Last updated on August 31st, 2023.
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A wading jacket is essential when hitting the water. Here are the best wading jackets money can buy this year.
Disclaimer: All products in this guide are independently researched by our team. We only recommend products we believe in and never get paid for reviews. Learn more about our review process here.
A good wader jacket ensures you stay dry and warm on a rainy day. And as you may know, rainy days are often the most productive when it comes to fly fishing. Besides waders and wading boots, a quality fly fishing jacket is an essential piece of equipment for every fly fisher.
They come in different styles and feature different fabrics. The one that sets the bar is a Gore-Tex membrane. American manufacturer Simms uses this fabric and produces some of the best wading jackets on the market. Brands like Patagonia or Orvis have their own textiles that provide similar levels of waterproofness.
In this guide we want to give you an overview of the best wading jackets on the market. We tell you what to pay attention to and what to consider before making a purchase. In order to cover all sorts of budgets we’ll feature the best fly fishing jackets from each segment.
Our Top Picks:
Table of Contents:
What to Look for in a Wader Jacket
Best Wading Jacket Quick Answer List
What to Look for in a Good Wading Jacket
Wading jackets often also called fly fishing or fishing jackets are specifically designed for wading as the name suggests. That means that their cut is slightly shorter compared to normal rain jackets. This enables you to wade deep without getting the jacket wet.
A good wading jacket needs to fulfill two primary tasks: keep you dry and be breathable. Most modern day wading jackets are made from fabrics made of polyester or nylon. Many of them feature a polyurethane membrane for utmost waterproofness.
Besides these core features the best wading jackets have large chest pockets to store your fly boxes. Often the also have loops and nippers to attach gear such as fly fishing pliers. On top of that they should have sealed wrist cuffs that enable you to release a fish in the water without your arms getting wet on the inside. The best ones also feature pockets in the back for extra storage and a D-loop to attach a fly fishing net. Let’s take a look at the best fly fishing jackets out there.
The Best Wading Jackets 2023
In this wading jacket review we’ll give you our top choices from several categories so you can choose the product that suits you best.
Simms Freestone
Key features:
– Two zippered chest pockets
– Velcro straps on the cuffs
– Hood
Why we picked it:
The Simms Mens Freestone is one of the best Simms Wading Jackets and another great fly fishing jacket in a similar price range as the Orvis Pro. For the fall 2021 season Simms has completely reworked their popular wader jacket and trimmed its features down to make it stand out from the Simms Guide Classic (if you are looking for a wading jacket with big front pockets go for the Guide Classic). The Freestone Jacket is tailored more towards fly fishermen who want to keep the gear in their jacket to a minimum and prefer a sling pack, hip pack or backpack to carry their stuff. It still features two pockets on the chest to store essentials such as tippet spools or a small fly box.
The three-layer Toray fabric ensures you stay dry and warm (here again if you want the utmost in waterproofness you have to opt for the Simms Guide Classic). The Simms Mens Freestone features the same waterproof zipper as the Orvis Pro. It comes with the quality Simms warranty guaranteeing a 100% customer satisfaction. If you are looking for a high-end wading jacket that will last you for years, you can’t go wrong with the Simms Freestone.
PROS:
- Very lightweight
- Athletic fit
- Solid waterproofness
CONS:
- Chest pockets are not the best in this test in terms of accessibility
Filson Skagit Rain Jacket
Key features:
– Adjustable hood
– Plenty of pockets
– Tight cuff closures
Why we picked it:
If you’re a serious fly fisherman and tend to head out a lot in cold and wet conditions, take a closer look at the Filson Skagit Rain Jacket. The brand from the Pacific Northwest knows a thing or two about bad weather and builds some of the finest rain gear on the planet – the Filson Skagit Rain Jacket is no exception to this rule.
The Filson Skagit Rain Jacket is made from a three layer nylon fabric that is extremely tight-woven to provide superior water-proofing capabilities. On the other hand, this fabric allows for the air from the inside (when you sweat) to escape from the jacket. All seams are sealed with waterproof tape for extra toughness.
Neoprene cuffs on the arms of the Filson Skagit Rain Jacket ensure that no water can penetrate no matter if you are casting for hours in the pouring rain or releasing a big steelhead. Hand-warmer pockets and an adjustable cuff round-off the features of this fantastic fly fishing jacket. If you are looking for a more minimalistic rain jacket that you can use for fly fishing but other outdoor activities as well, make sure to take a look at the Filson Swiftwater Rain Jacket.
PROS:
- Adjustable hood fits great
- Cuffs keep out water safely
- Comfortable fit leaves room for fly boxes, etc. in the pockets
CONS:
- Can get a little bulky when a lot of gear is carried in the pockets
Orvis Men’s Pro
Key features:
– Velcro cuffs
– Lightweight
– Zippered chest pockets
Why we picked it:
The Orvis Men’s Pro is one of the best wading jackets money can buy. The American manufacturer Orvis its well known for the durability of its products. The Orvis Men’s Pro is made of a highly durable, custom-woven, three-layer shell. It fulfills all the characteristics we are demanding in a fly fishing jacket: waterproof, breathable and fully taped seams. The zippered hand-warmer pockets come in handy on cold days.
The Orvis Men’s Pro features YKK’s Aquaguard zippers. They are water-resistant but not waterproof. However, you really have to be fishing in torrential rain for these to give up. The adjustable storm hood features a brim so that water does not drop into your eyes. If you are looking for the utmost packability the Orvis Men’s Ultralight by be a good option for you as well.
PROS:
- Great versatility – can be used for hiking, etc. as well
- Very lightweight and packable
- Hood keeps water out safely
CONS:
- Not the best in ultimate waterproofness
Patagonia SST
Key features:
– Big chest pockets
– Hand-warmer pockets
– Velcro cuffs on wrists
Why we picked it:
The Patagonia SST Wading Jacket is a legend amongst fly fishing jackets. It has been in the game for decades and always gotten a little better. The Patagonia SST Wading Jacket features huge chest pockets to hold even big streamer boxes. Yet, when they are empty, these pockets don’t bother your casting at all – great design. A large back stash pocket allows you to carry a long a light lunch for example.
The integrated hood of the Patagonia SST Wading Jacket is adjustable with a single-pull adjust. Stretch-cuffs on the sleeves keep the inside dry. A standout-feature of this jacket are the integrated wading belt loops for extra security when wading deep as a tight fit of the jacket makes it harder for the water to get in. An all-time favorite of us.
If you’re a fan of the brand but want something a little more lightweight, check out the Patagonia Ultralight Packable Jacket. Ot’s not as feature-rich as the Patagonia SST but offers great rain protection as well. Plus it packs down to the size if a baseball and is hence a great choice if you travel a lot.
PROS:
- Great chest pockets for ultimate storage
- Handwarmer pockets comes in handy on cold days
- Beautiful color
CONS:
- Chest pockets pack a lot of gear but can get in your way when casting
Rivers West Men’s Kokanee Waterproof Fly Fishing Rain Jacket
Key features:
– Zippered chest pockets
– Velcro cuffs
– D-ring in the bag
Why we picked it:
The Rivers West Men’s Kokanee Waterproof Fly Fishing Rain Jacket is a great choice if you’re budget is less than $150 but you are still looking for a high-quality fly fishing jacket. The Rivers West Men’s Kokanee Waterproof Fly Fishing Rain Jacket’s rugged shell made of a 600 denier woven oxford fabric with a Taffeta lined interior make it appear a bit more sturdy than other lightweight wading jackets in our test.
An adjustable hood with a built-in visor make sure the Rivers West Men’s Kokanee Waterproof Fly Fishing Rain Jacket keep your head dry. The neoprene cuffs work well to prevent water from coming in. Fleece-lined handwarmer pockets are an extra on cold days.
PROS:
- Adjustable hood
- Plenty of attachments options
- Disposable hand warmers
CONS:
- Waterproofness not at the highest level
Riverruns Fishing Jacket
Key features:
– Adjustable hood
– Plenty of pockets
– Velcro cuffs
Why we picked it:
The Riverruns Fishing Jacket is a great value for money choice. Its three layer waterproof and breathable membrane make sure you stay dry for hours. Even the HKK zippers are waterproof. With a total of 9 storage pockets the Riverruns Fishing Jacket is an excellent choice for fly fishermen who like to carry a lot of gear to give them extra flexibility. Two waterproof pockets ensure wallets and cell phones don’t get wet.
On the back the Riverruns Fishing Jacket features a D-ring to attach a net and a big zippered side pocket for larger items. Zipper below the arms allow for extra ventilation. Our verdict: the ideal choice for the fly angler who is looking for a feature-rich wading jacket
PROS:
- D-rings to attach gear
- Plenty of zippered pockets
- Good waterproofness
CONS:
- A little bulky when you pack a lot of gear
Compass 360 Hell’s Gates
Key features:
– Two D-rings
– Big chest pockets
– Velcro cuffs at the wrists
Why we picked it:
Here is another wading jacket coming in at less than $100. The Compass 360 Hell’s Gates Wading Jacket is fully waterproof and yet breathable. Two big chest pockets provide ample storage for big fly boxes. The D-rings next to them allow for the attachment of tools such as nippers or fly fishing pliers. The Compass 360 Hell’s Gates features adjustable cuffs. The do keep water out to a certain degree but not as well as the ones of high-end models such as the Orvis, Simms or Patagonia.
Handwarmer pockets and a fully adjustable hood make sure you stay dry and warm on cold fishing days. Our verdict: The Compass 360 Hell’s Gates is missing some valuable features such as a back pocket but it only costs a fraction of the likes of Orvis, Simms or Patagonia so that is something you will have to live with.
PROS:
- Big chest pockets offer plenty of storage
- Solid cuffs
- Good sized hood
CONS:
- Waterproofness not at the highest level
Frogg Toggs Java Hellbender
Key features:
– Hand warmer pockets
– D-rings in the front
– Adjustable hood
Why we picked it:
The Frogg Toggs Java Hellbender Fly & Wading Jacket is one of two wading jackets in our test that comes in at less than $100. Its Dri-Pore 2 Gen technology features a two layer fabric. There is a third (inner) layer (made of mesh) that doesn’t add to waterproofness though.
The Frogg Toggs Java Hellbender has large chest pockets to store your fly boxes and other fly fishing gear. The hood is fully adjustable. The cuffs on this jacket don’t prevent water from coming in as well as the more high-end ones. On the back the Frogg Toggs Java Hellbender Fly & Wading Jacket features a D-ring to attach a landing net. Our verdict: a great, feature-rich jacket at an unbeatable price.
PROS:
- Hood is highly adjustable
- Handwarmer pockets are a plus in this price range
- Good cuffs keep the water out
CONS:
- Fit is a little wide
Orvis Men’s Ultralight
Key features:
– Chest and side pockets
– Adjustable hood
– Velcro cuffs
Why we picked it:
The Orvis Men’s Ultralight is Orvis’ answer to the Patagonia Ultralight Packable. At 16.9 oz (480g) it weighs more than twice the Patagonia but is still incredibly light. The added weight comes from the fact that the Orvis Ultralight has more storage options all across the chest.
Just like the Patagonia, the Orvis Men’s Ultralight is made from a three layer fabric that offers solid protection from the elements. The YKK AquaGuard® zippers add another layer of weather protection (they are water resistant and not waterproof – but you still need to be exposed to a lot of rain until these give up). The Orvis Ultralight features four pockets across the chest and another mesh pocket on the inside. The adjustable hood also features a brim that prevents rain from dripping into your eyes.
PROS:
- Very lightweight
- Hood is highly adjustable
- Good pocket options
CONS:
- Velcro cuffs on the arms are not the best in this test and do not keep water out safely
Simms G4 PRO Wading Jacket
Key features:
– Gore-Tex fabric
– Storm hood is adjustable
– Flip out fly patch
Why we picked it:
If you want the best wader jacket money can buy, go for the Simms G4 PRO. Made from 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell, the Simms G4 Pro can withstand hours of pouring rain. For their new flagship mode, Simms got rid of the big chest pockets. Instead the Simms G4 PRO comes with zippered front pocket that give the jacket a slimmer silhouette and you more freedom of movement when casting.
But don’ worry, the Simms G4 PRO still provides ample storage opportunities for fly boxes, tippet spools, pliers, etc. On the back a huge pocket allows for larger items or even a packed lunch. The watertight cuffs on the arms prevent water from entering even when you submerge your hands to release a fish.
PROS:
- Excellent waterproofness thanks to Gore-Tex fabric
- Hood fits tightly
- Great rear game pockets
- Cuffs work really well to keep water out
CONS:
- Chest pockets are a little small
Bonus: Grundéns Charter Gore Tex® Jacket – On Sale in March
Key features:
– Gore-Tex fabric
– Adjustable hood
– Velcro cuffs
Why we picked it:
If you’re looking for a lightweight, yet highly performing wading jacket, make sure to check out the Grundéns Charter Gore Tex® Jacket. Made from an unlined 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite fabric, this jacket offers the utmost in packability. It comes in multiple colors and a wide variety of sizes.
Despite it’s lightweight capabilities, the Grundéns Charter Gore Tex® Jacket features zippered hand-warmer pockets. The hood is adjustable so it will keep you warm and dry even in the worst conditions. Loop cuff closures on the sleeves prevent water from penetrating. This highly breathable waterproof jacket is the perfect choice for a fly fishing trip where weight and packability are crucial.
PROS:
- Solid waterproofness
- Lightweight fabric
CONS:
- No pockets
- Cuffs are not the best in test
Conclusion on the Best Wading Jacket
A waterproof fly fishing jacket is one of the most important pieces of your gear in order to have fun at the water. A good wading jacket keeps you dry and warm for hours. This means you can stay at the river longer and potentially catch more fish. It’s worth to invest a bit of money into a quality fly fishing jacket. You can’t to wrong with any of the fishing jackets we reviewed above.
Our Expertise
Why you should trust us: Leonard Schoenberger and his team have tried and tested dozens of wading jackets for this big guide. We always express our honest opinions about a product to help you make a solid purchase decision. We never get paid for reviews and are proud of keeping our editorial independence. Our focus is on bringing you the latest in gear so you can have a great time at the water. Thanks for being a reader of The Wading List.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a wading jacket important for fly fishing?
A wading jacket is a crucial piece of equipment when fly fishing in colder climates where it can rain. Even a short but strong shower can mean you’re wet afterwards if you’re not protected by a quality wader jacket.
Why do wading jackets have a shorter cut than normal rain jackets?
As the name suggested these fly fishing jackets are designed to be worn while wading in a river or lake. The shorter cut prevents that the jacket gets wet from the bottom even if you’re wading into deeper water. Since you’re protected from your waders up to your chest, the wading jacket’s cut can be a little shorter than the one of a normal rain jacket.
Who makes the best wading jackets?
When it comes to a wader jacket, you shouldn’t compromise on quality. Some of the best high end manufacturers include Simms, Patagonia, Orvis and Filson. But there are also some good entry level products made by brands such as Froggtoggs or Compass.
Which features are important in a good wading jacket?
A good wading jacket has an adjustable hood, large pockets on the chest, adjustable cuffs on the arms, a high quality zipper and supreme waterproofness.
Are all wading jackets waterproof?
While most wading jackets are designed to be waterproof, the level of protection varies. High-quality jackets often feature breathable and waterproof materials like Gore-Tex to keep you dry without causing you to overheat.
How should a wading jacket fit?
Your wading jacket should fit slightly loose to accommodate layers underneath, but not so baggy that it restricts movement. It should cover your hips but not be so long that it interferes with wading.
Can I use my regular rain jacket as a wading jacket?
While a rain jacket can provide basic waterproofing, wading jackets are specially designed for the angler’s needs, including the placement of pockets, the jacket’s cut, and reinforcement in specific wear areas
Are wading jackets suitable for cold weather?
While wading jackets provide excellent protection from wind and rain, they may not have insulation for cold weather. For chilly conditions, it’s recommended to layer with thermal or insulated clothing beneath the jacket.
What’s the importance of a storm hood in a wading jacket?
A storm hood provides added protection against rain and wind, especially during heavy downpours or when fishing in stormy conditions. An adjustable hood allows for a snug fit and can often be rolled or stowed when not in use.
Do wading jackets come with handwarmer pockets?
Many high-quality wading jackets come with fleece-lined handwarmer pockets. These pockets are designed to keep your hands warm and dry in cold or wet conditions.
Read more about wading gear here:
PATAGONIA SWIFTCURRENT EXPEDITION WADERS – 2023 REVIEW
REVIEW: A SEASON WITH PATAGONIA’S DANNER BOOTS
5 BEST WOMENS WADING BOOTS (2023 BUYERS’S GUIDE)
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