Comfort is a big factor in the success of any angling trip. As such, it’s important to have an adequately sized and fitted fishing vest with you when you go out to fish. The types of carriers you can choose from are quite numerous, and vary in their different features and their pricing.
In this quick guide, we take a look at the different types of fishing vests that you can choose from as well as their corresponding advantages and disadvantages.
Some of these are made for competitions while others are for casual fishing. However, all of them are built to carry all of the equipment and gear that you need, making them very convenient to use, especially when worn.
Take a look at the different types of vests and select the best one for you.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Bassdash Strap Fishing Vest Adjustable | Best Overall |  |
| Gihuo Men's Summer Outdoor Work Safari Fishing Travel Photo Vest | Budget Pick |  |
| Anglatech Fly Fishing Backpack | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Bassdash Strap Fishing Vest Adjustable
Pros:
- Comes in 2 sizes, S/M and L/XL, to fit a variety of body types
- Comes with 6 different compartments
- Has a built-in hoodie
- Has adjustable compression straps
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Has a cord management attachment
Made with Breathable Mesh, Mesh Pockets for Angling, Rod Holders, Fly Stripping Patches, 2 Large Side Pockets, and Adjustable Shoulder Straps.
Fishermen have a lot of things to tote around when out on the water. Without a proper pack, it turns a nice day on the lake into an agonizing experience. The Bassdash Fishing Pack helps cut down on some of the back-breaking weight.
This pack sits comfortably on your waist and keeps your hands free for working the rod and reel, and it allows you to carry around more tackle and other items.
2. Lixada Fly Fishing Vest Breathable Padded Superior 209lb Bearing Safety Jacket
Pros:
- It is built for many fishing activities
- It has a lot of pockets and large size
- It is very comfortable in hot summer days
- The padded shoulder is enhanced by the neoprene
3. Anglatech Fly Fishing Backpack
Pros:
- Comes is variety of colors (Hunter green, black, army grey)
- Comes with large capacity water bladder, which can be removed if you want
- Great value for the money (under 60 dollars)
- Fewest cons
- Great for warm weather conditions
Accessories: UL floating vest (can be removed if you need)
Warranty: No warranty for this product.
Overall, this fishing vest is great for the money. You can’t go wrong with this vest. It’s very affordable.
4. NRS Chinook Fishing PFD
Pros:
- Legendary NRS quality
- Designed to withstand extreme weather conditions
- Full coverage of a confined space life vest
- D-shaped back panel
The NRS Chinook is a full-featured fishing vest that is not a life jacket. It is more like a suit of armor for the courageous fisherman who doesn't mind taking the risks he wants to.
It features a recessed dry pocket with a clear window, an accessory D-ring with a snap closure, and two repositionable pockets on back. If you want freedom of movement, you can always ditch the latter two and just stick with the vest.
The Chinook features a zippered pocket for holding your GPS, or whatever else you have to carry.
5. M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Fly Fishing Vest Pack
Pros:
- Easily keeps your fishing equipment in place
- Many options and storage slots for rods, reels, and hooks
The MB4MPC Fishing Vest Pack from MaximumCatch is a handy backpack that includes 8 storage slots for fishing reels, 4 rod holders, and a hook holder.
The 2-in-1 pack is a back pack and sling pack, making it even easier to get to your gear. The suction cups on the rod holders work well. You shouldn’t have any problems with the rod holders losing their suction and falling off the vest.
The fishing vest is affordable, and the manufacturers behind it come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Get it if you’re looking for a convenient way to tote around your fishing gear.
6. Allen Gallatin Ultra Light Fishing Vest & fly fishing vest
Pros:
- Comes with ventilated back panel
- Lightweight
- High capacity
- Breathable material
- Long lasting
- Many colors
- Easy to maintain
Is one of the best fishing vest you can have.
From the beginning, Allen Fly Fishing has been dedicated to manufacturing high-quality fishing vest and the new Galatin Ultra Light Fishing Vest is another addition.
This vest is made from high quality material that is both water and stain resistant. The vest is also available in many different colours; you can choose the vest you think fits your own personality.
7. Rothco Uncle Milty Travel Vest
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of vest types.
- Comfortable.
Cons:
- No pockets.
- Pockets are small.
The Rothco Uncle Milty Travel Vest is a wildly popular vest among angling enthusiasts. Being made of nylon mesh fabric means that it feels light and breathable, which is crucial for warmer climates and, of course, when you’re fishing under the hot sun.
The pack comes with multiple pockets on the front. One is zippered for fragile items, while the others feature velcro flaps. The back also has a zippered pocket where you can store your valuables. The overall design is simple and unspectacular, but it gets the job done without fuss.
Customers have come to appreciate how easily it is to keep organized with this backpack. Admittedly, beginners may find it challenging to see all the pockets at first, since it lacks a lot of visual indicators. Luckily, there’s a lot of pockets, so you could just use a fishing vest organizer if you’re worried about them not being defined enough.
8. Gihuo Men's Summer Outdoor Work Safari Fishing Travel Photo Vest
Pros:
- Design is compact and lightweight
- Great for boating
Cons:
- Poor quality
- Pockets poor quality
9. Kylebooker Fly Fishing Vest Pack Adjustable
Pros:
- Made from quality oxford cloth material
- Zipped fly patch pockets
- Perfect for beginner fly fishermen
The Kylebooker Fly Fishing Vest Pack adjustable for Men & Women is a great way for beginners to get their feet wet in the fly fishing world. The vest is made of quality oxford cloth, which means it can withstand all of the normal wear and tear that you can expect out of a fishing vest. The vest features zipped fly patch pockets, which help to keep all of your fly boxes organized.
10. ONYX Kayak Fishing Life Jacket
Pros:
- Ideal for the small to medium size fisherman
- Designed to allow for an easy way to fish and conveniently carry tackle and bait
- FastDry fabric is waterproof and comfortable
- Telescoping pole clips provide a quick secure storage of extra rod or umbrella pole.
- Fully adjustable panels provide a greater fit.
- Removable chest pack for easy access to your mobile devices and a convenient location to put your valuables.
- Large fly patch located on the left chest
- Orange color for safety and visibility
- Sturdy and durable enough to withstand most conditions
- Fully loaded and ready to fish
Using the Onyx Fishing Vest is like having a high-tech tackle box with you wherever you go. It’s designed to hold everything you need to make sure you can stay prepared for your time fishing or even if you simply want to go on a day at the beach and don’t want to bog yourself down with beach gear.
11. Master Sportsman Adult 26 Pocket Fishing Vest
The Master Sportsman is one of the most advanced fish management vests on the market for sale. It is perfect for fly fisherman and could be the best gear you have ever purchased.
The bow pockets are specially designed for keeping your tools, and floats in place while you are fishing. It is a great versatility backpack and has 23 pockets in all.
The cool thing about this vest is that it provides you easy access inside your backpack from the top of your backpack, and you don’t have to bend over to get things.
12. M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Fly Fishing Vest Adjustable Size
Pros:
- It is made of the high-quality net mesh with elastic sides, that is convenient for your usual fishing and also the active movement.
- This vest is breathable, so it could keep you dry after a deep water diving and would not hurt your waist.
- It is not suitable for taller people.
With such a versatile vest you will be able to keep everything you need on hand while you are fishing. It has 4 pockets and also two side chest pockets.
The mesh material with a very nice 2 colors will be perfect for comfortable and plenty of activities, not only fishing.
Conclusion
For us to determine the best fishing vest, we looked for a vest that:
- Is waterproof
- Is comfortable
- Has a lot of nice pockets to store tackle and other necessary gear
- Has a lot of shoulder support
- Has a vibrant look and feel
- Is easy to put on and take off
- Is easy to use
- Has quality zippers and zippers that don’t get stuck
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Bassdash Strap Fishing Vest Adjustable | Best Overall | |
| Gihuo Men's Summer Outdoor Work Safari Fishing Travel Photo Vest | Budget Pick | |
| Anglatech Fly Fishing Backpack | Upgrade Pick | |