Wading Jacket

[cpriest]

Well I have started on the X-Mas list and the first thing on there is a wading jacket. I've never had one before and I'd like some help from those that do. First off I do almost all trout fishing in fall & winter and want to keep it at/less $200. I want to get the most use out of it as possible. I thought I wanted a waterproof shell, but the more i look into it the softshells are catching my eye. I do have a nice packable rain jacket that could be thrown over a few layers if a shower started. Here is what I have looked at so far:

Simms RiverTek Softshell

Simms WindStopper DL Softshell

Simms Freestone

Patagonia Deep Wading Jacket

Orvis Tailwaters No Sweat Jacket

Cabela's GORE-TEX Guidewear Jacket

William Joseph Squall

William Joseph Run Off

As you can tell, I have found quite a few and am pretty overwhelmed. If I'm missing a jacket you like please let me know

Thanks for any comments, I will definitely consider them!

[TroutBum4wt]

You should look at C.C. Filson Company's wading jacket - $199.50.

I don't own this jacket - yet. Filson is just really good stuff.

"Might As Well Have The Best" filson.com

Good luck!

[Danoinark]

Filson does make fine products.

I have the Cabela's and it has served me well. Sure is a great wind break and with proper layering you won't need another jacket for our Winters.

Dano

[John Berry]

I have the Patagonia deep wading jacket and I really like it. I have one suggestion. Get a really big one. It should be big enough to fit over your fully loaded vest and pile jacket or down vest.

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

I have the Cabela's Backcountry Wading Jacket and I love it. I took it to Alaska with me. With proper layering it will keep you plenty warm and serves as a great windbreak and rain jacket. At the $75 price it's a great deal.

Click on the name and it'll take you to there page.

John

[Bill Anderson]

The Filson jacket is a fine one for colder, miserable weather, but is too hot for just moderate weather and rain. It's also not very packable. If you are going out in really cold, severe weather, it's great. But for all around use, I would choose a jacket that can be carried compactly and will be there when you need it. If you get to the river and it's bright and sunny, but suddenly the weather goes sour, it's great to have something light and packable that you can whip out and put on. The Filson is just to heavy and bulky to pack all day if there's only a chance you might need it. It would be my first choice if the weather is really bad when you first get to the river and put it on before setting out for the day. But for those iffy days, where it's not raining right now, but may later when I'm a mile walk down the river, I would prefer something light, compact and easy to stow away. That's just my 2 cents worth. But for all around cold and windy, rainy, sleeting weather fishing, I really like the Filson.

[motroutbum]

It all depends on what you want out of a wading jacket. The Soft shells are exactly what the name employs. SOFT. Dont expect it to be waterproof casue you will get soaked. If it were me, I would fork over the $$$ and get a gore tex jacket. They will be well worth the price and probably last you the rest of your life. The Simms Classic Guide jacket is an excellent one. As well as the G3 Guide Jacket. THe orvis jacket is ok (its not official gore tex, but it is orvis' brand) The Patagonia jacket is also an excellent buy.

The Simms DL soft shell is an amazing under fleece Double Layer Jacket for layering. It will make you sweat in any of the conditions we encounter around here.

[Gavin]

I'd go with a goretex jacket from Simms or Patagonia..Filson makes some great waxed cotton jackets. I have a the Filson Guide coat that I like a lot. Its great for working outside really cold rainy weather. Downside is that its too warm to wear most of the time, stiff, heavy, and it doesnt pack well..Heck, it doesnt even need a hangar..just stand it in the corner. Cheers.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Two things: buy it big enough like John said and go with Gore-tex or don't waste your money.

I can vouch for the Cabelas gore-tex jacket. I've had one for 12 years or so. For around $150 it's a very good value. I use it for winter fishing even if it's not raining. It's a great wind barrier.

SIO3

[Ham]

I have the Cabela's Dry Plus wading jacket.

They areon sale right now.

I wore it yesterday in the mid 30's with a misty rain. It did great.

Kids did well at Dry Run Creek.