I'm looking to purchase a high quality rain proof wader jacket.
Looked at Simms brand with Gortex and their jackets are most expensive.
Also, looked at Cabela's brand with Gortex and they're little cheaper.
Is Simms that much better for the money?
Appreciate any input on this.

I have the lightweight guide jacket with the neoprene cuffs... This is by far my favorite fishing jacket... I has no insulation but it keeps the weather out. I have always been a big fan of Simms and will continue to get more of their products. I even ripped the jacket and was able to just trade it in a for a new one where i bought it. The Simms customer service has been great to me.

I've had my SIMMS Guide Rain Jacket for 3 years now. Best darn rain jacket I've ever worn. Even now, water still beads up on the surface and just rolls off. I've done nothing to treat it.

I don't think they are worth the retail cost, but at wholesale, it's the only way to go!

Stlhdr1 uses the Cabela's Guidewear System Jacket. He really seems to like that. It comes in several layers, which is nice, as you can remove layers as needed.

I have the Cabelas Guidewear pants and really like those. Great sled pants.


Link to Cabelas Guidewear stuff.

D3Smartie, Where did you purchase your Simms jacket?

Parker, Is there a place where I can purchase a Simms jacket at a wholesale price?

Not that I know of.

Well...
Don't buy the Hodgeman jacket. The seams on mine are tearing out after one seasons use. However, I think the Patagonia SST is just as nice as the Simms and I saw one one sale at The Morning Hatch in Tacoma yesterday for $229 or $259 (I can't remeber exactly)

Good luck!

Thanks for your input! Guys.
Right now, I'm leaning more towards this Cabela Stretch GORE-TEX XCR Deluxe Wading Jacket

I bought the stretch Gortex jacket a few years back and it leaked where the stretchy material was. I sent it back and got their gortex jacket without the stretch and it works great. See ya this weekend.

Thanks for great info, CraigO.
Stretch jacket is definitely out.
Yeah, let's go bonk some of summer fish this weekend!

I have a SIMMS light weight Goretex jacket and enjoy it very much. I'm told that you can't wash it with detergent, or the "water proof" will come off. I would also check out Helli Hansen, as I've heard that the more you wash the jacket, the more water proof it becomes.

The Simms jacket was created after the famous Patagonia SST fishing jacket, which is supposedly the BEST fishing jacket in existance. The Simms G3 Jacket is also at the tops of the fishing jackets at 425.00 dollars!
The Simms is cool because of the fish emblem on the front, but the SST fits me better. They are both the same cost and are top of the line bomb-proof fishing jackets. The SST is discounted at the Morning Hatch due to it is an older color model. I have the newer Patagonia light weight Deep Wading jacket which is perfect for spring/summer months. In the fall I plan on buying the Simms Guide or SST jacket.
The bottom line is, you will not go wrong with either the SST or Simms Guide Jacket or G3.
Good luck!

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My wife gave me this one from LLBEAN which i really like:
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/...&feat=ssdpa2103

Don't write off the Cabela's jacket with the stretch panels. I wore one all of last winter with no leakage problems at all. It's a very well-designed jacket; comfortable and looks like it'll last for years.

You might also consider the Filson Wading Jacket. It is real quality for the money. They are bulletproof. Also they are made locally, although you can get them a lot cheaper through a retailer on the internet.

Wow, there are so many different brands out there...
Thanks for your input! Guys.

I agree with JTD (see above). BUT, I have been VERY happy with my "Pacific Fly" wading jacket purchased at The Morning Hatch in Tacoma. They're around $100. Very similar to the SST or the Simms. I have the Simms Gore-Tex waders and love their product. But, still I'm happy with the Pacific Fly. One bit of advice on any waterproof breathable fabric (Gore-Tex,etc) is: NEVER wash your coat. The rain will take care of it for you.

Ya Jonny-
Your jacket is great as long as you keep your thumbs tucked in while you are rowing! or was that just a case of "happy thumbs" and operator error?

I have had my Cabela's jacket for about six years. Keeps me real dry. Slipped off a rock wearing that jacket and my premes on the upper Chiliwack river in January. Went for a short ride downstream and never got wet. The jacket I have was about $70 (If i remember right) out of Cabelas.

I wear my Browning Duck Commander Wading Jacket. It is my duckhunting coat, my college buget doesn't allow for two gortex coats. The only problem I've had is the first time I used it while I was on the sticks of my db the oar handle caught the pocket and ripped. Other then that its been great.