BEST WADING JACKET??

[caneybuff]

My old light wt Orvis shell is just about worn out.

[mike b.]

I’ve had an L.L. Bean Paclite Gore-tex for about a year now, and have been very happy with it.

[Steve K.]

What Poo said!
I’ve had mine for about 5 years now (it

[Billy Belsom]

Not sure if your priority is weight/packability, or durability/functionality.  If you want to go as light as possible, I like the Marmot Precip jacket.  My backpacking go-to rain shell.  

For a warmer, full-feature wading jacket I am a big fan of my Patagonia SST.  Very clean and plain exterior, great pockets, hidden d-rings, but best of all are the cuffs.  They are smooth – no gathered fabric – and velcro down and are stretchy so you get a tight seal to your wrist.  In Feb. I fished through a cold, steady rain and reached into the river to handle a few fish without getting any water into the sleeve.  Rolls up nicely and I strap it under my mountainsmith waistpack.  

bill

[Zach Matthews]

Patagonia’s stretch SST is nice and so is Cloudveil’s Crystal Creek or whatever they call it.

[none]

So, we need to look for the smallest packable & lightest breathable rain jacket.

Any special must be’s?

* short cut
* not too flashy color(s)
* velcro wrist

I think the outdoors shops have nice stuff. But they too can be expensive.

[John Pavoncello]

I just saw the new Columbia wading jacket yesterday and have to say they are really nice. I know Columbia doesn’t rate up there with Simms and others but for the money it seems very well made and is only $99. As soon as I wear out my Gander Guide Series coat (have it for two years now and it still looks like new and keeps me dry) I think I’m gonna try the Columbia.

[david_dornblaser]

Dan,

We use Patagonia’s Deep Wading Jacket.

[none]

But it’s not as rugged nor warm as the SST.
I got them both BTW

[john switow]

I have the older Simms (storm flaps rather than waterproof zips) with the Gortex XCR.

[caneybuff]

Thanks for your great feedback guys.

[Author]

Posts