Sling packs, hip packs, chest packs, and even backpacks designed for fishing have gained in popularity, but nothing keeps tackle and gear handy quite like the classic fishing vest. Modern fabrics and design have helped make this time-tested garment not only fit better but also better at withstanding the elements.
While different waters and styles of fishing may require a different type of tackle storage, such as a box or bag, a fishing vest is a great option when you're wading and spot-hopping, as it lets you keep a lot of gear on your person in an organized and easy-to-access manner.
To help you choose the right fishing vest for your needs, I put together a guide of what to look for when shopping for one, followed by a list of vests I recommend for different users and budgets.
What to Consider
Materials
Most fishing vests are either fabric or some combination of mesh and fabric, and the type of fabric used can affect how durable and weatherproof a vest is. Cotton is uncommon and generally a bad idea for a fishing vest, as it holds water and can quickly become heavy. The most common fabric found on fishing vests is nylon, of which can be made up of different weights of nylon thread. To get a sense of how robust the fabric is, look at its denier rating—a measurement of an individual thread's thickness—which is typically indicated with a number and letter, such as 300D. A higher denier results in a more canvas-like fabric while a lower number creates an almost silk-like feel.
Look for a vest made with nylon and polyester (or a blend) and, if budget permits, a DWR—durable water repellent—coating, which helps the fabric resist, say, an average rainstorm long enough to prevent gear from getting saturated but is no substitute for a proper waterproof garment.
Related Stories: Best Waders for Fishing, Best Tackle Boxes and Bags, Best Vehicle Fishing Rod Holders
Comfort
Another important factor to consider when choosing a fishing vest is fit, especially if you plan to wear your vest for long periods of time out on the water. Look for a vest that's adjustable-—adjusting straps will usually be located around the midsection—and that fits snugly without being restrictive. A loose-fitting vest may feel comfortable when empty, but as soon as you load up your gear, an ill-fitting vest can pull on your shoulders and back in all the wrong ways. If your local fishing shop carries a variety of vests, try a few on to get an idea of what feels best.
Temperature also affects your comfort, as a thicker, bulkier vest can quickly heat you up on hot summer days on the water. Likewise, if you are shopping for a vest for spring, fall, or winter, you may want to look for a more substantial vest that provides a bit more coverage.
Features
Most higher-end vests from fishing-specific brands such as Simms, FishPond, Orvis, and others have dedicated storage and attachment points for almost any gear you need for a day on the water. But if you're looking at cheaper options, think about the gear you regularly take out on the water and evaluate if that vest has appropriate, accessible slots for each item.
Many anglers use retractors to keep tools attached but usable. Check that a vest has enough D-loops or attachment points for all of your tools.
How We Selected
My selections are based on conversations I've had with fishing outfitters and my years of experience fishing across the U.S. I grew up fishing mostly bass in New York's Finger Lakes region, shorecasted and spearfished for saltwater species while living in Hawaii, and now I mostly fish for trout in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. I usually fish from a boat, where I prefer to use a boat bag, but I've started using the Slumberjack Strike Vest when fishing from a paddleboard so I don't have to bend over for gear while trying to keep my balance.
I focused my selections on vests that anglers will find stocked online, in fishing-specific retailers, and in the more popular big-box stores in North America. The PFD options are Coast Guard-rated and approved for use in the USA and Canada. Our category picks offer guidance if you've already narrowed down your search.
Best Overall
FishPond Gore Range Tech Pack FishPond amazon.com $149.95 $119.96 (20% off)
Key Specs
- Material: Polyester-cotton blend
- Weight: 1.65 lb.
- Pockets: 17
While the Gore Range looks the part of a vest, Colorado-based FishPond describes it as a pack because of its sheer volume and variety of storage options. Stacked frontal fly-box pockets accommodate large and small fly boxes, and the outermost fly-box pockets fold down to reveal foam fly benches that create a mini table off your chest to make viewing and selecting flies easy.
This isn't a budget vest, but for the price, you get a well-thought-out garment with dedicated spots for everything from hemostat to tippet to floatant. One drawback for folks on either extreme of the sizing spectrum: the Gore Range's one-size-fits-most system. Adjustments on the shoulders and at the waist let you customize fit, but slim and plus-size anglers may find those adjustments limiting.
- Unique fold-down fly benches
- One-size-fits-most sizing doesn't work for everyone
Best Budget
Slumberjack Strike Fishing Vest Slumberjack slumberjack.com $39.95
Key Specs
- Material: Polyester-cotton blend
- Weight: 14.5 oz.
- Pockets: 12
There is no shortage of "cheap" fishing vests available, but the Strike from respected brand Slumberjack is affordable while still being feature-rich. In keeping with Slumberjack's line of muted-color hunting and fishing gear, the Strike vest sports a one-color khaki theme with poly-cotton blend pockets set on top of a mesh front. The back is mesh with a large fabric zipper pouch (and a D-loop for hanging a net).
Despite its classic fishing vest look, the Strike has some modern features, such as a neoprene collar that helps keep the vest in place on your body and distributes weight when you've loaded up all 12 pockets for a day on the river. Make sure to choose your vest size wisely as the belly-height quick-release closure is the only means of snugging up this vest.
- Minimal fit-adjustment options
Best Splurge
Orvis Pro Fly Fishing Vest Key Specs
- Material: DWR-coated nylon
- Weight: 17.5 oz.
- Pockets: 18
If you're a guide or just plain serious about fishing, the Orvis Pro Fly Fishing Vest is everything an angler wants in a vest without being bulky or overbuilt. Case in point: The Pro features 18 pockets, which is enough to give you a dedicated spot for everything you need for a day on the water without having so many you forget which pocket holds what. (If you think you need more than 18 pockets, you're likely carrying too much tackle.)
Elastic loops allow you to attach a tippet bar, which holds up to seven tippet spools for different setups. The fly-box pockets are compression-molded to give them structure and added protection. The upper pockets are symmetrical, with matching fly-drying patches and hideaway tool storage for hemostat and nippers.
- Lots of storage and attachment points
Best for Kids
Eagle Eye Explorer Youth Fishing Vest Eagle Eye Explorer amazon.com $21.99
Key Specs
- Material: Cotton
- Weight: Not listed
- Pockets: 6
Young anglers may not need all the hard-core gear storage and tool attachments adults use, but if you want to help them look the part and not break your bank in the process, check out this youth vest from Eagle Eye Explorer. Reflective straps on the front and back, and neon mesh pockets, make Junior easy to spot. But the classic khaki fabric will help them feel like one of the crew out on the river.
Meant for kids age 4 to 7, this simple vest has six pockets: two Velcro, two mesh, and two zippered, so they can stash snacks, gear, and personal items safely out on the water. It's 100 percent cotton, so don't expect the same fabric tech and performance as your own pricier vest.
- Cotton fabric can get waterlogged
Best Backpack Vest
Simms Flyweight Pack Vest Simms backcountry.com $199.95
Key Specs
- Material: 420D Cordura, 210D nylon
- Weight: 0.8 lb.
- Pockets: 5
Most anglers already own a backpack, but using a regular backpack usually means also bringing a vest, sling pack, or other item along for wading and fishing. The Flyweight Pack Vest from Simms integrates vest-like functionality into a roll-top backpack that lets you bring more gear without needing to drop your pack to fish.
The wide mesh front straps have integrated pockets but also feature the 5.11 Hexgrid webbing system, which allows you to attach compatible accessories such as a fly-box pouch. There's also an integrated 2-liter hydration bladder that has its own compartment in the backpack portion of the vest. While there are multiple adjustment straps, there's no hip belt straps to help distribute your pack's weight, so if you overload this modest-capacity pack, your shoulders will bear all the weight.
- Lots of storage for longer outings
- Requires additional purchases to be fully functional as a vest
- No waist/hip strap
Best Fishing/Life Vest Combo
Kokatat Leviathan Lifevest Kokatat amazon.com $159.00
Key Specs
- Material: 210D nylon
- Weight: Not listed
- Pockets: 14
When a personal flotation device is a must, for times when you're kayak fishing or surf fishing, a traditional fishing vest isn't practical—or possible, for that matter. The Leviathan Fishing Life Vest from Kokatat conveniently combines the two into a streamlined package that still boasts 14 individual pockets. The Leviathan is heavy on zippered pockets, since security is paramount when fishing close to the water, but also has four mesh pockets and two fleece-lined hardwarmer slots for chilly mornings.
The rear PVC-free foam pad sits high on the back to accommodate kayak seat backs but continues down the back as a thin, breathable mesh to keep the vest tight to your body without overheating. There are all the fishing-specific features you'd expect from a regular fishing vest as well, such as attachment points for clippers and a rubberized knife/tool dock.
- Contoured fit doesn't obstruct casting
- Bulkier than non-PFD vests
Best for Warm Weather
Patagonia Convertible Vest Patagonia aventuron.com $89.00
Key Specs
- Material: Nylon and polyester mesh
- Weight: 14.46 oz.
- Pockets: 11
Whether you're surf-fishing in the tropics or just hitting the peak of summer on your favorite trout stream, a heavy vest can make you sweat. This mesh-backed vest from Patagonia weighs less than a pound and lets your back breathe.
With just six larger main vertical pockets, it keeps things simple and streamlined but uses interior and exterior zippered pockets to create secure storage for tippet and line spools. The Hypalon (synthetic rubber) tool holders are durable and keep tools close-by. If you want the option of adding a backpack for backcountry missions, the vest has a convertible option where the front of the vest can detach and pair with Patagonia's Stormsurge packs.
- Lightweight
- Fair Trade-certified sewn
- Internal straps unnecessary if not using pack compatibility
Best Ultralight
Allen Gallatin Ultralight Fishing Vest Allen Company walmart.com $53.60
Key Specs
- Material: N/A
- Weight: 11 oz.
- Pockets: 12
This minimalist option from Allen shaves off weight and reduces restriction on your casting motion with a "vest" that has straps only on the back and just as much front as is necessary to hold the pockets. Despite the ultralight design, Allen managed to fit 12 pockets onto the Gallatin, including two large enough for fly boxes.
This is a great option for those that find vests restrictive or who fish frequently in hot weather. High-visibility fabric patches on the inside make it easy to grab when gearing up in the early mornings.
- Thin shoulder straps don't distribute weight if loaded up
Best Hydration Pack Vest
Piscifun Fly Fishing Backpack with Water Bladder Piscifun amazon.com $44.99
Key Specs
- Material: 210D nylon
- Weight: 25.7 oz.
- Pockets: 17
If you're someone who rides or hikes with a hydration pack, you may appreciate having the same convenient access to water while fishing on long, hot days. This backpack-style fishing vest incorporates a 1.5-liter reservoir into the small backpack, with the classic over-the-shoulder tube passing through plastic D-loops and stowing on the front of the vest for easy sipping on the river.
The vest doesn't skimp on fishing-specific features either, with 17 pockets including two that are waterproof and zippered. There's also a Velcro strapping system that allows you to secure your rod to your vest to free both hands when needed in the middle of a body of water.
- Water weight can pull on shoulders over a long day
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