[mhclayton]

I have an Alaska trip in the works for early September and have been looking at wading jackets-- There are an amazing variety out there from inexpensive to very pricey. Any recommendations?

I like the looks and features of the top LL Bean jacket which is made of a stretchy fabric and even has a removable neoprene gasket around the bottom, but I am not sure that I will get $300 use out of it. At the other end of the range, Columbia makes a good looking jacket with some nice features in the Cabelas catalogue for $100. Has anyone used it? Thanks, MC

[Frank Whiton]

The Columbia is a good jacket for the price. The most breathable jackets are made with Gore Tex. Cabela's has a very good Gore-Tex jacket for $150. It has better cuffs than the Columbia and has bigger chest pockets for fly boxes. The shell is rip-stop nylon. If it was me I would go with the Cabela's jacket for $50 more. If price is the main consideration then go with the Columbia.

[BigCliff]

I've got a Patagonia Deep Wading jacket that has served me well for years. Its fairly light, has nice big pockets on the chest, and short enough to stay out of the water when wading even waist deep. I know they're pricey, but I think I've gotten what I've paid for. (just up to me to get it out of the house more often.)

One thing to keep in mind, if you go with one where the waterproof/breathable laminate is not Gore-Tex, be careful where you're spraying insect repellant. The active ingredient in OFF and similar repellants will dissolve the other laminates out there, leaving you with a temporary bug-free, but permanently leaky jacket.

I definitely recommend going with one that is breatheable, btw.

[Frank Whiton]

Originally Posted by mhclayton

I have an Alaska trip in the works for early September and have been looking at wading jackets-- There are an amazing variety out there from inexpensive to very pricey. Any recommendations?

I like the looks and features of the top LL Bean jacket which is made of a stretchy fabric and even has a removable neoprene gasket around the bottom, but I am not sure that I will get $300 use out of it. At the other end of the range, Columbia makes a good looking jacket with some nice features in the Cabelas catalogue for $100. Has anyone used it? Thanks, MC

MC,

Have you decided on a jacket yet?

[Joni]

I am going to recommend the Orvis Tailwater jacket.
It has got great features also, like big pocket in the back plus two in the front that have elastic at the top, plus pleats so they can expand very well with out stuff falling out. Plus two water proof pockets inside with zippers.
Also has neoprene cuffs that you can cinch up and allows you to completely submerge up to the shoulder without your arm getting wet. Plus fleece lined hand warmers behind front two pockets and fleece at the top of the front zipper so easy on your neck and chin.
Also has an adjustment on the back of the hood that you can tighten if you are wearing a baseball cap, or if you want it back a ways so you can see objects to the side.
One more thing, it has snaps so you can fold the bottom up for wading or float tubing.
Very water proof, but more important wind proof. When the wind is blowing cold air, I have been very comfortable with a light fleece jacket under my tailwater. Blocks the wind completely.

I never leave home without mine for both reasons I have stated. Even if I am going for just a day.
http://www.orvis.com/store/product_c...8&feature_id=3

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Joni,

I have an early model of the Tailwater jacket. Mine may be 15 years old. I find that it is very water resistant but does not breath very well. Not near as good as some Gor Tex jackets I have used. Mine does not have the cuffs like your jacket so it looks like they have improved the design. I found it to be an OK jacket but passed it on to my wife. I never did like the shinny finish of the material.

[Joni]

Frank, mine is made out of the same material as Orvis waders so it breaths just fine. The newer version however is more of a nylon feel and light as heck.
The one disadvantage to mine is it doesn't fold up REAL small. I have a small water proof bag that I keep it, a stocking cap and a pair of gloves in and it is about the size of a loaf of bread.

[mhclayton]

My wife settled the issue by buying me an Orvis Tailwaters jacket for father's day. Looks tough and well made, more of a cool-cold weather jacket than a packable jacket for summer showers. I will post a report when I get back from Alaska in September.

[Frank Whiton]

Hi mhclayton,

The Kenai in September can be cool. Have you fished with your Rush reel yet?

[mhclayton]

I haven't fished the Rush yet, but will get back with a report next month. We're traveling to Yellowstone in late July for a week and I plan to give it a workout in the Park area.