Some great info here thanks guys. I'm in the market for a new wading jacket too. Been trying to save up for a Simms G3 or whatever but I just don't think I can justify spending that much $ on a wading jacket. I have the G3 waders and LOVE them, but they were a gift and I'm just too cheap to spend my own $ on a $600ish jacket
Been rocking a Cabela's guide jacket for 6 or so years. It's still alright but the water repellent finish is NFG. The jacket will not soak through but the outer nylon gets soaked eventually so the jacket feels wet I washed it with Nicwax tech wash the other day then did another cycle with the wash in waterproofing. The jacket beaded water great for a few days out in the rain then the coating wore off and the same problem resurfaced. Time for a new jacket!
Reading the comments here and looking at the links I like the looks of the F/T Hellbender and the Pilot 2. Can't beat the price! Probably not the best time of year to be looking for a wading jacket I'm guessing they are moving off the shelves pretty fast. Any other place stock F/T aside from A+N? I'm in Chilliwack and don't really want to make a run to Langley and find the shelves picked clean? Whole Sale Sports maybe?
Been fishing in the rain a lot lately and this worn out Cabela's jacket is really starting to cramp my style...
Also, can anyone comment if the Hellbender or Pilot has a pocket in the rear of the jacket? My current Cabelas jacket does not. A few buddies have fishing jackets with a zippered pocket in the rear. Handy place to stow a couple garbage bags, large ziplocks, and so on. Wish my jacket had one...