Fly-Fishing Fashion
Yes, it’s summer now, and foul-weather gear is the last thing on many anglers’ minds. But fall’s coming soon, and several manufacturers are offering some new jackets and rain gear to keep you comfortable once the doldrums have passed.
Englands’ new All-Weather Safety Jacket is a lightweight, breathable, water- and windproof jacket made from Microfiber material. As a bonus, it features a lifejacket that inflates automatically. (It also features a manual override, should you wish to inflate the jacket as a precautionary measure.) The life vest is certified to keep an unconscious person upright.
Lined with Polartec fleece, the outer jacket features sealed seams to ensure water resistance. The inner, removable jacket can be worn on its own. The front pockets are also lined with fleece to keep your hands warm and dry.
Matching Microfiber over-pants are also available. The jacket and pants come in either blue or green in sizes M though XXL.
For more information, contact Englands, 146 High St., Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NN, England; 011-44-121-427-2724.
Simms’ newest foul-weather offering is its Guide Jacket, suitable for virtually any condition you might encounter while fishing, thanks to its three layers of Gore-Tex material.
Gore-Tex is well known for providing a breathable, waterproof garment, and the Simms jacket takes full advantage of Gore-Tex’s excellent water-shedding qualities. To ensure that water is kept out, the cuffs are watertight neoprene.
The Guide Jacket features two large front chest pockets and a large back pocket for storage, while the double storm cover conceals access to two waterproof pockets. The roll-up hood is adjustable at both the top and back of the head to allow a more comfortable, safer fit. The waist also has an adjustable shock cord to keep the jacket in place.
The Guide Jacket is available in sizes S through XXL in forest green and khaki with a suggested retail price of $325. For more information, contact Simms, 101 Evergreen Drive, Bozeman, MT 59715; 406-585-3557.
