I recently bought a new wading jacket. I have found major differences between makes and styles. My old wading jacket was the Scierra Canyon. So this time i decided to try a different brand. When trying on other jackets i quickly found that i was getting concerned about pocket size and accessibility. The bellow pockets (largest front pockets) on most of the brands seemed to be top access which i don't like. I just find that when you're standing waist deep in the middle of the river holding a salmon rod and decide to change your fly you want to get to your fly box with no fuss. I tried a 'Guideline' and a 'Stillwater' both with top access which just felt awkward. I then tried a 'Vision' jacket which had the side access pockets i wanted but the zips were too short meaning only small fly boxes would fit. Fussy i know. Getting near the point of despair i went back to the 'Scierra' brand and their 'Aquatex Pro' jacket.
When salmon fishing i don't need to carry any more than 1 fly box and a wallet for polyleaders but as i wear the same jacket for stillwater rainbow trout fishing i need several boxes with me. This jacket is able to take 2 fly boxes in each of the bellow pockets.
Fully loaded. Of all the jackets the 'Scierra Aquatex Pro' suited me the best as a multi use jacket. Other features are a neoprene back warmer and adjustable Velcro for the neoprene around the wrists which stops the water going up your arm when casting. Internal waterproof pocket for keys etc. in case you go swimming and fur lined collar with adjustable peaked hood.
Nice looking jacket. Interesting that you prefer side opening pockets rather than top opening, is there an increased risk of stuff falling out?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say you're being fussy, I think once you've been doing something for a while you know what suits and what doesn't.
Interesting post, nice to see the type of kit that others use in pursuit of their pastime, look forward to more.
R MacE