Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: G-Ratt on November 20, 2014, 06:57:05 PM

Title: Vest Suggestions
Post by: G-Ratt on November 20, 2014, 06:57:05 PM
Hey guys, I've been putting off getting a decent fishing vest for a long time now. I'm getting tired of bringing my little backpack, and it's getting pretty gross now after hours of sitting in the rain.

I'm looking for something that can hold my gear (spoons,spinners, wool, etc.) as well as maybe a snack and a water bottle or two.

I've never worn a vest, but I know many on the forum do, so I was looking for your suggestions, I don't want to break the bank, but up to $100 would be cool with me.


I was checking this one out, anybody have any experience with it?

http://www.steepandcheap.com/gear-cache/gear-up-for-fly-fishing/FSH000A-OVE
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: Humpy on November 20, 2014, 07:49:10 PM
I have a Pioneer vest, it has served me well.
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: Flytech on November 20, 2014, 08:33:26 PM
I want that vest, but a one year old and one on the way ... I can't spend $100 on something I don't absolutely need.
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: obie1fish on November 20, 2014, 09:02:47 PM
Fly tech- I have been using a Bushline vest I got at the Armyand Navy for about $55. It doesn't carry fish, but the mesh and minimalist design works for me.
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: Stewie on November 20, 2014, 09:30:49 PM
I recommend the "vedder" vest. I bought it at Searun fly and tackle, I think I paid 60 or 70 bucks for it. It easily carts all my gear and holds fish in the back. Highly recommend.
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: jacked55 on November 20, 2014, 10:03:40 PM
Simms Headwaters vest was my recent purchase and i love it. Has tons of pockets for gear and lightweight mesh material drains water away nicely when it gets wet. $100 at Cabelas.
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: mzmann on November 20, 2014, 11:43:06 PM
Love my fishpond packs! http://fishpondusa.com/product/category/packs-vests/vests-tech-packs/16
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: dave c on November 21, 2014, 12:48:04 AM
I recommend the "vedder" vest. I bought it at Searun fly and tackle, I think I paid 60 or 70 bucks for it. It easily carts all my gear and holds fish in the back. Highly recommend.
X2
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: Flytech on November 21, 2014, 07:01:26 AM
Fly tech- I have been using a Bushline vest I got at the Armyand Navy for about $55. It doesn't carry fish, but the mesh and minimalist design works for me.


Thanks kenobi.


:) I'll look in to it.
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: clarkii on November 21, 2014, 07:39:55 AM
Lol mzmann.

Fishpond are great but I think the baseline price is above the budget here...
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on November 21, 2014, 07:56:00 AM
Is this vest going to be used for gear fishing or fly fishing?  For gear fishing, I've got a couple of Trophy XL vests.  They are similar in design to the old steelheader vest, and the current Vedder vest.  I like them.  They're light, and can pack lots of gear.  The pockets, though not perfect, do fit my things and I'm now accustomed to finding everything I need in a pinch.  I also really like the built-in "back-pouch" that lets you carry your catch.  That's the classic steelheader vest I know!!!

As for fly vests, I have a Simms, Patagonia, and Columbia vest.  The Patagonia vest is for my trout gear and it is a very good vest.  My Simms is for my salmon/steelhead fly gear and I've had it for many years and it's also a great vest.  My Columbia vest is a back-up, and I used to use it for gear fishing, but fly vests can't compete with the "steelheader" design of the classic gear vests for gear fishing.

So - I'd suggest different vests for fly vs. gear.
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: Pin-nook on November 21, 2014, 08:09:57 AM
A backpack??  I never understood that one, you want to be mobile and not have to lay things out like you're having a picnic. 

It all depends on what you need to bring to fish.  I have a couple typical BC Style fishing vests(Vedder, Pioneer, Fernhill, Trophy, Totem) for when I may retain a fish because it has the pouch in the back but if I'm moving around covering water like during steelhead season, I use a waist pack or my satchel.  Something that carries all the tackle I need for the outing but in storage that is easily accessible without having to put anything down.

Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: wonder on November 21, 2014, 09:31:54 AM
Summer I use a waist pack salmon/steelhead same as flyfishin magician the trophy vest is great carries everything including a bag of roe and my fish. Think it was like 70$ at freds
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: mzmann on November 21, 2014, 10:01:07 AM
Lol mzmann.

Fishpond are great but I think the baseline price is above the budget here...

Yes, their top of the line are a little pricey but xmas is coming, meaning santa just might bring it for ya lol!! ;)
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: NexusGoo on November 21, 2014, 01:48:27 PM
Wear a Waistpack for Steelheading and summer fishing, during salmon season my go to Trophy XL vest shakes off the dust. Lots of room and if you lose a bet with the old man you can carry his 4 cohos as well as your own in the back pocket ;D
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: BCfisherman97 on November 21, 2014, 06:30:00 PM
Those Trophy XL ones are great and a lot stronger than the Vedder one. A friend of mine has ripped 2 of his Vedder vests in the last 5 or so years and my Trophy vest is still great.
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: obie1fish on November 21, 2014, 07:09:37 PM

Thanks kenobi.


:) I'll look in to it.
No problem, Flytech. I have a Vedder vest too, and all of you are right....it's light and carries everything. Problem is, the so-called "everything" we speak of gets pretty heavy. I need less room in a pack, because if there's room, I'll fill it, no matter what my back says!  :o That being said, it holds more than my bud's Simms fanny pack, but not toooooo much.
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: greyghost on November 22, 2014, 09:30:19 AM
I wish I could comment on the vests of today! Still using my Complete Angler Vest! After 20 years and a couple of minor repairs "new zippers and a minor patch job" from my mother in law. This vest is still going strong. I have a new one packed away for another day but afraid to bring it into operation! Way to much good karma in the old one that I use still.

Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: bald_seagull on November 22, 2014, 10:03:36 AM
i was given a fishpond flint hills vest from a fishing buddy last xmas. after a year of use i find it to be perfect fits tons of gear but not too much.
i just switch out whatever i need depending on the days activities, the vest itself weighs very little and it has 2 watertight pockets   
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: Fish Assassin on November 22, 2014, 12:13:11 PM
I wish I could comment on the vests of today! Still using my Complete Angler Vest! After 20 years and a couple of minor repairs "new zippers and a minor patch job" from my mother in law. This vest is still going strong. I have a new one packed away for another day but afraid to bring it into operation! Way to much good karma in the old one that I use still.

Those vest last a lifetime.
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: Silex-user on November 22, 2014, 03:37:07 PM
I wish I could comment on the vests of today! Still using my Complete Angler Vest! After 20 years and a couple of minor repairs "new zippers and a minor patch job" from my mother in law. This vest is still going strong. I have a new one packed away for another day but afraid to bring it into operation! Way to much good karma in the old one that I use still.

My first fishing vest was brought from Army&Navy back in 70's which has named "Pintail" still got it. The one I am still using is almost 25 years old and I got it from Fred's called "Steelheader"


Silex-user
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: islanddude on November 22, 2014, 05:58:07 PM
 I have a complete angler also. I haven't had to do any repairs to it. You can pack a couple of 15lbs coho in it no problem. My vest is a least  20yrs. old  and has been fished hard. Do they make these anymore?
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: VA7DDP on November 22, 2014, 09:41:58 PM
My personal favorite is the compac fishing vest. I think we sell it for ~$50

http://fishingandhuntingheaven.com/fishing/products/apparel/vests/compac-fishing-vest
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: greyghost on November 23, 2014, 12:24:10 AM
I have a complete angler also. I haven't had to do any repairs to it. You can pack a couple of 15lbs coho in it no problem. My vest is a least  20yrs. old  and has been fished hard. Do they make these anymore?

These vests haven't been made for a few years now due to cost for the material used. This is why I have a spare, but me thinks I won't have to use it. I won't sell it, just in case!
Title: Re: Vest Suggestions
Post by: Flytech on November 23, 2014, 07:40:36 AM
My personal favorite is the compac fishing vest. I think we sell it for ~$50

http://fishingandhuntingheaven.com/fishing/products/apparel/vests/compac-fishing-vest (http://fishingandhuntingheaven.com/fishing/products/apparel/vests/compac-fishing-vest)


That's a nice looking vest for the price. Wish it had a PFD option. ;)