SFR What vest?
- Thread starter SurfnFish
- Start date
Sorta fishing-related
I have this old Patagonia. It's light, and hold everything you mentioned and a bit more.
It's lasted me over 20 years, and has no issues at all. I could probably talk about how it distributes the weight well, doesn't dig into your neck etc, but I don't pack it to the gills. The pouch in back can hold a lunch, or a light rain shell. I too am 6'2" and shrinking, and the XL is perfect.
It's lasted me over 20 years, and has no issues at all. I could probably talk about how it distributes the weight well, doesn't dig into your neck etc, but I don't pack it to the gills. The pouch in back can hold a lunch, or a light rain shell. I too am 6'2" and shrinking, and the XL is perfect.
PATAGONIA Fly Fishing Vest sz XL Mesh & Ripstop Nylon Ultra Lightweight Gray | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for PATAGONIA Fly Fishing Vest sz XL Mesh & Ripstop Nylon Ultra Lightweight Gray at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
Haggis57
Steelhead
I picked up an unused Simms 2018 Vertical Mesh vest (discontinued in 2021 I think) this Spring and it is working out well so far. At 68, I've switched to pant waders and limit my wading to mid-thigh as well. When I moved to the pant waders, I started to carry more of the heavier bulky items on my waist belt, such as bear spray water bottle, net and wading staff. This removes a lot of the weight my shoulders. The smaller number of exterior pockets limit my male inclination to bring everything but the kitchen sink! Using chest packs for the last 7 years has helped me to downsize. I only fish with two taller Orvis-Tacky fly boxes and the C&F Fly Patch on the outside of the right hand pocket.
I purposely looked for a vest with vertically oriented pockets for the two main fly boxes. I prefer having my arms next to my body when stripping line in. This vest has worked well for that - so far the two small lower outside pockets are empty except for lip balm and a small tube of sunscreen.
Other features that work for me:
I purposely looked for a vest with vertically oriented pockets for the two main fly boxes. I prefer having my arms next to my body when stripping line in. This vest has worked well for that - so far the two small lower outside pockets are empty except for lip balm and a small tube of sunscreen.
Other features that work for me:
- mesh front and back is comfortable and great for the warmers days.
- Simms tippet pockets on large right hand pocket are surprisingly functional and have my 3x and 4x spools. I've got a spool of 5x tippet in an inside pocket decide I want to screw around with flies 18 and smaller
- There are a decent number of interior pockets for extra tippet, neck gaiter, etc without adding outside bulk.
BriGuy
Life of the Party
My wife got me a Westfly Pro Vest a few years ago.
www.wetflyfish.com
I'm 6' 3" and shinking. This fits well, easily adjusts to several additional clothing layers and has been great in the salt. It's probably a cut below Simms and Patagonia, but I have absolutely no complaints. If anything, it has almost too many attachment points and pockets. Doesn't mean ya have to use 'em all.
Pro Vest — WETFLY
www.wetflyfish.com
I'm 6' 3" and shinking. This fits well, easily adjusts to several additional clothing layers and has been great in the salt. It's probably a cut below Simms and Patagonia, but I have absolutely no complaints. If anything, it has almost too many attachment points and pockets. Doesn't mean ya have to use 'em all.
I have an older version of that vest and it has served me well over the years.
I don’t own a Fishpond vest, but I’ve been happy with their other products. It might be worth checking out to see what they offer.
They have good videos on their website describing their product features.
SF
In my experience, the more pockets the more you stuff them. Since I fish mainly for trout, one box for streamers, one for nymphs, one for emergers and one each for may and caddis dries. I tried the larger, and deep pockets and prefer the pockets just big enough for the boxes I use. Inside and small pockets for all the misc accessories e.g tippets, leaders, etc. I filll up my boxes from my stash of larger boxes before heading out knowing what should be working and hatching.
I would recommend matching the flies and boxes to vest pockets size. Bass and musky, steelhead would be very different than trout. Not sure if one vest would efficiently fit your needs.
I would recommend matching the flies and boxes to vest pockets size. Bass and musky, steelhead would be very different than trout. Not sure if one vest would efficiently fit your needs.
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Mine is just like this one:
Simms Fishing Products Fly Fishing Vest Mens XL Khaki Mesh Multi Pocket Utility | eBay
Item: Fly fishing vest. Use: Ideal for fly fishing and outdoor activities where lightweight, ventilated storage is needed.
www.ebay.com
Just enough, but not too many, pockets. Light and not too warm in the summer. Mine has held up for decades.
Had that same vest and it was perfect. Not sure why I tossed and went down the chest pack/sling pack/Wetfly vest path but don't like any of them and wish I had it back.
Fourbtgait
Life of the Party
I have an Eddie Bauer vest from early 90’s when they still sold rods. I transitioned to an Orvis sling pack for 10 years. This past summer I went back to a Fishpond vest. Slim fitting, supportive more comfortable than the sling pack.
fishpondusa.com
Flint Hills Fly Fishing Vest
The Flint Hills was designed to maximize efficiency, with very little bulk and cooling mesh fabric for comfort even on the warmest of days. Steeped in tradition, the Flint Hills Vest has long been the answer for anglers searching for a classic look, with a contemporary feature set. Each of your...
fishpondusa.com
The old Columbia Henry's Fork vest had 52 pockets, don't ask me how I know.
Never could find anything, not for me.
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
Today I went to the Skagit county Craigslist for sale "sporting" section. A Filson vest was for sale for $250. The add says that he paid $800 for it. I routinely see fishing vests for $15 on Craigslist. Some things I will never understand....BTW that Filson is still up for sale.
Haven't counted them, but my Simms vest I would guess has a dozen ,and I can't find anything with just that many .
I have always preferred mesh vests over solid material. They are lighter and don't absorb as much water in the rain. Whatever brand you are considering you might want to lean that direction.