Fishing Vest Recommendations

Skipper · 12-22-2002, 01:46 PM

Eight years ago I picked up a fishing vest at a garage sale. I loaded it up with gear, and used it. It is a size 'small' and I have gotten larger around, so I need a larger one. I like the pockets with snap closers vs velcro, and haven't seen one in Bi-Mart. Any recommendations would help.

Cheerio'

brshooter · 12-22-2002, 01:49 PM

I'm looking too. I like the "Henry's Fork II" model from Columbia. One of the few that had larger pockets. Many of the vests have such small pockets that you can't fit much in them. More designed for the little boxes some of the fly fishers use.

Redbull · 12-22-2002, 01:54 PM

Skip

While on sale at Fisermen's M, I picked up one for 38.99 and reg. price was 45 I think. Regardless, it is much less than all the super spendy ones, seems more durable, similiar if not better features and I really like it. HUGE back storage like an upland bird vest. The only drawback was maybe a little heavy, but I carry alot of crap so no big deal. Tons of huge pockets. (40?) Nice vest!

Lots of opinions, but it works for me.

Don't know the name, but it's mustard, burnt brownish color - not tan.

Good luck.

[ 12-22-2002, 02:56 PM: Message edited by: Redbull ]

blacktail · 12-22-2002, 01:57 PM

Skipper,

The best one I've had is the Steelhead vest from Coldwater Packs out of Seattle.

www.coldwaterpacks.com

Mike

BuKuBass · 12-22-2002, 02:01 PM

Use this and leave the kitchen sink at home.

Corkie Monster · 12-22-2002, 02:09 PM

Cabela's River Guide Supplex Vest I just bought this one not to long ago. Sofar, I'm really happy with it. It has good sized pockets and it is water resistant. I paid $69.95 for it. :smile:

Catch 22 · 12-22-2002, 04:48 PM

There are a ton of new vests out there to look at. Look for models that sport neoprene collars. They just soak up the weight of all that steelhead gear. I have a Columbia. Loomis makes one also. The Columbias are relatively inexpensive and come in lots of configurations. Check out Fisherman's. They had at least 4 or 5 models there.

HeavyMetal BankFisherman · 12-22-2002, 05:07 PM

I have been deciding what vest to buy myself. After looking around Cabelas website I think that I like the Stearns Inflatable Fishing Vest
the best. You can pull a cord and it turns into a Type III U.S. Coast-Guard-approved flotation device. It's a little spendy at around 129.00.

I do most of my fishing alone. I wade across rivers all the time. Being able to turn my vest into a flotation device is well worth the extra money for me.

Mojo · 12-22-2002, 05:50 PM

I've owned many vests and the most comfortable by far is the Columbia Henry's Fork Vest. The neoprene yoke spreads the weight of the (usually way too many) boxes of stuff across your whole shoulders instead of hanging everything from your neck. I had one of these stolen several years ago, and went right out and bough another. They are great!

steelheadslayer · 12-22-2002, 07:13 PM

I have the Loomis steelhead vest and I like how it fits and feels hanging off my shoulders all day. My only complaint is some of the pockets are smaller than I wish they were, not to mention, the price tag. If I have to replace it I would probably go with other reccomendations and get one with larger pockets.

letsfish · 12-22-2002, 07:31 PM

Afew considerations when shopping for a vest:
1) Cost -An unfortunate consideration given to much weight, .this product should last many seasons,not a few: the lower end ones will lack the combination of workmanship, material, and design that a quality product has.
2) Workmanship- Check out the sewing(loose threads?etc) You don't want this falling apart on you.Check the high stress areas the snaps and zippers are the places that go first on me.
3)Material -What is it made of, what is it made with- I personally prefer the water resistant types of material .Cotton soaks up our rain,stains and deteriates.Check the type of snaps and zippers-cheapo plastic or tough stuff?
4)Design-Put it on, try it out does it zip well are the pockets accessible. Imagine everything in its place-can you get to the pliers,tag,hooks and gear you will use most often.
Remember this isn't a beauty contest think practicle.But can you seeyour self in it, after all you do have an image to uphold. :smile:

skookummark · 12-22-2002, 08:33 PM

I've had one of the Stearns Inflatable Fishing vests for about 10 years now and it still works great. I've only inflated it once (this year with the original CO2 cartridge!) as a trial to be sure it still worked. It has enough pockets (on the inside and outside) to carry all the stuff I need plus a large zippered back pocket. I like it because I fish alone and have been known to wade a bit too aggressively out into fast water. Just an added bit of security.

HOGTIDE · 12-23-2002, 07:52 AM

Recently I have gone to a 'tackle belt'. It's alot like a fanny pack with 3 compartments, put on backwards. I had always used a vest, but it seemed too small to go over my coat/ raingear or too hard to access under my coat/ raingear.

The belt works pretty well, but may not hold all of the stuff you like to carry. When I bank fish I only need a few essentials for driftfishing and maybe a small box of stee-lees and spinners. This tackle belt by Plano seems to accomodate all I need if I am organized It is only about $10 at Fred Meyer.

The only thing that concerns me is that it may radically shrink in the moist air. It seem that nearly every season I have to let it out 2 or 3 inches :whazzup:

TinyWonder · 12-23-2002, 08:36 AM

If you like the Columbia products check out thier outlet stores, there is one in Sellwood and I think they have one in Lincoln City at the outlet stores.

I picked up one of their vests that retailed for 75.00 for 35.00 works for me.

Cohodependent · 12-23-2002, 09:01 AM

I have been using the guide vest from Filson. Pretty spendy, but by far the most comfortable vest that I have ever owned. It is amazing how much stuff I can get into the pockets. The collar is lined with mole skin.

Mack Slayer · 12-23-2002, 09:05 AM

Ditto to what Tiny Wonder said: Check the Columbia Outlet stores (Sellwood, Lake Oswego). They have vests in there off and on at great prices.

brushpuppy · 12-23-2002, 09:30 AM

Another inflatable to look at is from a company called SPORTING LIVES out of Idaho. Well thought out design with extensive, logical, compartments (easy to access too !) in a 'short style' for deep wading. Mine has held up great for seven seasons of bush whacking. Price was about $100 at Fishermans' Marine. Has a cartridge inflate and a manual system for when you want a little insurance before you step into the brink.

Corkie Monster · 12-23-2002, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Cabela's River Guide Supplex Vest I just bought this one not to long ago. Sofar, I'm really happy with it. It has good sized pockets and it is water resistant. I paid $69.95 for it.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">I still think this is a great deal, It has the Neo colar, has mesh pockets on the inside (Nice to see the what your looking for) It's highly water resistant, Heavy duty "YKK" zipers, and a large back pocket.