My old steelheading vest is getting pretty tuckered out. I noticed this weekend on the Vedder river that several of the best angler had no vest. They were using fanny packs and one guy had a chest pack. Have any of you tried alternatives to the traditional vest that you would recommend?

I have all my gear in locking trays at home, and only bring a fanny-pack with the gear I need for the fish I am targeting for that day. If I need spare stuff I leave it in the car.
I used to lug around a huge Guide bag full of stuff and that got old quick. Now I bring along only what I need and love travelling lightweight.

If Flyfishing or in waders, I will use my vest, but if I am banking it with the intention of not getting wet, the but bag is the best.

Have not used a vest in 3 years.

Fanny Packs are way to go. Love it

I dunno surecatch, I think the color of your vest alone is good enough reason to keep wearing it!

Divers: Any particular brand or model you like?

4 Salt:: You are just jealous cuz no one made any mention of you clothing. Wait till you see my cerise vest for chum fishing!

Try a fishpond fanny pack. awsome capacity. They have them at Ted's Sports center in Lynnwood. It has a shoulder strap if you don't want to buckle it around you.

I like my vest, organized and holds cigars and a flask. Fanny packs are good, too, just don't wade past your fanny.

Hey 4salt, you should have seen Surecatch's vest when it was brand new..... I wore sunglasses to not hurt my eyes and it scared all the fish away!

Surecatch, I am using a JW Outfitters.

It's a med. size and very comfortable, it has plenty of room.

Ive not worn a vest in 4 or 5 years! I use a chest pack, and have learned what I really NEED to take, If Im day hiking I also take a small day pack for a lunch. etc. Especially if wading , you can adjust most chest packs up high for deep wading. Only drawback Ive found is a little rod interference while drift fishing

surecatch I use a Filsons chest pack I really like it plenty of storage space, real comfortable to wear, they are a little pricey but very well made. I believe Sportco has them not 100% sure on that though.

I have not worn a vest in a couple of years; it used to kill my back and shoulders. Switched to a fanny pack and will never go back. I can carry everything I want, it is easier to get to and no pain.

Filson Chest Pack- the only way to go, I haven't worn a vest for four years. Plenty of room for all the gear I would need on any excursion and lots of room to spare for most.

Also, when you drop something it falls into the pack rather than on the ground.

Orvis has some nice ones as well .

I think the waist and chest combo might be the one I will order.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product_directory_showcase3.asp?dir%5Fid=758&group%5Fid=781&cat%5Fid=548&subcat%5Fid=1

Other positives about fanny packs :

You dont need a wader belt, they act as a back saver.

I'm also a fanny pack guy. For carrying jigs and floats they are the way to go. Outdoor emporium has some nice ones made by Stearns in their "Mad Dog" series. I have one with summer run tackle and another for winter fishing. they work great.

Personally, I'd like to have a caddy. You know, like them golfin' guys have. I want someone to carry all my crap and stand there waiting to hand it to me when I need it.

isnt that called a guide?

I use a Gloomis back pack for everything from my boat to banking.

I bought a boat. Had trouble getting the pony keg in the fanny pack.

Beezer

That must be why you switched to Yukon Jack then... huh Beezer? Plus, those tap deposits are a pain in the a$$!

Fanny packs are the way to go when there is a gravel bar. You still need a vest for those situations were you are wading and there is no bank to set the fanny pack on.

Most of the time when I get to the bank I dump my vest, it just to heavy to wear for any amount of time.

You think I talk a lot normally give me a hit of Yukon and I will never shut up