fishing Vests

[Fly Guy]

I am looking for a new vest. I tried a chest pack but I'm not crazy about it. In certain weather I carry 3 small boxes, 1 with dries, 1 with streamers and 1 with nymphs. The chest pack fits 2 if I want the fold down shelf usable. I'm also not crazy about the bulk in front of me.

I've been looking at the Simms G3. It's a little pricey but if the function is superior I'll bite the bullet.

What do you use and why?

 

[Bill Sell]

Ever thought about using a traditional fishing bag?
I used a vest for years, I had everything but the sink in it.
then paired things down.

 

[onemorecast]

I am looking for a new vest. I tried a chest pack but I'm not crazy about it. In certain weather I carry 3 small boxes, 1 with dries, 1 with streamers and 1 with nymphs. The chest pack fits 2 if I want the fold down shelf usable. I'm also not crazy about the bulk in front of me.

I've been looking at the Simms G3. It's a little pricey but if the function is superior I'll bite the bullet.

What do you use and why?

This may not help you, as I am having the opposite experience. I only got into fly fishing only a year ago, so it follows that I probably don't visit the variety of streams/rivers that you do. I bought a Simms vest and after loading it up with gear over the past year, I am loathe to wear it anymore.

I recently pared down to essentials kept in a Fish Pond San Juan chestpack.

That being said, the G3 looks like an excellent vest. If you are looking for a highly respected brand known for its quality, you might want to take a look at the Filson vests. They look like good stuff.

Filson - Shop Collection: Fly Fishing: Jackets, Vests & Packs: Search for

 

[Karel]

I agree, I used a vest when starting out but got tired of schlepping about 15 pounds of stuff I most of the time don't use. Now I am using a little over the shoulder bag that holds the basics and 2 fly boxes for Smallmouth and a Williams Joseph Creel (can hold a water bladder in the back for those hot days). I came to the conclusion that you typically fish with same dozen flies, so I have one box for my trusted dry flies and nymphs each. Keeping it simple makes your experience on stream more enjoyable. -K

 

[Bill Sell]

Most people when starting in fly fishing, may think they need every pattern, and every gadget. There are shops that prey on that for sales.
You don't need everything. Just the basics. Saves on back aches too.

 

[Fly Guy]

I only carry the basics. I carry forceps, nippers,leader straightner, tippet, strike indicators, and my fly boxes.

I guess I could cut back on my fly boxes. I'll carry 2 instead of 3. I just like to keep the 3 types sepparate. I carry the smaller fly boxes, about 3x5. I don't like the bigger bulkey boxes. Maybe I'll have to use 1 larger size box.

Oh well, the money I save on a new vest I'll try different boxes.

 

[NJDrew]

I like my orvis chest pack. Its has enough room to carry what you need, and everything is easy to get to. My problem with traditional vests are that the upper pockets are a pain. This thing, as you can see in my profile pic, has everything bellow. It also has a backpack compartment, which lets you carry a camelbak if you tend to dehydrate as fast as I do :dizzy:

Mine is about 4-5 years old by now. If you’re interested here are the new ones:

http://www.orvis.com/store/product_...d=758&group_id=781&cat_id=5093&subcat_id=6670

 

[DoubleHaul]

Take a look at the Orvis ds safe passage sling pack. I don't like anything infront, including a traditional vest. I got my sling & happiest with it overall. Lots of room

 

[onemorecast]

Take a look at the Orvis ds safe passage sling pack. I don't like anything infront, including a traditional vest. I got my sling & happiest with it overall. Lots of room

It's funny you mentioned that. I just looked at it online yesterday (I generally don't frequent Orvis-stocked shops) and it looks like it would work much better than my chest pack. I like the twist around feature. I'll have to give it a try. One of the coolest things about fly fishing is the shopping!

 

[polskiflyfishing]

If you want a very good fly fishing vest that i would recommend not very pricey and could fit a lot of gear they sell it at Delaware River outfitters and it is like a 5 star vest for the price contact them Delaware River Outfitters Home Page and call them up i think the company is Hodgeman or something like that

 

[quality time]

Question for you chest pack guys.....do any of the chest packs have provisions for temporarily securing your rod while changing flies? I really count on my vest's lower loop (for a rod but) and upper velcro fastener to act as a third hand when I need to change rigging.

Thanks,
QT

 

[Karel]

My William Joseph Sachel has those loops, but I don't use them. I typically just clamp the rod under my right arm if I am in the water or lean it against a rock/tree if I am out of the water.
Karel

 

[Fly Guy]

I'm going to look at the Orvis shoulder bag. Thanks.

 

[Bill Sell]

you won't be disappointed.