Fishing Vests Compared

Benefits of Using a Quality Fishing Vest

Fishing Vest Buyer’s Guide

Vest Material

Pockets

This factor is one of the most important when it comes to buying a new fishing vest. Depending on your needs and what you plan to carry, you want your vest to have the right number of pockets. A fishing vest with many small front pockets will give you easy access to your lures and tools. Some anglers may want to add a separate flotation device. This will require a larger back pocket. Consider what you want to bring on your fishing trips before purchasing.

Durability

Fishing can be a great adventure, but you need gear that can keep up with you. Fishing vests should be made of durable materials. They may often get wet or have to contend with sharp hooks. All of the zipper enclosures should be top-quality so that they don’t break under stress.

Design and Color

Comfort and Size

You want your new fishing vest to be as comfortable as possible. Most people go fishing when it is sunny and warm, so ensure that your fishing vest comes with some breathability features. Look for a vest that has mesh panels near the arms and back. This will provide airflow and increased flexibility. Remember to check the size chart of the vest you intend to buy. Most will run true to size, but you should always buy a bit larger. This will give you room to store all of your gear.

Cost and Value

I have included all of the best products below to fit every budget. Always remember that the value of your vest is important. The most expensive vest doesn't always mean the most valuable for you. If you are looking for a simple fishing vest, then you may not need to spend a lot of money. 

1. Bassdash

To start our roundup, I will review the ultimate in wearable fishing gear. I chose this Bassdash vest as the best fishing vest available. It comes with maximum adjustability at every point. You will always have your gear on hand with this intuitively designed fishing vest.

The Bassdash fishing vest features padded shoulder straps so that you can carry your gear comfortably. It has an adjustable waist and shoulder straps that will give you an accurate fit. The breathable mesh back will keep you cool under the hot summer sun.

The zippers are concealed and flat locking so that they don't get caught up on your reels. It comes with an impressive 18 pocket design. There is a compartment for every lure in your tackle box. There is a D-ring on the back to attach a fishing net. The included rod holders are perfect for keeping steady while reeling in a big catch.

I thought that this fishing vest was designed well. The pocket layout allowed me to store all of my small lure boxes. The rod holder came in handy when I was out fishing on my kayak. I was comfortable throughout the day because of the mesh backing. It allowed the cool sea breeze to flow through the vest.

Overall, it is a great choice for men and women who enjoy both hardcore and recreational fishing.

2. NRS Chinook

The most important thing when you are out on the water is your safety. This vest is ideal for people who are searching for a few extra pockets, but also a personal flotation device. I chose the NRS Chinook as the best fishing life vest for serious fisherman.

It offers 16.5 lbs of flotation assistance in a comfortable design. This vest comes with a USCG level III flotation rating, which will give you peace of mind when out on the water. It includes seven front access pockets so that you can store small tackle boxes and tippet. 

Since the upper flotation device sits higher on the back, the lower mesh panel fits perfectly on high back fishing seats. It will also keep you cool when the weather gets hot. The front heavy duty zip will ensure that you get a comfortable fit, and the PlushFIT foam contours to your body.

3. Autumn Ridge Traders

Are you a fly fishing enthusiast searching for a simple vest? This is the best product for you. The Autumn Ridge Traders model is the highest rated fly fishing vest on the market. It comes in an elegantly simple design that is sure to impress every angler.

This Autumn Ridge vest comes with soft padded shoulders for distributing weight evenly across your body. It features a water-resistant material that is also quick-drying, so you never stay wet. This fishing vest comes with a removable back panel that will expose breathable mesh. When it gets hot, you simply unzip the back fabric panel and tuck it away. It has 16 easy-access pockets with velcro and high-quality zippers. It features a key fob on one of the pockets to attach a small fishing knife or another handy tool.

4. Anglatech

If you’re a lake and stream angler, then this vest will be perfect for you. This Anglatech product is the best trout fishing vest that you can find. It comes loaded with pockets and breathable mesh design. It is sure to make an excellent gift for any trout angler.

The Anglatech vest comes with 20 well-placed pockets. You can carry your small tackle boxes, lures, and tippet. It comes with a specific place to hold your pliers, which is a great addition to a fishing vest. It features a back storage compartment to place extra gear.

The breathable mesh will definitely keep you cool and dry. It has a specific water-resistant pocket for storing your phone or wallet. The tackle box pockets unzip and lay flat, which is great when your hands are full. It even has a place to store your water bottle on hot days.

5. Allen Gallatin Ultra-Light

Most of the vests I have reviewed above will fit both men and women, but what about a vest designed with lady anglers in mind? The Allen Gallatin Ultra-Light is the best women’s fly fishing vest available. It is extremely lightweight at only 0.2 lbs. It can be worn quite comfortably with ample space for gear.

This Allen Gallatin product is a fishing harness with a ton of pockets. It comes with a padded neck strap that has a D-ring holder for your fishing net. It has zip close front pockets that hold larger tackle boxes. Multiple interior pockets can keep the extra fishing line and small fly fishing lures. The zippers are molded and heavy-duty. There are numerous exterior D-rings to add other accessories. The hi-visibility interior lining adds extra comfort and allows you to find pockets quickly.

6. Master Sportsman Youth

I have covered the men’s and women’s categories, but what about the little anglers in our lives? Fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of every age. The Master Sportsman Youth product is the best kids fishing vest.

This Master Sportsman vest has an impressive 26 pocket design. It can hold everything that the beginner angler will need. You can safely carry all of your tackle boxes, extra line, and lures. This vest is machine washable, so even if your little one gets dirty, it is simple enough to wash. It features a rod holder that is perfect for assisting kids in reeling in their big catch. It comes with exterior and interior pockets with heavy-duty zippers, so there's no accidental breakage.

One feature that I liked about this Master Sportsman fishing vest was that it had so many pockets. Kids love pockets, and they always need a place to put things so they can have free hands. I liked that it came with a rod holder to assist young anglers in holding up their rods. This fishing vest will make your kids feel like one of the adults when out on the water.

7. MAXIMUMCATCH

Finding a great value is top on everyone’s list. You want your wearable fishing gear to be worth the money and to last a long time. The MaxCatch fishing vest is the best value for money pick. It comes with a ton of features, and it’s set at a reasonable price point.

This fishing vest from MaxiumumCatch comes with 17 pockets to hold all of your fishing accessories. It features gear attachment tabs, D-rings, and cord loops to attach all of your favorite gear. The shoulder straps feature suspension adjustability so that the weight is evenly distributed throughout the whole day.

It comes with a full mesh backing to keep you cool on the hottest summer days. There are two main fly compartments on the front of the vest that fold down into a molded carrying tray. The built-in rod holder is ideal for holding up your reel while you walk around.

I enjoyed using this MaxCatch vest when I went out on a kayak fishing adventure. It allowed me to keep my gear close by without filling up the limited space in my kayak. I liked that the suspension shoulder straps allowed me to move around with ease. I didn’t feel the weight of all of my extra gear.

8. Redington Clark Fork Mesh

Everyone loves a good bargain, and this product does not disappoint. If you're looking for something that won't break the bank, then the Redington Clark Fork Mesh fishing vest is the best cheap option. It is simple in its design, and the price is hard to beat.

This fishing vest by Redington features polyester quick-dry fabric that will ensure you stay dry and comfortable. It comes with a total of 13 pockets for easy access to all of your fishing gear. There are nine external pockets for storing lures, tools, and tippet. The large outer storage pocket is perfect for storing bigger tackle boxes. It has three interior pockets for keeping essential items close by such as your keys or water bottles.

I thought that this Redington vest was by far the most comfortable cheap fishing vest I’ve worn. The padded neck collar made it feel like an extra shirt instead of a bulky vest. The simple pocket layout made it easy to access my tools.

9. Lixada

10. Fishpond Gore Range

Some anglers simply want the creme de la creme of all wearable fishing gear. That’s where this fishing vest comes in. The Fishpond Gore is the top of the range fishing vest on the market. It outshines its competitors in craftsmanship and durability.

The Fishpond Gore comes with a fantastic pocket layout. It features two molded fly benches that zip down to keep all of your fly gear right in front of you. There are two vertical chest pockets that will hold medium and large tackle boxes. The mesh backing will keep you cool and allow you to move your arms while casting. It comes with a D-ring on the back for lashing a net. There are also several loops and rings to securely fasten other useful tools.

How to Properly Pack and Organize a Fishing Vest

Now that you’ve picked out the product above that suits you best, you need to know how to pack and organize it. You want to be able to find everything quickly and easily. Follow the list below to make sure that you have the essentials no matter what kind of fishing you’re doing.

Fishing Vest Maintenance

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Are fishing vests also flotation devices?

Yes. Some fishing vests can double as a life vest. The Chinook and Lixada products that I reviewed above come with personal flotation devices built-in. If you are searching for a life vest, then I recommend these products.

What are the best manufacturers of fishing vests?

Orvis, Filson, Fishpond, and Chinook are some of the best brands for fishing vests. Fishpond products tend to be more expensive, but their craftsmanship is unmatched. Filson fishing vests are among the most expensive, but they generally offer a very comfortable fit. The Chinook products provide some of the best flotation devices on the market. 

Why are fishing vests purposely cut short?

The length will depend on your size, but in general, fishing vests are cut short to keep them out of the way while you are casting. It also allows you to sit in a fishing chair on a boat or kayak comfortably.

Are all fishing vests waterproof?

Not all fishing vests are waterproof. Some vests are water-resistant, like most of the products on our list. Polyester and quick-dry fabric are often used to ensure they repel some water.

Can I infuse a hydration pack in a fishing vest?

None of the products that I reviewed above come with a hydration bladder compatible pouch. Some of them may include a large compartment where you can store a water bottle.

Where is the best place to buy these fishing vests?

I recommend shopping on Amazon for all of your fishing vest and wearable fishing gear needs.

Conclusion