Fishing Jacket Recommendations

[Dave Bailey]

My current fishing/wading jacket has given up the ghost, so I am in the market for a new one.

Key requirements are:

1. Waterproof...most of the supposedly 'breathable waterproof' stuff I have had so far has leaked eventually - some after limited use .
2 . Low maintenance/Tough - particularly in terms of maintaining waterproof status. Realistically I am not going to remember to meticulously clean and wash a jacket between every trip .
3. Good storage (multiple pockets etc.) for fly boxes etc.

Anyone got something that meets these requirements that you would recommend?

Thanks,

Dave.

[BrianHarwood]

Hey Dave,
Have you thought of getting an "Essondon Coaches Jacket"
From what I see nothings sticks and they are bullet proof

[Dave Bailey]

Thanks Brian

Red and Black aren't really my colours - probably after something a little more 'fishing related' too

[Martin Kuhn]

Hi,

I've got a mountain designs gortex jacket. Not cheap but at 7 years old with constant use and minimal TLC its been great. It's done the job for cycling, sailing, fishing and camping.

Every blue moon I wash it in the machine with wool wash, then treat it with goretex spray.

No jacket is ever 100% waterproof [u]and[/u] breathable......but having said that, this mountain designs jacket has been the best I have had to date.

try and get one that has ventilation zippers under the arm pits, has soft fuzzy fabric around the collar, has reinforcing in the shoulder to prevent wear&tear from backpack straps, has a hood that can be adjusted so the peak doesn't flop over your face, and one that is long enough to come down to the bottom of your butt cheeks (this is to prevent Brian and Steven from staring at you all the time while you are at the bow of the boat......nuff said!)

ALSO worth trying are the NZO or Groundeffect jackets from NZ. My wife has a Ground effect jacket (non gortex, but still breathable). It's been just as reliable as my mountain designs one, but at a much more reasonable price. (NZ made + mail order = cheaper than buying locally) I also find the gear made for cycling contains many flyfishing friendly features. Worth checking out this avenue....

cheers
Marty

[Dave Bailey]

Thanks Martin, I'd be pretty happy with 7 years of regular use.

[peter birch]

Andy jenour use to sell asr'teryx? Belly has one ,I wouldn't mind one either.pretty pricey.I got a Kathmandu member card and saved a lot of a gortex jacket from the inaloo store.

[Tony Ong]

These are all the rage at the moment Dave.

These are a close second along with the orange version.