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A new vest

MACFLY

MACFLY

Too many streams too little time
I am looking to pick up a new vest as my existing one has suffered an untimely accident. I am considering the new Simms guide vest or the G3 vest. I'm interested to see what you all use and look for in a vest. I flirted briefly with a fishpond vest last year and picked one up but didn't like the fit for me personally. Will probably sell that as its brand new. Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.
 
I'm a traditionalist when it comes to trout vest although I use newfangled types of chest packs in the saltwater. For my trout vest, I like the Patagonia which I scored at a huge discount. Word of warning, changing vests can alter your mojo, so it's critical you get out there and get some fish slime, dry fly floatant and other mojo-restoring stains on any new vest ASAP after procurement. Otherwise you may never catch another trout again:crap:
 
Rusty Spinner said:
I'm a traditionalist when it comes to trout vest although I use newfangled types of chest packs in the saltwater. For my trout vest, I like the Patagonia which I scored at a huge discount. Word of warning, changing vests can alter your mojo, so it's critical you get out there and get some fish slime, dry fly floatant and other mojo-restoring stains on any new vest ASAP after procurement. Otherwise you may never catch another trout again:crap:
Click to expand...

Got My Mojo Working ~ Muddy Waters ~ Live 1978 - YouTube

Just get a Johnny the conqueror root, and a black cat bone, and your Mojo will be fine.....ff to 1:46 and watch...
 
Last edited:
Rusty Spinner said:
I'm a traditionalist when it comes to trout vest although I use newfangled types of chest packs in the saltwater. For my trout vest, I like the Patagonia which I scored at a huge discount. Word of warning, changing vests can alter your mojo, so it's critical you get out there and get some fish slime, dry fly floatant and other mojo-restoring stains on any new vest ASAP after procurement. Otherwise you may never catch another trout again:crap:
Click to expand...
I had one of the early Patagonia shortie vests with the mesh backing long ago. I should never have given it to my brother:)
 
I wear the Simms guide with vertical pockets. I think the new G3 at $220 and made in China is just a total rip off. Either of those two vests are too much vest for you. But I would go with the guide model at $150. But I would try them on at a shop and see which one fits your needs. Your always at TCO fly shop anyway so now you have a reason to go. And dont forget to take pictures of the inside and outside of the shop:smiley-sniffer:
 
Opening day at Werners Hole I am going with one of these this year.

th
 
I don't wear a vest. I use a San Juan fishpond pack. I just wear it on my wading belt. No straps. That way I can keep it behind me and easily slide it around when I need something.
 
In my opinion, the Simms G3 and the Adventure Flyfishing Company vests are the two best thought-out ones on the market today. I own both. If you carry a lot of fly boxes, strike indicators, insect net, flotant, tools, etc., it's nice to have a convenient storage place for everything. The number of molded waterproof pockets, zinger sleeves with retractors, forcep nubs, and the general layout of the G3 make it far superior to others I have seen.

Likewise for the Adventure Flyfishing Company's jacket/vest. It is a bit costly but it is waterproof and has zip-off sleeves. Consequently it is both a rain parka and vest combined. It is extremely well thought-out but you can only research and buy it online. I use mine for steelheading and have never had a better one for that purpose due to the way the Lake Effect weather changes.

Again in my opinion too many items these days seem to be designed on drawing boards by "fashion designers" who have style, price points and cosmetics in mind, rather than actual practical use. The jacket/vest and the G3 are truly engineered with on-stream use in mind.
 
Mac, I can't help you. I have a Predator chest pack I have worn since 95 and it is still in great shape { I also have a beckup for when it tanks if it ever does} I also use a Fishpond Gore vest/pack for the Great Lakes tribs. It has been years since I wore a vest.Reason being is that that damn collar yoke thing always was causing pain on My neck and collarbone area. I understand that the newer vests have been designed to alleviate this now such as Simms and Orvis. I personally cannot give a good recommendation. I prefer Chest Packs.
 
Phil, Lmao not that kind of predator .Sheesh , It was a really nice pack made in the 90's I have several , but the two I have for trout carry a lot of gear an I really like them. BTW I also like the FishPond San Juan pack for mountain brook fishing. For years I carried every thing but the kitchen sink. Now I have a pretty good hand on what works on those lil streams. As for carrying the kitchen sink..i still come with a crapload of gear an stuff whether I am fishing on the Lehigh or the Delaware. I like to be prepared.
 
This what i use mac. I keep flashbangs in the jacket. They work great when a spinner tries to chuck his lure in your pool. Only carry the gun when fishing pa rivers

GLV547B.jpg
 
WBDluver said:
Lonewolve said:
Mac, I can't help you. I have a Predator chest pack I have worn since 95 and it is still in great shape "

What do you keep in it? Candy? pictures of your lost puppy? Alchol and dirty magazines?to dry my
Click to expand...
I keep a box for each: Mayflies ,Stoneflies,Caddis,Midges,Streamers,Softhackles,Nymphs,a wet fly wallet. leader wallet, strike indicators, floatant , wonder cloth a piece of smoked Elkskin from the Rez , nippers , a Brodin Catch n Release net. A wallet full of Airflo and Rio Poly and versa leaders. Sighters for Euro Nymphing. Splitshot with a few refills of certain sizes I use a lot. Not too much I don't carry.
Click to expand...
 
Seriously, I like the Simms vest I have. It has a stiff outer pocket so they dont collapse. The other vest you might want to look at is the Orvis Tackle pak. It has a nice suspension system. I loved that vest until my wife thought i needed a washing and shrunk it to a size that would fit a GI Joe doll.
 
I am a fan of the Fishpond packs. I have been using one for four years without fail..It doesn't hold a lot, but I don't need a lot...nippers, a net, a hook sharpener, two fly boxes, 4 spools of tippet, a leader straightener, an extra leader, a nail, and that's all I need...

ohhhh....and this chair, and my remote control, and my dog...o.k. I don't need my dog....
 
"my existing one has suffered an untimely accident":shrug:

That is the oldest fly-fishing excuse in the world. Who hasn’t used that one to persuade the members of the opposite sex to free up the funds? I have on a few occasions. Actually I am in the process of convincing her that my net has lost its ability to perform the task that it was designed to do. I also told her that I could make my own net cheaper then I could purchase one. We all know what a crock of bull that is. Let me guess untimely accident, your dog ate it?
 
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