I also bought the vest from coldwater. They have a websight http://www.coldwaterpacks.com

This is a reporduction of the old columbia steelheader vest but with some improvements. Buy this vest and it will last you a lifetime, the material is very heavy and durable.

I don't think that whatever vest that you buy will be good enough. They never seem to have enough pockets. I have one for gear fishing and one for fly fishing. I just can't seem to get all my fly boxes in my vest. I carry 5 boxes. Don't ask me why because I don't know the answer. Jim S.

Jacob and my self just had this conversation on sat. The xtreme vest are awesome and the new one that Soos is putting out will hold your fish in the back lower half which will make for a nice walk out of the hole. Very well thought out unit.

Bill

I use a "purse" of sorts. Actually it's like the old soft sided creels. It has a shoulder strap that I put over my Right shoulder and the bag hangs under my left arm. I've really downsized the contents of my vest recently, and can get all I need in this thing. Works great for me ,all of my bait, and gear right at my side.

Aaron

I am fascinated with the concept of floating after I fall out of my sled or off the cataraft. So I use the Stormy Seas inflatable vest.

i use the stearns co2 vest with the rip cord.. i hope i dont need it.. but you never know!

After much searching I have found some information on Xstream Fly Fishing and Outdoor Gear.
The website is out of date but, after talking with Sōs, I feel that they are out to make the highest quality and most useful vest out there.

Xstream web site
Prices:
Xstream Deluxe - $130.00 (This is one one described with a pocket in the rear to carry fish)
Xstream Regular - $85.00

The website lists an 1-888 number that did not work for me. I should be getting pictures of the vest(s) soon. Hopefully I will get them soon, as it is time to replace the old vest...

-Stephen

I just saw that XStream vest for the first time this past Saturday, and met Sos for the first time, too.

The XStream vest looks awesome, if I didn't already own a CO2 inflatable Stearns vest, I'd buy the XStream one... it has way more pockets than the Stearns, and seems to be very well thought out. That Sos guy fishes a lot, is my impression. I expecially liked the cutaway at the back of the neck and the fleece detail there. Check it out.

-N.

If you are fishin out here just get the warmest vest you can find. don't worry about pockets of waterproof, as it will b covered up by at least 2 different layers anyway. I usually "borrow" my sons down vest iit is warm and nice and light.

I use one of those stearns with a ripcord also. Wonder though, if I have so much tackle stuffed in the thing that it will act like a lead vest rather than a life vest if I ever needed it.