Best Fishing Vests 2018 – A Run-Down of Top Rated 10 Options
Fishing vests might seem like minor accessories, but they are undoubtedly a crucial piece of fishing gear. They make it easier to carry all those little things including flies, clippers, weights, tippets and other tools that you would like to have with you in an organized way. And just like any fishing equipment, it pays to choose a fishing vest that best suits your needs. However, given the huge number of fishing vests available, it can be quite challenging to choose one that meets all your needs. So, here is a brief review and buyer’s guide to finding the best fishing vests.
Best Fishing Vests on The Market in 2018 – Compare Table
The best vests for fishing should have a balance of just the right amount of pockets, comfort, and durability.
|
Ranking |
Product Name |
Weight |
Fabric |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
01 |
Redington Clark Fork Mesh Fishing Vest |
1 pound |
65% Polyester and 35% Cotton |
|
|
02 |
Master Sportsman 26 Pocket Fishing Vest |
0.7 pound |
40% Polyester and 60% Cotton |
|
|
03 |
Fly Fishing Photography Climbing Vest with 16 Pockets |
Varies Depends on Size |
Polyester Fabric With Breathable Mesh |
|
|
04 |
LUSI MADAM Men’s Poplin Outdoors Travel Sports Pockets Vest |
Varies Depends on Size |
65% Polyester and 35% Cotton |
|
|
05 |
Anglatech Fly Fishing Vest Pack for Trout Fishing |
1.46 pounds |
– |
|
|
06 |
Maxcatch Fly Fishing Vest Mesh Vest Free Size |
1.53 pounds |
– |
|
|
07 |
Anglatech Fly Fishing Vest Pack for Trout Fishing Gear |
1.54 pounds |
– |
|
|
08 |
Crystal River C/R Fly Fishing Vest |
1.1 pounds |
Cotton and Polyester Blend |
|
|
09 |
Master Sportsman Alpine Fishing Vest |
1 pound |
40% Polyester and 60% Cotton |
|
|
10 |
Ultra Light Fishing Vest, Gallatin by Allen |
0.2 pound |
– |
10 Best Fishing Vests in 2018 – Reviewed
1. Redington Clark Fork Mesh Flying Fishing Vest
Made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, this fishing vest is well made to provide maximum comfort to the wearer. It features a mesh body fabric that is designed to quickly wick away moisture thereby allowing the vest to dry fast when wet. In addition, it boasts a knit collar that feels soft around your neck for a comfortable fit. Some other features of the vest that make it a great buy include:
Great Number of Pockets
The vest comes with 11 pockets which are more than enough to hold the essential pieces of fishing equipment. The pockets have zippers and Velcro to prevent your contents from falling out in case you lean forward.
Quick Dry Fabric
Its fabric boasts great wicking properties to help keep you cool and dry throughout your fishing trip. Also, the fabric is fast drying for great comfort.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
- check
2. Master Sportsman Adult Fishing Vest
Whether you are a beginner or seasoned angler, this fishing vest has a lot to offer you. To start with, it boasts 26 pockets that are just the right size to hold everything you might need. Most of the pockets are zipper-secured to keep your essentials from falling out. What’s more, it comes in different sizes to choose from to ensure you get the right fit. Other notable features of the vest are:
High-Quality Materials
The outer surface of this is made with a blend of 40% polyester and 60% cotton for great comfort and breathability. This will ensure you stay dry throughout the day.
Rod Holders
It boasts a built-in fishing rod holder for storing rod tubes securely thereby freeing your hands. This makes it easier to tie knots or even do other tasks.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
- check
3. Fly Fishing Photography Climbing Vest
This is yet another great fishing vest that is designed to be light in weight for ease of movement. Also, it comes in various sizes so you can easily find a comfortable fit. As if that’s not enough, the vest boasts 16 pockets with zippers and Velcro to hold all your essential gear securely and within a good reach. Other features that make it stand out include:
High-Quality Fabric
The vest is crafted from 100% polyester alongside mesh fabric in order to keep you cool and comfortable as the day gets warmer.
Great Comfort
It comes with soft padded shoulders to ensure the vest fits great and keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
You may love to checkout: Best Fishing Pants 2018 – Top 4 Recommendation
4. LUSI MADAM Men’s Poplin Travel Sports Vest
Designed for hunting, hiking, fishing and other outdoor sports, this is a practical vest for all seasons. It boasts high-quality materials with great workmanship to ensure it can serve you for a very long time. On top of that, it is designed to fit perfectly without restricting movement. Therefore, you can freely move your arms or body as there is plenty of room to do so. Other notable features of the vest include the following:
Plenty of Pockets
It features so many pockets with zipper or Velcro closures to store everything you may need securely and in an organized manner. In addition, there are D-ring clips so you can clip items like sunglasses, keys,fishing pliers,small knives and flashlights.
Top Quality Materials
The vest boasts 65% polyester and 35% cotton for maximum durability and breathability. The materials also make it lightweight and very comfortable to wear all day long.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
- check
5. Anglatech Fly Fishing Vest Pack, Sand
Looking for a quality vest with many pockets to keep your fishing gear within reach? This model can be a perfect choice. It features plenty of small pockets, large pockets, mesh pockets and extra pockets in the rear to keep your gear well organized. To top it all, it is made of premium breathable and lightweight material with mesh parts to help you remain cool and dry when it is very hot out there. Other features include:
Adjustable Design
Both the waist and shoulder straps of this vest can easily be adjusted to fit you perfectly and comfortably regardless of your body size.
Breathable Mesh
The back of the vest features breathable mesh that allows great airflow. This will ensure you stay dry and cool for the best fishing experience.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
- check
6. Maxcatch Fly Fishing Vest Pack
At only 24.5oz, this is a lightweight fishing vest that you can wear all day comfortably and it won’t weigh you down. It boasts adjustable design for a perfect fit regardless of your body shape. Additionally, the vest comes with two shell pockets along with fly patches for extra storage space so you can have an easy time organizing your gear. Other features of the vest worth noting include:
Adequate Storage
It comes with multiple zippered pockets and compartments so you can store just about any type of gear you would like safely and within easy reach. Like handheld GPS, small size portable fish finder and others accessories. Also, it includes a convenient rod holder strap.
Great Ventilation
The vest boasts mesh at the back to allow free flow of air while at the same time reducing the overall weight of the vest. You can, therefore, stay cool and dry.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
7. Anglatech Fly Fishing Vest Pack, Forest
This versatile fishing vest is ready for just about anything. With plenty of pockets including small and large, this vest allows you to have all the essential gear at your fingertips. The pockets are designed in such a way that they can open up to expose inner pouches for extra storage. But probably its unique feature is the adjustable waist and shoulder straps that ensure a perfect fit. Other great features of the vest include:
High-Quality Fabric
The vest is made of premium ripstop nylon material for enhanced durability. In addition, it features breathable mesh at the rear so you can stay both cool and dry all day.
Plenty of Extra Storage
At the rear, it has a large compartment that serves as extra storage. Also, it has two waterproof pockets for storing your most valuable gear like phone, wallet and a camera as well as a drink holder so you can stay hydrated.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
- check
You may also love to read: 10 Best Sit On Top Kayaks Choices Reviewed: A Must-Read
8. Crystal River C/R Fly Fishing Vest
This is yet another great fishing vest that deserves a place on the list of the best vests for fishing. It boasts loads of storage compartments for both the avid and novice fly fisherman. It is equipped with inside pouches, loop-flapped pouches, shearling fly patch and D-ring thereby allowing you to have all your gear within an easy reach. And like most fishing vests, it also comes in various sizes to choose from to ensure you get a good fit. Besides, it features the following:
Zippered Pockets
The large compartments of the vest are all zippered so that your gear does not fall out in the water especially when you have to lean forward.
Premium Quality Materials
It is crafted from a blend of polyester and khaki cotton for reduced weight and improved durability. The blend of material also ensures enhanced breathability.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
9. Master Sportsman Alpine Fishing Vest
Featuring a total of 27 pockets, this fishing vest offers you a lot of storage space for all your gear especially if you are going to be out fishing the entire day. On top of that, it boats a soft neoprene collar for added comfort as well as zip front closure for a perfect fit. As if that’s not enough, its lining is made of 100% polyester for high breathability. Its other features include:
Blend of Quality Materials
The outer layer of the vest boasts 40% polyester and 60% cotton. This combination of materials ensures great comfort by wicking away moisture so you stay cool and dry.
Well-Built Compartments
At the front, it features a removable patch, pliers pocket and D-ring nets to securely store your gear. It also comes with two zip-close reel compartments on the rear and a rod holder.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
- check
10. Allen Gallatin Ultra-Light Fishing Vest
Equipped with a padded neck strap, this vest is very comfortable to wear all day long. To top it all, it boasts lightweight design regardless of the number of fishing gear you store in the vest. Unlike most vests that come in different sizes to choose from, this model is available in one size that is designed to fit almost everyone. Other unique features of the vest include:
Multiple Pockets
When it comes to storage space, this vest will not disappoint you. It comes with a large mesh pocket on the interior, net D-ring, zip closure front pockets and various exterior pockets for holding both small and large gear.
Adjustable Straps
It features adjustable straps to provide you with a comfortable and great fit. It does not matter what is the size or shape of your body.
Key Features
- check
- check
- check
Buying Guide- Which is The Best For You?
There are many great fishing vests on the market making it a bit difficult to find the best one that meets your unique needs. So, here are some key aspects to keep in mind in order to make a good purchase decision.
Number of Pockets
The best fishing vest should have just the right number of pockets to keep your essential tools organized. A vest with too many pockets can make it difficult to find what you want. The right number of pockets will depend on your needs but at least should not be more than 30. In addition, consider vests with extra loops or attachments for extra storage.
Material
Consider the type of fabric your fishing vest is made of prior to buying. The best fishing vests should be made from breathable and durable materials for maximum comfort. Most vests boast a blend of cotton and polyester because these materials are durable and breathable. But for best performance especially on hot days, choose a vest that is made of cotton and polyester blend as well as mesh.
Comfort Level
Comfort is another important aspect to consider when it comes to finding the best vest for fishing. Therefore, make sure you choose a fishing vest that fits you comfortably and is light in weight. Some vests come with adjustable waist and shoulder straps, a soft collar and padded shoulders for added comfort.
Zippered Pockets
Lastly, you need to consider if the pockets are zippered. This will ensure your equipment like cell phones does not fall out in the river or get lost especially when you bend forward trying to land a big fish. In addition, you can opt for vests with strong Velcro closures.
Conclusion
The best fishing vests are designed to provide you with a better fishing experience. In addition, they will make you feel comfortable and allow you to move freely. But you need to take your time and take into consideration your needs in order to find the best vest that offers value for money. Lucky for you, choosing from the above list guarantees you a great fishing vest that is durable and affordable.