Spreading the Load

Fly-fishing is often described as a lightweight and mobile sport. While we haven’t yet resorted to wheeling barrows of gear to the water’s edge – unlike our carp-fishing brethren – I don’t know a single fly-fisher bold enough to venture out armed with nothing more than a rod, reel and handful of flies. Even the most committed minimalist would at least carry a fly-box, plus essentials such as spools of tippet material, floatant, snips or scissors, forceps, polarised sunglasses and a landing net. Add your keys and the ever-present mobile phone, and trouser pockets are quickly outmatched. In short, we need more carrying capacity.

With that in mind, we reviewed 12 fishing waistcoats (our American cousins call them ‘vests’), which are still the most popular choice among fly-fishers in the UK. Each waistcoat was assessed against the following criteria:

1. Fit, comfort and weight distribution.
2. Pocket size, number, position and fastenings.
3. Material, quality and finish.
4. Features.
5. Access to the rear pocket and net.

We felt these criteria had a direct impact on overall performance. For instance, a low-set net ring won’t accommodate quick-clip or magnetic attachments, meaning your net will hang at an awkward height while walking.

To ensure a consistent standard for assessing pocket size and capacity, we used the same fly-boxes and average-sized tippet spools for each waistcoat.

Fly boxes used were: double-sided C&F boxes: 200mm (L) x 115mm (W) x 42mm (D); single-sided Tacky and Fulling Mill boxes: 180mm (L) x 98mm (W) x 20mm (D); a small Wheatley box: 125mm (L) x 90mm (W) x 30mm (D); and tippet spools: 68mm diameter x 10mm depth.

The following are our opinions. We hope you find them helpful, but we recommend visiting your local tackle dealer and trying before you buy.

Farlows Wensum Ultralight

£400

This traditionally styled, well-tailored waistcoat is made from a 60% nylon and 40% cotton ripstop blend, making it both exceptionally light and durable. The fabric is produced in Scotland to stringent environmental and safety standards, before being marked, cut and hand-sewn by master coatmakers. Each garment undergoes rigorous quality control before leaving the factory.

The waistcoat features a full-length zip closure but lacks padding on the collar or shoulders. The front layout includes four generously sized bellows pockets: the lower pair easily accommodate a C&F box alongside a slimmer option, while the upper pockets can take a Wheatley box or larger. On the right chest is a dedicated sleeve for forceps or scissors, with a lamb shearling fly patch positioned above. Smaller accessory pockets are mounted on the fronts of the lower bellows, ideal for floatants and similar items.  All pockets are secured with substantial flaps fastened by double press studs.

There are no internal or rear storage options, and while the brass net ring is a good size and securely mounted, our testers found it was positioned slightly low.

Pros: Quality craftsmanship, premium materials, extremely light, well-designed flaps and fastenings, good overall length

Cons: No padding or lining, limited features, no internal or rear pockets, low net ring,
price point

Tel 01544 322311 

Web farlows.co.uk

T&S Recommends

Fishpond Sagebrush Pro Mesh

£179.99

One of the more technical options, the Sagebrush Pro is lightweight and breathable, made from a hardwearing polyester warp-knit mesh. The main fastening is a generously sized push-clip on elasticated straps, allowing easy adjustment to accommodate extra layers.

Two large bellows pockets on the lower front each hold a C&F or two thinner fly-boxes. On the left side are two stretch tippet pockets with Velcro closures, each holding up to two spools. Opposite is a zipped pocket offering ample space for additional spools or leaders. Above these are horizontal zipped pockets on both sides, extending behind the lower pockets down to the hem — ideal for full-sized fly-boxes or spare reel spools.

The right breast pocket fits a small Wheatley-style box, while the left features a drop-down workstation with a silicone Tacky fly mat, providing both storage and a stable working platform. Additional stretch pockets on the front will hold floatants or accessories.

Vertical zips alongside the front closure access more storage between the front pockets and inner lining. Hypalon tool stations sit on the shoulders, with a Velcro rod strap on the left. Internally, there are large Velcro drop pockets and zipped compartments on both sides.

At the rear, a pass-through pouch offers quick access to larger items like a water bottle or rain jacket. For net storage, choose between a collar-mounted D-ring or the built-in slip holster. The mesh back panel can also be swapped for the compatible Firehole backpack.

Pros: Padded straps, extensive storage, built-in workstation, accessible rear pouch, net options, modular back panel, quality construction 

Cons: High proportion of mesh to fabric

Contact Guideline Fly Fish  

Web guidelineflyfish.com

Greys Tail

£99.99

Made from 100% nylon with a polyester mesh lining, and finished in Greys’ signature grey and red livery, the Tail is one of the shorter waistcoats on test. A ribcage-length style usually means less room, often resulting in pockets sitting high on the chest and feeling cramped. But thanks to a thoughtful layout and padding, the Tail avoids this drawback.

The waistcoat fastens with a zip and a push-clip, ideal for adjusting layers – or accommodating a hearty breakfast. On each side are twin tippet pockets allowing up to eight spools to be carried, with large zipped bellows pockets behind. Another zipped pocket sits behind each, giving a total capacity of four C&F or eight slim fly-boxes, though our testers noted these two pockets are uncomfortably close for easy access.

Beside the main zip are two elasticated bottle holders for floatant. Chest pockets will fit a small Wheatley box and include zipped slots for tippet spools. The right side features a built-in cord zinger under the flap; the left has a coil zinger beneath a separate cover. All pocket flaps are generously sized and secure. The chest flaps also double as fly patches, with a Velcro rod strap above the right.

Internally, four small drop-in pockets with Velcro tabs and two large zipped compartments add storage. The back includes two zipped pockets (one shallow, one deep), though to access them you must remove the waistcoat. A net D-ring is well positioned below the collar.

Pros: Dual fastenings, padded shoulders/collar, huge storage, built-in zingers

Cons: Tight lower pockets, rear pocket access, no drain holes

Contact Pure Fishing  

Web greysfishing.co.uk

Guideline Experience

£159.99

The Experience falls firmly into the modern ‘technical vest’ category. Constructed from 210-denier Oxford nylon with a mesh lining, it fastens via a quality YKK zip or an elasticated magnetic buckle. It is clearly well made from high-grade components. However, our testers found the material stiffer than most, and the narrow shoulder straps offered less weight distribution, reducing overall comfort.

Feature-wise, the Experience excels. Two tiers of stretch pockets on either side – upper ones with Velcro closures – comfortably hold multiple tippet spools or smaller Wheatley boxes. Though tempting to store larger boxes here, there are more secure options.

Vertical two-way zips run almost the full length of each side, opening up a spacious compartment between the outer pockets and the mesh lining. Each side can accommodate up to two C&F or four thinner boxes, separated by a Velcro-secured mesh divider. This keeps contents organised and prevents items shifting when removing lower items.

On the upper chest are smaller vertical zips revealing orange-backed tool stations, each with a coil zinger, webbing band and three elastic loops. The right-hand station also includes a fabric fly patch. Additional tool and bottle loops are positioned for both left- and right-handed users.

Internally, there are two large zipped pockets at the top and two smaller ones at the base. The mesh back includes solid shoulder panels, a zipped pocket, and a V-ring at the collar. The rear can be removed and replaced with the Experience or Alta backpacks.

Pros: Quality build, clever layout, anti-tangle design, zip pulls, removable back, high-set net ring

Cons: Stiff fabric, unpadded straps, short cut, restricted rear pocket access

Contact Guideline Fly Fish  

Web guidelineflyfish.com

JMC Tradition V2

£56.99

As the name suggests, this is a traditionally styled waistcoat with a slightly longer cut, made from Taslan – a lightweight polyester with quick-drying properties. It features a part-mesh inner lining and a front zip fastening. The collar is a soft mesh fabric, lightly padded for comfort, and the armholes provide excellent freedom of movement.

On the front are two large bellows pockets, each capable of holding one C&F or two Tacky or Fulling Mill fly-boxes, along with two smaller bellows pockets, ideal for tippet spools or smaller boxes. All have Velcro flap closures; however, the flaps are quite short when fully loaded, and the small Velcro patches struggle to provide a secure seal.

Behind the lower front pockets are zipped compartments just large enough for a small Wheatley box. They keep contents accessible without them slipping into the lining. Higher up are two square chest pockets with one-way zips; the left includes a fixed Velcro fly patch. Four D-rings on the front offer attachment points for tools and there is one at rear for a net, though our testers found it small and positioned too low.

Inside are two large zipped pockets. Two more zipped compartments at the rear offer generous additional storage but can only be accessed by removing the waistcoat.

Pros: Comfortable padded neck, practical cut and length, ample storage with large inner pockets, easy-grip zip pulls

Cons: Short flaps with small velcro, limited rear access, low-set net ring, no drain holes

Contact Glasgow Angling Centre  

Web fishingmegastore.com

Leeda Profil

£34.99

With its double-layer polyester mesh body, the Profil is clearly designed with summer use in mind. Only the pocket fronts, shoulders, piping and stretch collar are made from solid fabric, which gives the waistcoat a rather flimsy feel. This raised concerns among our testers regarding long-term durability – particularly in snaggy or thorny environments.

The Profil has a waist-length cut with a zip front closure and features four tippet pockets, each large enough to hold two spools. Below these are two zipped bellows pockets, both capable of accommodating a single C&F box or two thinner Tacky or Fulling Mill boxes. On the chest are two square zipped bellows pockets, suitable for smaller Wheatley boxes or similar items. Two D-rings sit just below these, with a third positioned high on the rear collar for net attachment.

The overall layout is simple but functional. However, there is no rear pocket, which could be a drawback for anglers needing to carry larger items such as a rain jacket or water bottle. Additionally, there are no internal pockets for added storage.

Pros: Lightly padded collar, good ventilation for hot weather, generous pocket flaps with tabs, high net ring 

Cons: Rather flimsy feel, no rear storage for larger items, no internal pockets, limited durability

Contact Leeda Tackle  

Web leeda.co.uk

T&S Recommends

Patagonia Stealth

£180

Made from 100% recycled polyester, the Stealth features a tough double-layer mesh construction on both the front and rear, making it lightweight and highly breathable. It fastens with two small but adjustable push-clips and includes side straps beneath stretch side panels to improve the fit when fully loaded. Although there is no padding on the collar or shoulders, these features combine to create a very comfortable waistcoat.

Patagonia has moved away from the traditional four-pocket layout, opting instead for a cascading set of three pockets on each side. The lower pockets can hold a small Wheatley box or four or more spools of tippet. The middle pockets extend behind the lower ones to the hem, each accommodating a C&F or two Tacky/Fulling Mill boxes. 

The top pockets are smaller, suited to tippet or accessories. Tool loops run down the inner edge, with a mesh floatant pocket on the lower right. All flaps are large, well secured with Velcro and feature Patagonia’s signature blue tabs, with drain holes in the bottom pockets.

The left breast pocket includes a removable faux sheepskin fly patch and a Velcro rod strap above. Vertical zips alongside the front closure give access to a large inner area behind the front pockets, each side easily holding two full-sized fly boxes or spare spools.

Inside are long zipped mesh pockets on either side. At the back are two zipped compartments: a full-sized poacher’s pocket and a half-depth waterproof valuables pocket. A pass-through ‘kangaroo’ pouch allows easy access to a water bottle or jacket. 

Pros: Adjustable fit, intuitive layout, high capacity, waterproof valuables pocket, accessible rear pouch, well-positioned net ring

Cons: Heavy use of mesh, small front clips

Contact Patagonia UK  

Web eu.patagonia.com

T&S Recommends

Simms Freestone

£139.99

The Freestone has the quality look and feel you’d expect from Simms. Made from durable, weather-resistant nylon with a polyester mesh lining, it features a secure elasticated push-clip closure and a well-padded collar for added comfort.

The front layout includes large zipped bellows pockets – each able to hold one C&F or two Tacky or Fulling Mill boxes – with two flapped tippet pockets in front. These can each carry three standard spools and are fitted with secure Velcro closures and rubber tool tabs.

Breaking from convention, the Freestone includes a vertical zipped stretch pocket on the left breast, ideal for a phone, and a side-entry Velcro-sealed Nelson pocket that extends partway into the mesh lining. On the right is a fixed, compression-formed fly-box pocket with twin zips. This folds down on stretch side hinges to form a stable workstation, complete with a hard foam base and internal mesh pocket. Two built-in fly patches and the Simms logo adorn the front.

Additional features include tool loops, a small D-ring, and a Velcro rod strap on the left shoulder. Inside are four Velcro drop pockets and a large zipped pocket on each side. At the rear is a large zipped poacher’s pocket to access which you must remove the waistcoat. A sturdy D-ring is stitched into the back of the collar for a high net attachment.

Pros: Padded collar, built-in workstation, quality finish, well-designed pockets, good internal storage, high net ring

Cons: Rear pocket access, modest overall capacity, no drain holes, slightly short cut

Contact Fly Fish Europe  

Web flyfisheurope.com

Snowbee All Seasons 

£95

Redesigned for 2025 and now available up to XXL (50/52in chest), the All Seasons is built for year-round use. Made from tough, rip-stop polyester with a PU lining, it is waterproof, wind-resistant and quick-drying. A mesh inner adds breathability, while quilted shoulder panels help cushion the load.

Its waist-length cut suits the waistcoat’s generous proportions – presumably to allow for winter layering – but it can feel baggy over lighter clothing. The front fastens with a zip, or a small Velcro tab can be used for increased airflow.

The pocket layout is extensive. On each side are two large tippet pockets – the biggest on test – comfortably holding three spools each, with substantial zipped bellows pockets behind that can fit a large C&F or up to three slim Tacky or Fulling Mill boxes. Above are zipped Nelson-style pockets, leading to chest bellows pockets: the right one zipped, the left flapped – though the reason why is unclear. Both can accommodate a small Wheatley box or river-sized reel. There’s also a flapped pocket on the right, and a second flapped pocket high on the left shoulder, next to a Velcro rod strap.

Additional features include a fixed metal snap-clip, three elasticated bottle loops on the right shoulder, and a single internal Velcro drop pocket. The rear offers flexible storage, with a large zipped top pocket on a removable back panel. This reveals a mesh back with a side-zipped pocket and shallow hem pocket – both accessible with some difficulty while still being worn.

Pros: Waterproof, wind-resistant, excellent storage, removable back panel, well-placed net rings

Cons: Slightly long for wading, fit and styling not the best

Contact Snowbee  

Web snowbee.co.uk

T&S Recommends

Stillwater Darn

£24.99

The Darn is made from lightweight polyester with a mesh lining to enhance breathability. Its black stretch collar is well padded and among the most comfortable when fully loaded. The cut is short enough for wading yet not so short that it cramps the pockets, and the generous armholes allow full freedom of movement.

Fastening is via a large plastic push-clip – simple, secure, and easy to operate.
The front pocket layout includes two small tippet pockets on the left, each comfortably holding two standard spools, and a single larger pocket on the right. Once filled, the large flaps provide good coverage and secure Velcro closure, with added tabs for easy opening. Behind these are spacious bellows pockets with two-way zips, each accommodating one C&F or two Tacky or Fulling Mill boxes.

Two zipped chest pockets can hold smaller Wheatley-sized boxes; the right features a detachable foam fly patch, and both have inner D-rings. Inside, there are four Velcro drop pockets, though no zipped compartment for valuables.

The rear poacher’s pocket, with a zip entry on the left side, is one of the few tested that can be accessed while worn. Although the opening is narrow, it prevents contents from spilling. The net ring is well placed and securely stitched into the collar seam.

Pros: Comfortable padded collar, removable fly patch, accessible rear pocket, large flaps with tabs, high-set net ring

Cons: No inner zipped pocket, no drain holes

Contact Glasgow Angling Centre  

Web fishingmegastore.com

.

Vision Caribou

£129.99

The Caribou has a soft 100% nylon outer with a polyester mesh semi-lining, offering good shower resistance and improved ventilation. Front fastening is via a small plastic push-clip, which provides ample adjustment. The padded collar and lined shoulders add to its comfort, and although the cut is slightly shorter, access doesn’t feel cramped.

The lower front has large bellows pockets with two-way zips, each capable of holding one C&F or two slimmer fly-boxes. In front is an asymmetrical arrangement: each side has one square flapped pocket and a narrower one. The narrow pockets, made of stretchy mesh, can just hold a spool of tippet but are better suited to smaller items. The square mesh pockets have more space and can fit up to four spools or even a small Wheatley box. While practical, testers noted concerns about the long-term durability of the mesh. Further up is a large zipped pocket extending into the hem – ideal for larger boxes, spare reels or even lunch. Above are tiered bellows pockets: a zipped pocket large enough for a small Wheatley box, a smaller pocket on top, and a stretch mesh pocket with a side Velcro closure.

Additional features include covered coil zingers, webbing tool tabs, large inner mesh pockets, and a full-width rear pocket (only accessible when removed). Net D-rings are at the collar and under the arm.

Pros: Comfortable fit, generous storage, quality fittings, built-in zingers, net options

Cons: Rear pocket access, mesh durability

Contact Guide Fly Fishing  

Web guideflyfishing.co.uk

Wychwood Gorge

£79.99

Made from soft 100% nylon with a mesh lining and neoprene-like collar and shoulders, the Gorge is well constructed and includes several thoughtful features. The main fastening is a simple, albeit rather small, push-clip with limited adjustment.

On the lower front are two tippet pockets per side, accommodating up to eight spools. Behind each is a zipped bellows pocket capable of holding one C&F or two Tacky or Fulling Mill boxes. Above, two large vertical zipped bellows pockets offer further storage for similar-sized boxes. Each of these also features a front flapped tippet pocket and a small elasticated bottle loop on the inner seam.

While storage capacity is generous, fully loaded upper pockets tend to obscure the lower ones, making access and visibility difficult. Inside each upper pocket is a rubber tool tab and a built-in coil zinger with a plastic snap-clip for attaching tools. 

All pockets feature drain holes and either zip pulls or sizeable flaps with rubber tabs, which can also be used for tool attachment. Internally, there’s a single zipped pocket containing a microfibre glasses cloth – a nice detail.

The standout feature is the rear: a large top-zipped compartment with two flapped bellows pockets below. This entire panel can be zipped off and worn as a shoulder bag, leaving the waistcoat with a breathable mesh back. Though clever, testers questioned the practicality of carrying a separate bag with a system designed to be hands-free.

Pros: Padded collar/shoulders, tool tabs, built-in zingers, drain holes, removable rear panel

Cons: Short length, bulky upper pockets restrict access, rear pocket access

Contact Wychwood Tackle  

Web wychwoodgame.co.uk