5 Best Wading Jackets For River Fishing
Whether you are a fishing guide like me, or just a casual river angler, wading jackets are necessary to keep you dry, warm, and to keep your gear, or even your lunch, organized.
I’ve had the opportunity to try out dozens of wading jackets, and I’ve received a lot of feedback from other guides and anglers.
This article lists the best wading jackets that have been tested and used in all conditions and in all price ranges.
I’ll help you decide which jacket is best for you by providing some of my personal experience, which means the things I don’t like, the things I do like, and the few things about wading jackets that many guys don’t consider, but wish the did.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Wading Jacket
Key Features To Look For In A Wading Jacket
There are a lot of different features that you will want to consider when choosing a jacket that fits your style.
You will want to consider waterproof and breathable material, durable construction, comfort, the right fit, and the number of pockets for storing fly boxes and other fly fishing items.
You will also want to look at the neoprene cuffs and hand warmer pockets on the wading jackets. Each jacket has key features you will want to consider.
Something else many anglers do not consider is the length. Yes, short jackets and high pockets, as well as waterproof pockets, are my preference since sometimes I’m over waist-deep in water.
Before you buy:
- The seams appear very well sealed
- The sleeves are roomy
- The zippers all functioned well
- The hood is big enough to wear over a cap without feeling restricted.
NOTE: Wading jackets are NOT insulated and meant for warmth. To keep you warm in very cold conditions, you will need to layer accordingly. For cold weather and my winter fishing tips to stay warm, check out my article: Guide Tips To Stay Warm Winter Fishing.
Top Wading Jacket Brands
There are three major brands of wading jackets that I use the most, and the ones you will want to consider are Orvis, Simms, and Grundens.
They all offer different styles with features such as neoprene cuffs, zippered chest pockets, adjustable hood options, plenty of storage space, and an additional interior pocket lined with landing net material.
Each jacket company has key features that are unique to its brand. Each manufacturer offers a warranty on their products.
But, these don’t always fit into everyone’s budget, and if you’re the type of guy who only fishes 10 times a year or less, you probably don’t need one of these.
The Best Wading Jackets
Simms G3 – Best Overall Wading Jacket
As a guide who’s on the water over 300 days a year, rain or shine, I’ve spent years trusting and wearing the Simms G3 Guide jacket.
Guys, I beat the crap out of it, and it still held up to all the abuse.
This jacket kept me bone dry in torential rain, snow, sleet, heavy snow and wind.
This great wading jacket has nine pockets that provide plenty of storage space, including two hand warmer pockets, and these are a fantastic option.
Adjustable water-tight sealed wrist cuffs will help keep you dry when it’s raining, or if you happen to drop something in the water, these cuffs are great if you need to reach in and get it.
I’ve tightend the cuffs and then submerged my arm up to my armpit, and the cuffs held a tight seal, and my arm stayed dry. This is something many anglers never consider, but, trust me, it’s a good feature.
For these reasons alone, I hve no problem saying the SIMMS G3 is the best wading jacket.
The stash-away hood is perfect for the serious fisherman who remains outdoors longer than anyone else. You will find that this jacket is equipped with two retractors, a fly patch, and a net D ring.
If you want full details, and pricing on this jacket, click the Orange Button below.
A secondary option I’ve used and received good feedback on is the Simms Men’s Guide Classic Jacket. It sells for about $100 less, but is still a good option – See details HERE.
If you want to spend even more money, you could also try the Simms G4 Pro Wading Jacket, but I’ve never tested it, so I can’t say how much better it is over the G3 jacket. Either way, check it out HERE
Orvis Ultralight- Best Mid-Price and Lightweight Wading Jacket
Another jacket I spent a couple of seasons in was the Orvis Ultralight Wading Jacket.
I often chose this over my G3 jacket for warmer weather fishing and when the forecast was calling for light rain.
However, I did get caught in some downpours, and this jacket kept me bone dry.
I like the fact that it is lighter than the G3 jacket, and that it’s half the price; however, I found it less durable.
The jacket is made with a neon shell fabric that allows airflow to help control your internal temperature.
Overall, my experience with this jacket, plus all the features, the price, and coming from a well-known brand like Orvis, I’d say that it is the best mid-priced wading jacket. or the best ultralight jacket on the market.
Although I used it mostly in spring summer, and fall, it could be used in the winter
Check out all the details and price on this jacket at the link button below.
A close second or another good option in that mid-price category is the Grundéns Vector Wading Jacket – It’s guide tested, well rated, and similar price. See it HERE
Frogg Toggs Pilot 3 – Best Budget Wading Jacket
I have tried and tested out a few budget jackets that I was very impressed with, considering the price.
However, you get what you pay for, and I find with jacket in this price range, you are more likely to get a defective jacket.
In my store, my best-selling budget wading jackets were from Frogg Toggs.
However, altough 90% of reviews say they are good, some will tell you they leak or they have zipper problems. This is what happens when you buy cheap stuff.
My favorite budget wading jacket is the Pilot 3 which you can see HERE.
If you want even cheaper, consider these 3 jackets.
Wading Jacket Care and Maintenance
It is vital that you take care of your wading jacket after each fishing trip. The follow tips can be followed in order to maintain your gear.
- Empty all of the chest pockets of gear such as your fly box and other items.
- Secure the velcro sealed cuffs and the storm flap before placing the jacket into the washing machine.
- Make sure the velcro straps and the d ring are secure so they do not catch on anything while being washed.
- Add a mild detergent to aid in the cleaning process.
- Hang the jacket up to help the dry.
It is important to apply DWR (Durable Water Repellent) when cleaning.
DWR will keep the gore tex membrane three layer shell, handwarmer pockets, and the other fabric types waterproof. Failure to apply the appropriate amount of DWR will result in a jacket that fails to repel water when worn outside on your next fishing trip. You can see it HERE.
The first step in repairing minor punctures on the jacket is to locate the spot.
You will want to apply the wading jacket sealer to the spot and allow to dry for 12 hours. I use Aquaseal for Jackets and waders. If the spot is larger, put a second coat over the area and let dry. Proper care and maintenance will help your jacket stay in good shape.
Tight Lines
Graham
