Get Hooked on the 13 Best Fly Fishing Vests of 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
Updated: May 4
Introduction
A good fly fishing vest can be a game-changer for any angler.
They provide a practical and convenient way to carry all the necessary equipment for a day on the water and keep everything organized and easily accessible. After all, nothing is worse than having to fumble around looking for your fishing pliers or hook remover when you have a huge catch on the line.
Choosing the best fly fishing vest can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the sport.
There is a trove of options on the market, so it's important to understand the criteria for selecting the right vest. Factors such as material, comfort, storage, accessibility, and style should all be considered.
In this article, I will review the criteria for choosing the best fly fishing vest for you. I will also introduce you to the 13 best fly fishing vests in 2023, each with unique features and benefits.
By reading this article, you will have learned all the information necessary to make an informed decision and purchase the best fly fishing vest for your next fishing excursion.
Criteria for choosing the best fly fishing vest
When selecting a fly fishing vest, several key factors must be considered.
This section will examine the most important features you should look for to purchase the best fly fishing vest for your needs.
Material and durability
The material that it is made of and the durability of that material are important factors to consider.
Vests made from high-quality materials like nylon or polyester are usually more durable and longer-lasting.
Look for vests that have reinforced stitching and those that are resistant to water, abrasions, and tears.
Comfort and fit
Comfort and fit are also significant factors when selecting a fly fishing vest. You want to be able to plan a full day of fishing while avoiding having to endure the discomfort of a low-quality vest.
Your fishing vest should be comfortable to wear for an extended period of time and fit well enough to prevent any discomfort or restriction of movement.
Look for vests with adjustable straps or multiple sizing options to ensure a proper fit.
Organization and storage
Fly fishing vests are designed to carry and organize all your fishing equipment, so the number and type of pockets and storage options should be considered.
Look for vests with multiple pockets of different sizes and shapes. Consider zippered and Velcro pockets to keep everything organized and secure.
Accessibility
When fly fishing, quick and easy access to your gear is critical.
Look for vests with pockets and storage that are easily accessible and located in convenient locations on the vest.
You might also want to consider vests with retractable zingers or D-rings to attach more commonly used tools to the outside of your vest for easy accessibility. However, this is not a requirement but rather a nice-to-have.
Style and design
Lastly, style and design are factors when selecting a fly fishing vest.
While the function of the vest is the most important thing, you might have personal preferences for design or color.
Some vests even offer additional features like fly-drying patches.
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13 best fly fishing vests
Now that I've reviewed the recommended criteria for purchasing a good vest, let's get into the best fly fishing vests you can buy in 2023.
Each item on this list was carefully chosen based on research and testing against the abovementioned criteria.
Best overall
Best for the price
Flygo Summer Outdoor Safari Vest
Best organization and accessibility
Best for kids
Best for women
Best styles and colors
Best of the other picks
Orvis Clearwater Mesh Fly Fishing Vest
Night Cat Quick-Dry Lightweight Fishing Vest
Rothco Uncle Milty Travel Vest
Best overall fly fishing vest
Bassdash Strap Fishing Vest - $44.98
Material: 100% Polyester
Organization: 18 pockets
Closure: Zipper
Additional features: D-ring for attaching fishing net, lightweight, adjustable
The Bassdash Strap Fishing Vest claimed the spot on my list for the best overall fly fishing vest for 2023.
This vest is made of 100% polyester, so it is lightweight and durable enough to withstand the rigors of a long day of fishing.
With 18 pockets, including 14 that are closeable, you should have plenty of space to store all your fly fishing gear and accessories.
The vest also features a D-ring for attaching additional accessories, such as a fishing net or strobe. The adjustable straps make for a comfortable and customized fit.
If you're looking for a versatile, functional, and comfortable fly fishing vest that can handle just about anything you encounter while not breaking the bank, the Bassdash Strap Fishing Vest is an excellent option.
Best fly fishing vest for the price
Flygo Summer Outdoor Safari Vest - $26.88
Material: 35% Cotton and 65% Polyester
Organization: 16 pockets
Closure: Zipper
Additional features: Thin and breathable, lightweight, several color and size options, low price point
The Flygo Summer Outdoor Safari Vest is a fly fishing vest made of a cotton and polyester blend that is both thin and breathable.
Its lightweight design is ideal for all-day fly fishing adventures while maintaining comfort.
With 16 pockets of varying sizes, this vest provides ample space to store fishing gear.
Available in various sizes and colors, the Flygo Summer Outdoor Safari Vest is versatile enough to suit any fly fisher's needs.
With its affordable price point, this vest claimed the spot for the best-priced fly fishing vest for 2023.
Best fly fishing vest for organization and accessibility
Columbia Henry’s Fork Vest - $83.15 - $100
Material: 100% Polyester
Organization: 12 pockets
Closure: Zipper
Additional features: Beverage pocket, license window, utility attachment loops, retractable rod holder
The Henry’s Fork Vest by Columbia is the perfect choice for fly anglers who value organization and accessibility.
This vest is also made of 100% polyester. It features 12 pockets, including a pocket specifically designed to hold your beverage and a window pocket for holding your fishing license.
Additionally, the utility attachment loops allow you to customize your gear setup by attaching multiple accessories conveniently to the vest.
Perhaps the most unique feature of this fly fishing vest, and in my opinion the coolest, is its retractable rod holder to keep your fishing rod secure and easily accessible.
With this vest’s exceptional organization and accessibility features, the Columbia Henry’s Fork Vest is by far the best fly fishing vest for organization and accessibility on this list for 2023.
Best fly fishing vest for kids
Foxfire Junior Adventure Vest - $33.20 – $37.19
Material: 100% Cotton
Organization: 7 pockets
Closure: Zipper
Additional features: D-ring attachments, mesh-vented back, multiple sizes, two color options
The Foxfire Junior Adventure Vest is perfect for young anglers looking for a vest that will fit them well and provide sufficient storage for their fly fishing gear.
This vest is made of 100% cotton and is comfortable and breathable, making it ideal for long days on the water.
With 7 pockets and several D-ring attachments, the Foxfire Junior Adventure Vest has enough storage space and accessibility to keep your child's fly fishing essentials organized and within reach.
Available in multiple sizes and with two different color options, this is the best fly fishing vest for kids on this list, providing young fly fishers with a functional and stylish way to carry their gear.
Best fly fishing vest for women
Kylebooker Fly Fishing Vest - $37.99
Material: Polyester and mesh
Organization: 17 pockets
Closure: Zipper
Additional features: Rod holder loops, accessory loops, D-ring attachment, size-adjusted for both men and women
The Kylebooker Fly Fishing Vest is an excellent option for women and offers functionality and comfort.
This vest is made of polyester and mesh materials and is lightweight, breathable, and durable. This vest is also pre-sized for men and women, making it a great fit for female anglers.
With 17 pockets, this fly fishing vest provides plenty of storage for fishing essentials.
Additionally, this vest features D-ring attachments, rod holder loops, and accessory loops, providing superior accessibility for exterior accessories.
All this made me choose the Kylebooker Fly Fishing Vest as the best fly fishing vest for women in 2023.
Best fly fishing vest for styles and colors
Gihuo Utility Fishing Vest - $26.88
Material: Cotton, Polyester, or Nylon, depending on the chosen style
Organization: 16 pockets
Closure: Zipper
Additional features: 15 different styles and colors, waterproof material with certain styles, lightweight and breathable fabric
The Gihuo Utility Fishing Vest is perfect if your fly fishing vest's style and color are important. The option for different styles and colors can undoubtedly matter, depending on your fishing environment.
With 15 different styles and colors, this vest will come in a variant that suits your taste.
Depending on the chosen style, this fly fishing vest can be made from varying materials, some waterproof.
The vest has 16 pockets, providing enough storage space for all your fishing gear.
This vest is made of lightweight and breathable fabric, so it is comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Overall, the Gihuo Utility Fishing Vest is the best fly fishing vest for style and color options on this list, providing fly anglers with a great-looking way to carry and store their gear.
Best of the other picks
Orvis Clearwater Mesh Fly Fishing Vest - $129.00
Material: Ripstop Polyester
Organization: 8 pockets
Closure: Buckle
Additional features: Fly-drying patches, tool docking tabs, elastic loops, padded collar
The Orvis Clearwater Mesh Fly Fishing Vest is a top-of-the-line option for anglers looking for a vest with superior durability and top-notch features.
This vest is made of Ripstop polyester and can withstand even the harshest fishing conditions.
It has 8 pockets, tool docking tabs, and elastic loops for accessories.
Additionally, this vest features patches for fly-drying and a padded collar for added comfort.
While it commands a higher price point than others on this list, the Orvis Clearwater Mesh Fly Fishing Vest is well worth it, in my opinion, for its exceptional features.
Pellor Fly Fishing Vest - $35.99
Material: Oxford Canvas and Mesh
Organization: Multi-pocket design
Closure: Zipper
Additional features: Oxford canvas breathable shell, quick-drying, size-adjustable, rod holder, D-ring attachment, safety reflectors
The Pellor Fly Fishing Vest is next up on the list for its functionality and plentiful organization.
This vest is breathable and sweat-resistant and made with a blend of Oxford Canvas and Mesh materials.
The vest has a multi-pocket design, a rod holder, and a D-ring attachment, so there are plenty of options for storage and organization.
The vest is also size-adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit for anglers of all sizes.
Additionally, it features safety reflectors, making it perfect for fly anglers who fish in low-light conditions.
Overall, the Pellor Fly Fishing Vest is a practical and comfortable option for anglers looking for a reliable, well-designed vest.
Obcursco Fly Fishing Vest - $29.99
Material: Polyester
Organization: 15 pockets
Closure: Zipper
Additional features: Expandable storage, fishing rod holder, large back pocket, adjustable straps
The Obcursco Fly Fishing Vest is a well-designed and functional option for anglers looking for a vest with a large amount of storage space and versatility.
This vest is made of durable polyester material and is built to last and withstand the elements.
It has 15 storage pockets, including a large back pocket and an expandable storage area with a fishing rod holder.
The fully adjustable straps ensure a comfortable and secure fit for fly fishers of all sizes.
This fly fishing vest is an excellent choice and one of the best fly fishing vests on my list due to its plentiful storage and durable construction.
Night Cat Quick-Dry Lightweight Fishing Vest - $32.99
Material: Polyester and Nylon
Organization: 14 pockets
Closure: Buckle
Additional features: Fishing rod holder loop, elastic buckle, quick-drying material, plus sizes
The Night Cat Quick-Dry Lightweight Fishing Vest is an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight and quick-drying fly fishing vest.
This vest is made of a durable blend of quick-drying polyester and nylon, so it is designed to withstand the elements and provide optimal comfort while doing so.
The vest also has 14 pockets and a fishing rod holder, so there is plenty of storage space for all your essentials.
The elastic buckle closure ensures a secure fit, and the plus sizes make it a great option for larger anglers.
Rothco Uncle Milty Travel Vest - $47.99
Material: Cotton and Polyester
Organization: 16 pockets
Closure: Zipper
Additional features: Durable and rugged design, multiple color options, inside pockets
The Rothco Uncle Milty Travel Vest is a great choice for anglers looking for extreme durability.
It is made from a blend of cotton and polyester and offers excellent breathability and a rugged, durable design.
This vest offers excellent storage options with 16 pockets, including 3 on the interior.
Multiple color options allow you to choose one that best fits your style, and the rugged design ensures this vest will last for years.
Perbai Utility Cargo Vest - $25.98
Material: Nylon
Organization: 10 pockets
Closure: Zipper
Additional features: Interior and invisible pockets, comfortable material, lightweight
The Perbai Utility Cargo Vest is both lightweight and comfortable.
It is made from premium nylon material. It offers excellent breathability and is perfect for long days on the water.
With 10 storage pockets, including invisible and interior pockets, this offers all the storage you’ll need for your fly fishing accessories.
The vest’s lightweight design ensures it will not weigh you down even after wearing it all day, making it exceedingly comfortable for anglers of all skill levels.
Kedera Safari Fishing Vest - $25.98
Material: Cotton and Polyester
Organization: Multi-pocket design
Closure: Zipper
Additional features: Lightweight mesh design, quick-drying material, anti-wrinkle properties
The Kedera Safari Fishing Vest is the last on my list, but it is certainly not the least favorite.
Made from a cotton and polyester material, this vest features a multi-pocket design that allows you to carry plenty of fly fishing gear.
The lightweight mesh construction ensures exceptional breathability. The quick-drying and anti-wrinkle properties ensure this vest always looks excellent, even after a long day on the water.
Conclusion
The right fly fishing vest is essential for any angler looking for a successful, enjoyable day out on the water.
The best fly fishing vests provide plenty of storage space for your gear, are lightweight and comfortable to wear, are durable enough to last a long time, and offer superior organization and accessibility.
The 13 fly fishing vests listed in this article cover a wide range of styles, materials, and features to meet the needs of any fly fisher.
Whether a beginner or a veteran fly angler, a vest on this list will suit your needs.
I hope this guide has helped you search for the perfect fly fishing vest, and I wish you the best of luck and tight lines!
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