Fly fishing wading jackets rated: which made the top 10?

The answer to the question ‘what are the best fishing products?’ is of course subjective. Everyone has their own opinion – and heavy.com, a global news and information website – is no exception.

The site regularly publishes its top lists of fishing products, ranging from boats to backpacks and fishing boxes to fillet knives.

The latest category to come under the microscope is wading jackets for fly fishing. Heavy.com’s ‘unbiased’ reviews seek to identify the best so consumers can compare the benefits of industry-leading options and select those that best suit their needs.

The top 10 makes interesting reading. While Orvis has three jackets in the list, ranging from $349 to $119, the Frogg Toggs Tekk Toad and the Caddis Systems Natural Breathable jacket make the cut with offerings costing under $55, less than half the price of almost all the other entries.

The most expensive jacket by some distance is the Grundéns Buoy X Goretex model at $479.99, while the only brand other than Orvis to have more than one product in the list is Frogg Toggs.

The full top 10, with some of the reviewers’ pros and cons, is:

Orvis Pro – pros: three-layer shell, lots of storage, adjustable storm hood with brim; cons: expensive, hood not removable, limited colour selection.

Orvis Encounter – pros: highly breathable, packable, super water resistant; cons: limited storage, expensive for lack of features.

Frogg Toggs Pilot 3 Guide rain jacket – pros: fit affords good range of movement, very good value; cons: sizes can run big, not particularly packable.

Frogg ToggsTekk Toad – pros: best budget choice, loads of storage space; cons: hood profile won’t suit everyone, stitching inferior to higher end jackets.

Caddis Wading Systems Natural Breathable – pros: lots of pockets and D-ring attachments; great price for the quality; cons: nothing around the wrists to prevent drafts, won’t last a lifetime despite good construction.

Orvis Men’s Ultralight – pros: exceptionally waterproof and windproof, super lightweight and packable, sporty fit; cons: priced on the high side, waist pocket high for some, non-collapsible hood.

Redington Wayward – pros: chest pockets compatible with fly boxes, hand-warmer pockets, solid value; cons: lacks external attachment points for tools etc., no colour options.

Simms Challenger – pros: exceptionally waterproof and durable, very light at 25.6oz, kill switch attachment and reflective logos for safety; cons: high-rise neck won’t be everyone’s choice, those seeking more casual jacket might find this overkill.

Grundéns Buoy X – pros: great for true foul weather fishing, hand-warmer pockets, active fit; cons: the most expensive on the list, not designed specifically for fly fishermen, not particularly packable.

Marmot Men’s Precip – pros: a fans’ favourite for years, packs into its own pocket, tons of colour choices, fair price tag; cons: not specifically designed for fly-fishing so lacks fishing features, sizes run small.

For a more detailed insight into each product and its features click here