Looking To Buy A New Vest.

[BredMan]

My old vest is long gone and I have used a chest pack since but want to get another vest. Any suggestions on a good practical vest? Not sure I need a $200+ SIMMS or Fishpond vest. Just want a good quality vest that is very practical for some wade fishing, bank fishing, and fishing from a boat. Quality is key for me so maybe I will have to spend the $$$ but would like to hear some thoughts from others.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

The Orvis Clearwater vest is $59. http://www.orvis.com/store/product_directory_tnail.aspx?dir_id=758&group_id=781&cat_id=5138&subcat_id=6037

The LL Bean Emerger vest is $59. (lifetime satisfaction guarantee) http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/9963

Bass Pro sells quite a few different makers vests. http://www.basspro.com/Vests-%26-Packs/_/S-175008001

[ColdWaterFshr]

Been happy with my Columbia vest -- I think it was under $70. I like the padded neck so it doesn't dig into your neck so bad.

[moguy1973]

I have a White River vest from BPS that's comfy and has lasted me the last 6 years and was my moms before that for just as long. Really shows no signs of wear except its a little faded and the fly drying pads are a little ratty looking. Lots of pockets too.

[Jason R.]

What size? I have a nice cloudveil vest that I rarely use.

[ness]

Being of the landed gentry, I typically have my angling garments tailor made. Generations of ness' have patronized Robjent's in Hampshire. They have my measurements and preferences on file, and those of ness men going back over 600 years. Give them a ring at 06-58-775-8-668-1, ask for Clive and tell him ness sent you. I assure you he'd be happy to discuss the matter with you. He'll be in the states early next month (delivering a fine, jewel-encrusted cane rod to Britney Spears, who apparently has decided to use the time afforded by her new found sobriety to learn the gentle art of fly angling) and you could possibly engage in a confabulation at that juncture.

Cheers.

[rhondafish]

Redingtojn seems to make one with a padded collar..Saw one in Cabela's recently.

Any padded collar needsto be a Hard foam collar in order to be comfortable. See how it fits with stuff in it.

I always prefer a mesh type vest, and prefer vertical pockets with velcro; no zippers on outer pockes, My favorite is a Patagonia. Don't think it's made anymore.

Mesh is cooler in Summer and dries fast

Always buy bigger than you need to fit over raingear ./ winter clothes

[ColdWaterFshr]

Being of the landed gentry, I typically have my angling garments tailor made. Generations of ness' have patronized Robjent's in Hampshire. They have my measurements and preferences on file, and those of ness men going back over 600 years. Give them a ring at 06-58-775-8-668-1, ask for Clive and tell him ness sent you. I assure you he'd be happy to discuss the matter with you. He'll be in the states early next month (delivering a fine, jewel-encrusted cane rod to Britney Spears, who apparently has decided to use the time afforded by her new found sobriety to learn the gentle art of fly angling) and you could possibly engage in a confabulation at that juncture.

Cheers.

Just now seeing this and as my distinguished colleague Ness has pointed out, you can do a lot worse than a tailor-made vest from Robjents. Clive is a decent chap there but If you are looking for something in fine tweed . . . sophisticated but cleverly understated well enough to blend in with commoners, I have frequented the countryside tailorshop in Totteridge known to discriminant buyers as Lord Havershams. Ask for Geeves and tell him Paul Dallas sent you and he may waive the appointment fee. After one or three fitting sessions it is only then a matter of waiting your turn on the waiting list and for the seasons to change, as fabric for the tweed is procured from virgin wool from the first sheering of the spring, painstakingly selected from only the healthiest of their award winning stock of north highland sheep. This shop will also work with you on matching your family's tartan as he has for generations with my Dallas ancestors before me.