[olivebugger]

I feel at this point its almost a must to have a good water proof, wind proof and breathable jacket to succesfully fish year round. I am ready to buy one but the market is just flooded with so much stuff and i cant make heads or tails of any of it. So what can you guys suggest...I fish all year round from jan to dec...I am a trout fisherman. Money is an issue. I am willing to spend 150.00. Hopefully that is good enough to get a jacket that works all the time and for a long time. Thanks for any help in advance.

[Frank Whiton]

Hi olivebugger,

You are at the lower end of fly fishing rain jackets. I think your best bet may be the Cabela's GoreTex Jacket. It is in your price range. If you want to go up another $50 then Orvis sells their Tailwaters NO Sweat jacket. It is not GorTex but Joni likes them. You should also look at the Columbia Queets River jacket. It is not GorTex but I have read good reports about it from those who have bought it. It is also available from Cabela's and will save you $50. Right at your budget is LL Bean's Stowaway jacket. It is GorTex. Last but not least is the Simm's Freestone jacket for $20 more than your budget. This is a good jacket but is not GorTex.

Frank

Cabela's Gore Tex Jacket



Columbia Queets River Jacket


Simms Freestone Jacket

[bonefish41]

Originally Posted by olivebugger

I feel at this point its almost a must to have a good water proof, wind proof and breathable jacket to succesfully fish year round. I am ready to buy one but the market is just flooded with so much stuff and i cant make heads or tails of any of it. So what can you guys suggest...I fish all year round from jan to dec...I am a trout fisherman. Money is an issue. I am willing to spend 150.00. Hopefully that is good enough to get a jacket that works all the time and for a long time. Thanks for any help in advance.

OB:

With regard to tech clothes and even including some of Filsons...it's chinese frankly when it comes to clothes and it's chinese I go off label and use gander mountain, cabelas or bass pro IMHO there is no reason to spend big bucks on chinese garments with label... no reason to spend on labels eg simms, columbia, cloudveil et al all my sims and cloudveil are early stuff made in USA and Canada...that really dates me...I personally like gander mountain private label...but like fly rods what store is close to you?? try out particularly cabelas they have a bargain cave in the stores always check that out...that's where you can find chinese bigtime labels discounted... consider two cheap jackets store private label...one very light coated nylon for summer pouched on belt...other cool weather wear it

[BigCliff]

I'm a big fan of Patagonia's Deep Wading Jacket. Its lighter than most, but not fragile at all. Sierra Trading Post - Save 35-70% on Famous Name Brands has been running some deals on Redington apparel here lately. Outdoor Gear from Campmor - Clothing, Camping Equipment and More - Top Brands including North Face & Columbia Sportswear is a great source for cheap outdoor gear as well.

[philthy]

Cabelas has the Simms Rivertek softshell jacket on sale for $130 right now - down from $200. Guess I need to start being "nice" with Christmas coming!

Cabela's -- Simms&#174 Rivertek Softshell Jacket

[rodbender73]

Drift Creek Outdoors is the best bet for $150. It consistently rates as high or higher than jackets that cost twice as much. Do a search for reviews of their products and compare them to other brands. I bought my jacket at DryAngler for $150. Waterproof/breathable and everything else you need.