Wading Jackets

[juwannafish]

Well ******mas time is here and I have been looking for a new wading jacket for Santa to stuff in the stocking.

What are the suggestions for a 100-150 wading jacket. I have already called Cabelas and their Dry Plus 110 dollar jacket is out of stock and they won't receive another shipment until the spring. I have looked at Simms and the Freestone is just out of my price range.

I was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions? What does the shop have by means of wading jackets?

Thanks
Juwannafish

[Frogpoop]

know what ya mean I have been looking too.........simms guide is on the way for me.......hate to spend that much $ but ya only live once right besides you canjustify it......by not spending your insurance deductables for being sick right ?

[owengrad]

My wife gave me Hodgman wading jacket several years ago and it is still great. BassPro sells them every day for $99, and sometimes on sale for $79. A SIMMS would have to last me 20 years to be an equivalent value.

[MoFlyFisher]

I bought a Patagonia Deep Wading Jacket prior to my fall trip to the PM. I was very pleased with it in every way. Bought it on e-bay for under a $100.00. I believe in supporting local business, but if you're going to buy from a big retailer, take a look on-line. :)

[mcflyfisher]

I have an ***** Silver label coat, and the cabelas gortex coat. I much prefer the *****. It was around $200 though. The Cabelas has a liner that tends to soak up water and wick it into the coat instead of out of the coat. The ***** is a three layer, just like a pair of waders. It works a lot better. For around a $100 bucks it is a tough call.

[Steve@BBT]

I replied to this once already, but it's one of the post that got lost... You might be interested in either the Reddington Redstorm jacket we carry. VERY nice for only $99.95 or the Hodgeman convertible (long to short) for $129.95. I actually like the Reddington better... Anyway, might be too late, but thought I'd post again! :)

Steve

[BrianF]

I have a Patagonia deep wading jacket and really love it. It keeps me warm when layered and cool when hot and I wear it to keep the sun off my Irish skin. (I am only white or red, never tan!) Its breathable, I got an ***** but did not like it when it came in.

I forgot the price but I feel that a good rain jacket is VERY important, it sucks to be out fishing in the fall in a cold rain feeling bad and miserable!!!!!

[Murph]

My wife gave me Hodgman wading jacket several years ago and it is still great. BassPro sells them every day for $99, and sometimes on sale for $79. A SIMMS would have to last me 20 years to be an equivalent value.
I have a Patagonia SST and a Lewis Creek Waxed cotton. They're both good but different. The SST is lighter; not as warm but is good with a fleece vest underneath. The waxed cotton is heavier and will take an incredible beating--I bird hunt in it! But regardless of what anyone says you have to take care of the stuff and every so often treat or put wax on it as the case might be.
The ***** is a good jacket and so is the Reddington. Since the waterproofing ability of goretex declines over time I'd get a new rather than a used jacket.

[chinookhead]

Just buy a gore tex rain coat on sale for under a 100, they always have one for like 70 on sale. I got a gore tex one for $65 that is still perfect after 3 years of use. Don't bother buying a "fishing" (like simms) one and spending more money for worse material or alot more for the same stuff. The best part is the lifetime no questions asked warranty.

[mcflyfisher]

The ***** is a good jacket and so is the Reddington. Since the waterproofing ability of goretex declines over time I'd get a new rather than a used jacket.

Gortex becomes less waterproof over time? I have never heard that, or experienced that. It will become less breathable as the outer fabric clogs with dirt and grime, but this can be cleaned. The DWR (Durable Water Resistant) finish will fade in time too, but this can also be replaced. I would not worry about Gore-Tex, it is the best breathable membrane available.