heading home can easily extend their life, especially if you keep a mild detergent on hand.

Why Fly Anglers Will Love ACS and Accessories

Fly anglers tend to be a well-organized bunch of people, and it’s hard to overstate how nice and easy the ACS and all the accessories from Leitner Designs are for just that purpose. I now have a place for everything, the gear is always secure, and the cab of my truck isn’t overrun with the smell of wet waders and boots. It’s a nice change, and I don’t feel the need to warn anyone about getting in my truck anymore. It also smells nice for date night with my wife, which is a plus.

For the traveling angler, I don’t see how you can find a better option for gear storage. Your gear is out of the cab, but not taking up bed space, and it’s secured behind lockable, weather-resistant doors. What more could you ask for?

Firestone Destination X/T Tires

Your rig isn’t complete without the right tires, especially if you spend extended time on dirt roads in less-than-ideal conditions. Firestone developed the Destination X/T Tires specifically with this kind of terrain in mind. They’re ideal for muddy roads, wet rocks, snow, and on-road wet performance. Or, in other words, 90% of my driving conditions year-round in Wyoming.

These tires focus on adding grip while also draining water away from the tire, which makes you less likely to hydroplane, and improves traction on wet surfaces. By adding interlocking grooves throughout the tread, Firestone introduced more edges on the tire itself, which gives you more asphalt-grabbing surface area when driving in snow or wet conditions.

Before these tires, I ran Wrangler Duratracs on my trucks. I was an early devotee of those tires, and never saw much of a reason to change. After four months with the Destination X/Ts, however, I’m glad I did.

The Destinations are quieter on the road, but have more than enough traction on dirt. That’s the entire point of an X/T tire, of course, which is meant to give all the performance of a mud-terrain tire without the quick wear.  In four months and roughly 10,000 miles with the Destination X/Ts, they seem to be holding up better than any set of Duratracs I ever owned.

I’ve also noticed a marked performance off-road. I slide less, and feel like I have more grip, than I ever did while running Duratracs. Add in a 50,000 mile warranty, and these tires feel like the no-brainer for the angler looking to get out and explore.