Wading Jacket

[cpriest]

Thanks for all of yalls replies! The next factor I'm facing is gore-tex vs the "in house" breatheable fabric. Some swear by gore-tex and others feel that a reputable brand (patagonia, simms, north face) works just as well. Does anyone really know if there is more of a difference besides the name "gore-tex" ?

[John Berry]

I have not been able to note any differance with the various fabrics. I would concentrate on the reputation of the manufacturer to stand behind their stuff and details like hand warmer pockets and d rings to hang stuff on. It is always nice to be able to fold up a jacket and put it in your vest when the weather improves.

[Steve Dally]

Gday mate, haven't seen you in a while, hope your getting plenty of fishing in.

First off

Softshell or Traditional Shell

traditional shell 2 fold roles windbreaking/waterproofing.

No insulation to speak off, but the windbreaking role can go a long way to keeping you warm on those nasty days.

Look for a good hood, with firm brim and adjustment at sides back so you can get a ood fit when it is seriously raining.

Soft Shell: wind-proof, insulating, better "feel", lesser rainproofing.

Good option for warmth, cold days without rain, or with some damp.

GoreTex v Others: Gore-Tex is made by a seperate company WL Gore, who supplies the materials. They were the first andbest in the breathable game. Work very hard to stay on top of the heap. Not to say others can't don't come up wih stuff very close to or as good as Gore but you know what you are getting.

The other thing about Gore products, you can't just buy them. If you are Simms or whoever you have to pass Gore standards, factory, skill levels, quality control etc etc. I'm told they aren't easy and if you get Gore you have to stay good.

Again as a consumer you know your getting stuff made well.

Here's the kicker _ what are you really going to be doing in the jacket. Is is mainly for windchill etc or are you really going to be standing out in the pouring rain.

I have a Simms G3, Simms DL Windstopper, Patagonia Deep Wading; couple of noname windblocker jackets; NorthFace windstopper jacket now passed onto my wife, Redington Wading jacket.

I just added the DL Windstopper, love it, wearing it right now and Ill geta lot more use out of it than just fishing. It will be worn probably everyday between now and summer, except on the really cold days when the down jacket will re-emerge.

I'll wear it fishing or guiding

So in that regard your getting more bang for your buck in the softshell, it can double as a casual piece, better justifying your expenditure

But I would be a little leery of fishing all day in pouring rain. No hood, collar is high but I'd prefer higher for that sort ofday.

Then traditional shells come into their own.

I have to say the G3 is probably overkill for 90% of the days I wear it. Heavier than the jackets your mentioning (and double the price) but on those 10% days worth every penny. Im dry and comfortable, while everyone else is complaining. The collar is the best on the market hands down.

But the Freestone/Deep wader are very good buys for the money. Ive got the Deep and have played with the freestone. Freestone has zingers and handwarmer pockets. Both pack down pretty small and because they are lighter, are nicer to wear when you get some heat in the day into summer.

Either way is a compromise, work our which way you want to lean.

Cheers.Steve

[cpriest]

Good thought on handwarmers John, that didnt cross my mind. Steve i think you pretty much summed it all up for me. With all the layering gear i currently have, i think the waterproof shell is going to work out best for me. I have definately learned some import gear knowledge from all, thanks for the help!

Chase

P.S. Steve - Beaver sure is missing you, hope your having a blast across the way. Hopefully ill make a trip over there once school gets out for the break

[Muleball39]

I have a Hodgemans wading jacket. It converts from long to short and it completly water proof. It cost around $100. I thought I would add another one for you to look up.

[cpriest]

Has anyone seen this jacket? I like the price along with the gore-text paclite

L.L. Bean Wading Jacket

[jscheetz]

Just to throw in another thought for anyone who may be looking. Since I do a lot of hiking, backpacking etc stuff that is not just fishing, I looked into this dilema a few years ago. It is impossible to get one jacket that does it all - but with two I think you can be covered in all but the coldest spots. I am a fan of the Mountain Hardware stuff. I like it a lot better than the North Face jackets I have - MH seems to fit better and have longer arms.

Anyway, I have the Mountain Hardware Windstopper Tech jacket - and then one of their rainproof shells. This combo works anywhere. I also have one of their heavy fleeces to use under the shell in extreme cold - but I usually try to avoid that A good windproof soft jacket is all you need 90 percent of the time if it's not raining. Stopping the wind is usually enough to keep you warm, if you have never had a true windproof soft shell you won't believe how it can keep you warm. Plus a jacket like the Tech jacket, which is actually micorfleece over the windstopper stuff is very light and easy to move in - I don't like the big bulky feel of most of the so called wading jackets. Then the rainproof shell which is also "backpack" grade weight will go over that if it's wet and cold, or if it is just raining on a spring day the shell will be all you need. The layers are the key, then you can deal with whatever the weather throws your way. I have used this combo approach high up in the rockies on "Hot days - freezing nights" types of trips and on lake of the woods in Canada during downpours that had my buddy sitting in water.

I will say this - I used to think that spending that much money on jackets was ridiculous - but when you are out there in the elements good gear is SOOOO worth it - there really is a difference.

Mountain Hardware site

JS

[Danoinark]

I hate promoting anyone place or product.

But you can't beat this deal on sale. Cabelas' answer to goretex. I have this jacket and it has served me well.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...&hasJS=true

Dano