Vest Reviews?

[Escapepod]

I am thinking about going back to a vest. For over a decade I have been using my Wheatley box, or a small vest pack or lumbar belt. I stopped using a vest due to the weight of accumulation. I have been able to travel light but would like to have a bit more space and range of motion.

Does the vest impact the weather resistant nature of gore-tex? If you were the vest over a jacket or cold weather gear?

Based on the experiences of those who use them, what features and brands would you recomend and why?

Thanks

[jpnymphfisherman]

I have struggled with this one myself over the last decade. Have gone from vest to chest pack and pretty much have stuck with packs. However, over time, I have found that I don't like having the pack in front. Hinders mobility and I realize that I just don't like the feeling. I can't stand not having what I need on the river. Yes, I know what I am going to use that day ahead of time and I take that gear with me but I have had times where I have said to myself, I wish I had that today whether it's fly boxes, extra shot, leader material, indicators, floatant, etc. I like to bring a lot with me and I did and I continue to do so. But I found the pack I was using was just too big over time. I wanted to have best of both worlds so I streamlined it to a system that I absolutely love. So, I decided on a sling pack from Patagonia that I really like and a lanyard from Morningstar. Can bring everything I need the way I like to carry gear and I have nothing sticking out in front of me and in my way.

I know that didn't answer your question so here it is :) I like the Patagonia vests for the pockets space, quality and durability, and for how light they are. Simms also make nice vests.

[Escapepod]

I use a fishpond lumbar/chest pack now....I love the features of it, but the manner in which it rides slung over the shulder gets very cumbersome - and I understand your perspective.

Thanks for input.

[The Fisherman]

I'm a classic-old-school-trout-vest-guy, and I use the LL Bean Magalloway vest. Lots of pockets, two built in zingers, a soft sunglasses inner pocket, a waterproof compartment, big rear storage pocket...you can read all this stuff on their web site.

In any case, I like it. :-)

[filetnrelease]

I have about (?) 7 different packs, vests, etc, and You know what?

I like the old Simms vest the best.

[leadwingcoachman]

I like the vest as well. I've considered the a smaller pack but then I'd have to pick and choose what goes in it. I have an Orvis wading tac-l-pak, 27 pockets and I use all of them. What I like about the vest is I have all my gear in it, sure I may not need most of it most of the time, but when I do it's there. I also like to just grab it and go and not have to worry about forget something. I usually wear it over my jacket in the winter or rain... think about that when thinking about size.

I got it on sale and had a coupon so I didn't pay full price. If I was buying new today, I think I'd go with the Simms. I did noticed UpCountry had a nice Hardy vest marked down in the store today, not sure of the price but I think it was cheaper than any Simms.

[Rich Strolis]

I don't use either anymore, I have one flybox I consider my utility box while guiding or fishing, I move flies in and out of it all season, the bulk go back in the fly shed as I deem it. Throw the box and one other in my hand pocket of my waders. If its a weird day that will require the kitchen sink, the backpack tags along with all the bullets inside. Found vests and packs get in the way, and vests bring the OCD out and force one to bring too much streamside. Simpler the better.

[streamstomper]

I think of my vest from Orvis the same way I think about preparing for a business meeting. I bring everything with me because the one thing I leave behind is the only thing I will need to cinch the presentation (pun intended!)

[jaybp30]

From an ergonomic standpoint, vests would probably be the way to go. The chest packs shift your center of gravity forward due to the weight being carried further away from your body. This increases the weight bearing of the discs between your vertebrae. The vest keeps things closer to the torso which keeps you from leaning forward. That being said, if you fill up the vest with everything you own it will probably cause more harm than the small chest pack. I know the question was about vests but this is something you want to take into consideration. Also, the lumbar belts do help while fishing but long term can actually increase low back pain. You begin to rely on and the low back/core muscles start to get "lazy" and fatigue easier during normal everyday situations. Whatever you choose, since you mentioned the lumbar belt I figured you have some back issues so thats why I bring this up. I actually have tried to strip down as of late, only take what I need by utilizing the wader pocket, putting things I don't need too often (keys, cell phone) in the pockets in my sweat pants or shorts under my waders, and utilizing the jacket or sweatshirt or fishing shirt pockets. Since I have been doing this I haven't had too many situations I wish I had more space. I like the backpack idea, Rich. If you use one, just make sure you keep it tight to the body and pull the straps so it is kept higher up into your upper back. And again to reiterate-most important thing is to not overload.

[Escapepod]

Good discussion - Jaypb - I hear you loud and clear about the back problems....and It is a good note about the CG when loading up the vest....A decision was made and vest acquired - the thing now id limit the amount of "unecessary" items carried. Placing a limit on stuff and focusing on the seasonal changes. Went with a Simms G3 Guide vest. It is comfy and very well made. I am hoping to not invest in another vest for the remainder of my time - on this planet.

Thanks for all the input.

[Jon]

From an ergonomic standpoint, vests would probably be the way to go. The chest packs shift your center of gravity forward due to the weight being carried further away from your body.

This may be the case with some packs, but is not the case with the Willie Joseph Confluence pack, which is a very nice balance between front and back pouches.

Jon

[grayghost]

I also have the Simms G3, it can hold everything I need except the kitchen sink.
Wait a minute there is a kitchen sink in there.

[Apache Trout]

I have a Fishpond mesh vest. Great in warm weather. I have a Columbia PFG wading jacket that I wear the vest over in colder weather. I'm an old surf rat so we always carry way too much gear. Nice thing though, flies are much lighter than plugs. ;-)

[labtrout]

About 12-15 years ago I switched from a traditional vest to the Filson pack vest and have never looked back. There are several things I really like about it:


sturdy, well-made with brass zippers and snaps, no velcro.
lightweight but with enough space for two large fly boxes, tippet, leaders nippers etc. etc. and a pouch in back that can hold lunch and a bottle of water.
short, so that you can wade deep without soaking everything.
Comfortable on my old and often aching back.

We all have our favorites in tackle. This is mine.

[leadwingcoachman]

labtrout, I'd have a Filson pack vest for years, I really like it as well, it's a little short on storage space, but as durable as hell. That's why I've made it my striper fishing vest, it can handle everything the salt throws at it and for stripers I don't keep as much gear on hand as I do for trout. ( that's just me, I know I could carry more for stripers but I don't)

I must have bought mine about 15 years ago as well. They haven't changed the model at all since then so they must have got it right.

[labtrout]

Yeah, Leadwing, they are really durable, aren't they? Mine looks pretty worn and faded but still functions as well as the day I bought it. And you're right, they haven't changed them -- except for the price. I think mine was under $90. Now they are close to $150. Still worth it, though. I've been thinking of getting another in case they are discontinued.

[Drewcastic]

I'm in the market as well, and had been looking at the Fishpond Gore Range vest, but the LLBean Rapid River vest looks more comfortable and quite a bit less expensive:


LLBean's Rapid River vest at $99:

http://cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/234497_171_41?wid=330&hei=295

Fishpond's Gore Range vest at $140:

http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_321223_renderset_01?$main-Large$


Does anyone have either of these?

[drought666]

I have the LL bean. I really like it, the belt doubles as a back support and wading belt, The pockets on the sides of the belt i think are pretty pointless, i use them for scrap mono storage. But the best thing about it is that it's LL Bean, if your not happy with it send it back no questions asked.

[Drewcastic]

Thanks Drought!

Does it get toasty on hot days, or does it breath fairly well?

Do you use chest waders with this, or pant waders?


I have the LL bean. I really like it, the belt doubles as a back support and wading belt, The pockets on the sides of the belt i think are pretty pointless, i use them for scrap mono storage. But the best thing about it is that it's LL Bean, if your not happy with it send it back no questions asked.

[southpaw526]

I have the original design of the William Joseph Equinox sling pack. It seems the new one has some
"improvements", but I never had a problem w/ the original design, so I can't even see where or how they would improve it, unless it now comes w/ a mute button for the wife, when I tell her I'm going fishing. Before I got this pack, I used to have some back pains from prolonged time on the water. Otherwise, I've never had any back problems whatsoever except for an occasional tweak from moving the wrong way or something. It's been 3 years now that I haven't had any back discomfort from fishing, and I attribute it all to my William Joseph sling pack. I got it for a steal at Sierra Trading Post. They have others now. If you want quality products at a good price, I'd try Sierra. It slings over your left shoulder, so I had some concerns w/ the sling sliding off my arm when I cast since I'm a "SOUTHPAW". I called William Joseph, and they actually had a lefty field test it for me and call me back w/ a report a week later. The report was a positive one, so i bought it. The sling sits tight even while casting. The vest has been retired ever since. I just want to know one thing. How in the hell do I get a job as a field tester for William Joseph?!?!?! OK, we have a concerned customer that isn't sure about the performance of this piece of equipment. You have to go fishing with it for a week and give us an accurate report. Now get to work. LOL....I'd take a paycut for that position.

[bbjork]

I use a 30 year old cheap Cortland vest for freshwater, four fly box pockets, and a couple more for tippets etc. nothing fancy and I've had to do some major sewing repair jobs to keep it in service. For salt I have a fifteen year old Orvis chest pack that holds two Plano boxes velcrod and enough room for a spare spool, pliers and tippet material. I've found that less is more.

[drought666]

Thanks Drought!

Does it get toasty on hot days, or does it breath fairly well?

Do you use chest waders with this, or pant waders?

I use chest waders, never have a problem with it getting to hot.

[flytyb2]

I went from a regular vest to a shorty vest then to a chest pack from JW Outfitters then to Cabellas and then to a small Mayfly pack that holds two boxes and, maybe I'm not the guy that should reply!!! Right now I'm back to the JW pack but there's no room for my rain jacket so maybe----