Orvis wading Jacket ? Loop ? SST ?
- This topic has 15 replies, 11 voices, and was last updated Feb 2, 2010 at 10:41 am by
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Hi guys, I’m looking for a new wading jacket.
This is the new Orvis wading jacket –
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=9T6H&dir_id=758&Group_ID=821&cat_id=5409&subcat_id=6445Looks good to me, but there’s no Orvis outlet here in Oz so I can’t have a look at one or try it on.
So, anyone have one and have a good/bad comment ?Should I look at something else ?
I’ve also had a look at the Loop Opti 3 and it looks pretty good as well and the new SST’s look sharp.
Biggest problem I have is size – the LLBean pack-lite jacket I have in Large/tall fits great, but they seem the only company in the fishing industry interested in long armed people like me.
I want a heavier jacket like the Orvis/Loop to replace my now very old SST – it’s an XL and is still short in the sleeves, but is a bit of a tent on me.www.dsaphoto.com
A picture is thousand words that takes less than a second while a thousand words is a picture that takes a month.
David, I have been using a jacket I bought from Feather craft and I really love it. Here is a link to the jacket http://www.feather-craft.com/wecs.php?store=feacraft&action=display&target=EW386
The price is right and I really like the quality. If you get one, order your exact size because they are very full cut.
BillHey David –
I am really not a fan of any of the wading jackets due to their short length – if I am going to spend $300-400 on a coat, I’d like to be able to wear it somewhere other than just to the river, with waders on. If it were me, I’d look into getting a Patagonia or Cloudveil or Arc’Teryx or North Face or Mountain Hardware, etc., hardshell jacket meant for more general purpose use. I don’t think you’re missing much by doing that; after all, there are always plenty of places to put fly boxes, etc.
That said, if you know you need a wading jacket, I think the Simms and Patagonia and Cloudveil coats are all largely equivalent and generally considered to be the best quality (but they are also clearly the most expensive). Next up would be the Redington and Orvis coats. I’ve known people who love their Orvis jackets and swear by them, and I’ve known some who have returned them after a few uses. When it comes to jackets, ultimately, you’re choosing a fashion item and cut and design are going to come first.
Every jacket I am aware of is made in Asia, including those made by American wader manufacturers. The main difference in componentry is going to be Gore-Tex versus a proprietary fabric. Most of the time, those proprietary fabrics are very similar and even come from the same supplier, with some variations in the cloth material used as internal and face fabrics. Gore-Tex is usually considered to be more breathable, but it is also usually more expensive.
Good luck,
ZachGood point about use Zach.
I have an LL Bean shell for work and other boring non fishing situations and I really like it, but I am after a wading jacket or something to wear over chest waders.
The actual length isn’t a huge issue, though I like the pockets up high and a dry internal pocket for a lens/memory cards.
Another good thing about a short jacket is that when you cinch the waist cord carrying a camera inside works well – and it’s out of harms way.The old SST was good with the exception that the front pockets took on water in heavy rain, though I fixed that by burning drain holes in.
The flat pockets with waterproof zippers on some of these new jackets look like they would be better.The cuffs on the Orvis look like they would do the job and I like the look of the tool pocket on the Loop Opti.
Thanks for the link Bill – $95
www.dsaphoto.com
A picture is thousand words that takes less than a second while a thousand words is a picture that takes a month.
I had a good chance to look hard at the Loop Jackets and I like.
Alot. Will likely have one for next spring/season.Very similiar to Simms G3s but with more style, colours to choose from.
Ive used the patagonia short wading jacket for about 5 years now and it still works as well as the day i bought it. somebody hit the nail on the head regarding the cuffs though, they are imo the most critical area of attention.
I owned an Orvis wading jacket for a few years and I felt like it lost its water resistance pretty fast.
In the end I couldn’t make up my mind – not even close.
www.dsaphoto.com
A picture is thousand words that takes less than a second while a thousand words is a picture that takes a month.
Dave, I also have a Marmot that I carry around in my camera bag at all times and I agree they’re awesome.
I think mine was the model before the Precip, but at the time they tell me it was the most breathable rainwear you could get.Had it out in heavy rain with both cameras and been left bone dry – brilliant.
www.dsaphoto.com
A picture is thousand words that takes less than a second while a thousand words is a picture that takes a month.
The Marmot Precip is a lot of bang for the $ in a lightweight jacket.
I returned my SST this spring after 10 years of use & they replaced it, no questions asked 😉
Like Zach, i do wear & like the longer Mtn Hardware if i’m stuck in the boat all day with a down liner, it’s warm.Grumpy
The new LL BEan jacket arrived today.
Haven’t had it out in the cold rain yet, but I’m certainly happy with the design.
The cuffs are brilliant – there’s about 4 inches of neoprene (thin) under the sleeve and there’s also a removable spray skirt of the same material.
It’s longer than I wanted in body length, but I can live with that.
The quality is great and it seems very well made, though time will tell of course.
The pocket layout inside & out is well done and it should work well on the water.A couple things I don’t like –
The neck, when fully closed is very large and might allow water to come in the front – I don’t know for sure, but will keep an eye on it when/if it ever rains again.
There’s a side zipper for the main front pockets as well as the velcro flap, and that seems a little pointless.
At $325 it seems good value, though again, time will tell..
😀www.dsaphoto.com
A picture is thousand words that takes less than a second while a thousand words is a picture that takes a month.
Wow, that’s cheap !
($122 when I looked)But I’m not so sure about the check thing – I think my fishing friends would have a field day on me.. 😀
Still – very very cheap..
www.dsaphoto.com
A picture is thousand words that takes less than a second while a thousand words is a picture that takes a month.
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