Some will say Simms G3 or G4 guide jackets, some will say patagonia. Others will say buy a duck hunting jacket. Then another faction will say Frog Toggs and then another small minority will probably chime in and say they just wear old school yellow rain jackets or a carhart or something.

There will be some varying opinions here, but I'll say you get what you pay for. Gore-Tex is sweet but not the end all be all. Idk your price point so it's hard to make a suggestion. Also don't depend on your wading jacket to keep you warm. Block wind and rain, sure but don't rely on it for warmth, that's what layers are for.

 

Well I'm sure you'll hear Simms, mentioned a lot. I didn't have that type of money so I picked up the Frogg Togg Hellbender Java 2.5 jacket for $99 at BassPro. I stopped by FTU this morning to stock up on some needed Corkies and they have it there for the same price.

 

I agree with Southpaw. I got mine a bit bigger so I can layer up. I just wanted something to block the wind and keep me dry.

 

I use an oversize frog togg and just layer up as needed underneath. $49.95 for a Camo 3xl
Works great so far

 

Your outer wading jacket is just a water proof shell. Layer up underneath so you can tuck all that inside your waders.

If you get heavy insulation to stay warm the jacket will be much too long. Or the shorty waist coat will still be dragging wet in the water.

Think about your chest waders keeping the majority of your inside layers dry and warm. Outside layer is just that.

I use Sitka gear uninsulated waterfowl delta wading jacket for my wade fishing jacket and duck hunting both. The pit zips and waterproof cuffs are excellent along with the best hood I have ever seen that turns with your head so you aren't looking into the side of your hood when you turn to look.

 

Your outer wading jacket is just a water proof shell. Layer up underneath so you can tuck all that inside your waders.

If you get heavy insulation to stay warm the jacket will be much too long. Or the shorty waist coat will still be dragging wet in the water.

Think about your chest waders keeping the majority of your inside layers dry and warm. Outside layer is just that.

I use Sitka gear uninsulated waterfowl delta wading jacket for my wade fishing jacket and duck hunting both. The pit zips and waterproof cuffs are excellent along with the best hood I have ever seen that turns with your head so you aren't looking into the side of your hood when you turn to look.

I have been trying to find that exact same jacket here in SA with not much luck. How does the sizing seem to fit? I am thinking an XL for me but not sure......I don't really want to buy online without trying one on.

 

The Cabelas guide gear is pretty nice and 1/2 the price of Simms

 

I have two different jackets that I like. One is a Magellan that has Velcro cuffs and is very warm and dry. The other is a Columbia that was on clearance at FTU a couple of years ago that has the same attributes as the Magellan. Neither will break the bank.

 

Here's a few ideas, older rain jackets to block the wind.
Many layers under the breathable waders do most of the work. ........ ICM

 

Often on my trips, the cold weather in the morning becomes warm in the afternoon.

I only wear a thin T-shirt, sweater, and a light-weight rain jacket over.
I stay pretty warm.

If it gets too warm later, I just take off the sweater.

 

I still have one of the old Academy Jackets from the first design and it has worked for 5-6 years. It is double layers and not the single layer you see with their jackets now.

I like one of the longer jackets with extra pockets but that is me.

 

I've been using this one for two years and it has been fantastic. Love it!
NRS Sea Tour Pullover

 

Many styles and brands will work; get the best you can afford and it will generally be more waterproof and last longer. My Simms is going on 10 years old, pretty worn in places and not real pretty but it has been excellent value for money over the long haul. Hoping Santa might have a new one in his sleigh for me!

 

Money is not an object. Simms and nothing else is even close.

Value priced long term. Frabill/Patagonia

Broke and don't wanna catch pneumonia on a trip. Hoodies and an Academy slicker.

As for waders I keep hoping my Gulf Coast waders will spring a leak so I can justify buying some Simms G3's. Alas not yet. Season 3 and still kicking. I am cursed in that way.

 

I Appreciate the feed back, I'm going to do a little looking around, Simms are sounding nicer and nicer though! Thanks again! Fish on!

 

I ordered a Simms G3 one for $260, got it in, and tried it on, and sent it back with the tags on it. If you have a belly at all, it will be too short. Be forewarned. I have a Simms windstopper fleece also, and it is almost too short for me, right out of the box. Their jackets seem to be made for 5 foot tall guys that wear skinny jeans, even in XXL!!!

I wish I could get XXLT or something like that. The waders have lots of sizing options, and I love my Simms waders, so I really wanted a long lasting jacket too, but I am giving up on getting a Simms jacket that will fit me.

 

Your TRUE wading jackets will have sealed seems up the arms. Wet elbows **** while wading in the winter.. your whole arm gets cold. I just got through deer hunting in 4 days of soaking torrential rain, glad I had that Simms for that I was dry to the bone. Other people were in camp.

 

Here's a Simms G3 40% off

Not a bad deal, but with that color I can see why it's so discounted...

 

Patagonia river salt, Simms, Bass Pro 100 mph goretex. etc etc. I have these and a few more I am sure

 

You should also look at the LL Bean wading jackets- designed for fly fishing and wading streams, but waterproof and works well for our time of coastal fishing. Runs about $100!

 

Simms wins hands down! If something breaks or leaks send it back and they will repair or replace it. The reason why G3 & G4 they are short because it's a "wading jacket"... If you have waders on, then wear the jacket outside of the waders to keep waves crashing over your back getting you wet inside of waders. If you want a longer jacket than go with the Prodry series, but get ready to pay $$...

 

another jacket that gets overlooked here in the Gulf is the Stormr series jackets. They are popular up in the Northeast (Montauk) area. I got one and it is awesome!! Fyi

http://www.outdoorhub.com/pr/2014/07/25/stormr-fusion-series-awarded-best-technical-apparel-icast/

 

I picked up the Frog Tog jacket on Amazon for about $75. It is LEGIT! I would argue the quality matches SIMMS.

 

I emailed Frogg Toggs about their highest quality wading jacket, the Pilot II:

Is the Pilot II compatible with salt water? Looks like the buttons on the front are metal and might rust, but I can't zoom in enough to see they are metal or plastic.

If it's not, do you have a wintertime jacket that's designed for salt water wading?

Their response:
I am sorry but it seems that all of our wading jackets have metal snaps

I guess if you're rinsing it off after each use, you'll get extended life out of it.

 

I'm 6'3" about 240. Im usually an XL in most everything with wideas sholders and lon arms. I went with the XL in this coat and it fits great. Even bundled for winter wades. I would buy it again tomorrow. I ordered online without trying it on.

 

Thanks for the help, I am 6'1" 215 so I think I will go with the XL then and probably just order online.

 

the best ....

The best thing I've ever found is a white water kayaking "splash jacket" or "splash top" .... Waterproof, Warm & great freedom of movement...

They work better than anything IMO

Patagonia, Immersion, Torrent are just a few brands

 

Simms all the way.