We have spent the majority of our fishing careers wearing different fly fishing vest options. In this article we share our experience with them and recommend the best fly fishing vest for the money, no matter what your budget.
A fly fishing vest is an indispensable piece of equipment. It holds all your tackle and gear so you can conveniently make the necessary changes on the water with speed.
The best fly fishing vests are the ones that fit well with all pockets and gadgets serving a purpose specific to your needs as a fly fisherman.
There are so many choices and designs available today that it can be a difficult choice to make.
Below I will go through what is in my opinion, the best fly fishing vests available today and hopefully make your choice easier.
You’ve heard us talk time and time again that quality is everything when selecting fly fishing gear. So if you can afford to spend that little bit extra for quality, you won’t regret it. It’s better to have, and love, a few great pieces of gear than be sitting atop a mountain of junk!
Detailed Best Fly Fishing Vest Reviews
Here’s a range of the best fishing vests for fly anglers, at all price points:
Simms G3 Guide Fly Fishing Vest
Specs
- 24 pocket
- 2 weather-resistant pockets
- Waist exterior includes 2 large storage pockets, 2 horizontal molded weather resistant pockets, & 4 flap closure cargo pockets
- Chest interior includes 2 quick access mesh pockets & 2 large storage pockets
- Back exterior includes 1 weather resistant split-back pocket & 1 deep bellowed back cargo pocket
- 2 built-in retractors with magnets (great when you drop a fly in the grass)
- Third-hand rod holder
- Stretch mesh shoulders
- 4 tool attachment D-Rings on front
- Net D Ring on the back
Pros
- Plenty of pockets for storage
- Great old school look with mesh material
- Ideal for warmer months with the mesh back for lightweight and breathability
- Rod holder strap and clip is very useful when you need both hands free
- High performing, durable wearing zippers
Cons
- Some find it too short
- A little on the pricy side
- Sizing runs a little small
The SIMMS G3 Guide is the ultimate fly fishing vest. With its old-school look and feel coupled with its lightweight breathable mesh material, it is one of the best fly vests on the market today.
The 24 pockets hold all your gear without feeling too bulky. The rod holder strap is great when both hands are needed for a quick photo of the changing of rigs.
The padded collar and water-resistant material complete the vest, making it extremely comfortable and durable for all fishing scenarios, and backed with the SIMMS stamp of approval it is a very popular choice.
Redington Blackfoot Vest
Specs
- 65% Polyester/35% Cotton
- Solid-body fabric
- Fast wicking
- UPF 30+
- Quick-dry fabric
- 11 pockets for convenient storage
- Soft knit collar for added comfort
- Large back pocket for additional storage
- $39
Pros
- Velcro front pockets for quick access
- Fleece fly patch
- Practical pocket layout
- 3 interior pockets
- Large rear zip pocket
- Knitted collar for comfort
Cons
- Pocket zips can be flimsy
- Odd and awkward size and shape
- Loose straps on the chest
The Redington Blackfoot vest is a great entry-level fishing vest. It has all the necessary pockets to hold all the basics. The vest is made from a quick-drying material that is very comfortable to wear.
The front upper fleece holds flies well and is easy to access. The multiple pockets allow for tippet spools and extras to be easily accessible.
The large back pocket allows you to hold a bottle of water and a small raincoat which is an added bonus.
At $39 it is a great entry-level fly vest or can serve as a backup if you ever need one.
Orvis Pro Vest
Check Trident Fly Fishing Price
Specs
- Modern ergonomics, materials, and innovative features
- Light abrasion-resistant nylon with a DWR coating
- Fitted design is built to conform to the body
- Stretch mesh interior
- Shoulders have a lofted spacer mesh of nylon and spandex
- 18 pockets—10 exterior, 6 interior, and 2 rear
- Compression-molded pocket construction that adds rigidity
- Upper pockets both with Orvis custom hideaway tool port
- Two fly-drying patches
- Multiple interior easy access pockets
- Elastic loops to attach tippet bars
- Adjustable closure that slides vertically for a custom fit
- Padded collar
- Tri-ring net holder
- $198
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sufficient storage for a long day on the water
- Great zipper quality
- Abrasion-resistant material
Cons
- On the pricier side of fly vests
- Little room for adjustment, no adjustable straps
The Orvis Pro vest is one of the best vests on the market. It may be a little pricey but it is seriously bombproof and will be with you for many years.
It has all the pockets and pouches needed for long days on the water as well as the classic Orvis nipper and forceps holders below the fly patches.
Its durable lightweight material makes it a great all-season vest that has a lovely slim lone design as not to feel too bulky out on the water.
Orvis Ultralight Vest
Check Trident Fly Fishing Price
Specs
- Modern, sleek, and functional design that integrates perfectly with the concept of the Ultralight Wading System
- Low-profile design keeps load closer to the body and the slimmer design reduces the “layered bulk” of conventional vests
- Lightweight material, treated with DWR, dries faster and breathes better
- Eleven pockets, 6 exterior, 4 interior, and 1 rear
- Four large vertical chest pockets for fly boxes, two of which have internal stretch mesh organization pockets
- $149
Pros
- Double chest fly patches
- Retraceable nipper cord
- Extremely comfortable wearing
- Lightweight and quick-drying material.
- Slimline design allows for easy wading with less chest bulk
Cons
- Sizing runs a size smaller
- Can be awkward to use, with pockets being a little too high
- No plastic clips for floatant or dry fly dust to be attached
This Orvis fly fishing vest is made for the fly fisherman who wants to be able to move with ease and doesn’t like to carry too much gear. It has multiple storage options for an array of fly boxes.
The slim design gives the angler a less bulky feel with most of the pockets of the vest going the length of the fishing vest.
With 11 pockets in total, 6 exterior zippered pockets, 4 interior zippered pockets, and one rear zip pocket for a water bottle or something slightly heavier to balance the load.
Soft poly/spandex blend lined foam padded collar for maximum comfort around the neck.
Tri-ring net holder on the upper back for easy net use and return.
The Orvis Ultralight Fly vest is a great vest for those who like a slimmer more integrated vest. This vest will surely be a perfect addition to any angler’s ultralight fishing setup.