This is a review of the Simms G3 Guide Fly Fishing Vest. Will a high-dollar fly fishing vest make one a better angler? Probably
not - but it can sure help make a guy or gal look like they know what
they are doing. A good fly fishing vest does have its advantages and
most of this upside relates to comfort, function and style. For many
years, I have struggled in finding the perfect way to tote my
insidiously large number of fly boxes and other "essentials" around the
river and I think I have finally found what I have been looking for.
I've experimented with fly fishing vests, fanny-packs, backpacks and even chest-packs in my search for the perfect way to keep all of my tackle and flies close at hand while on the water. Nothing has met my personal criteria with respect to function and most products I have tried have made me very uncomfortable. I was determined to not spend an exorbitant amount of money on a fly fishing vest or pack, but after a week of unbearable shoulder pain during a trip to a destination river last year, I broke down and shelled out almost $200 for a Simms Vest.
Simms is known for their incredible waders, but you don't hear much about their vests. I asked a bunch of questions regarding what is best at my local fly shop and the slick salesman convinced me that I had to try the G3 Guide Fishing Vest. I was impressed by all the neat features like the contoured spacer net for ventilation, the clever use of magnets, the thermolaminated pockets, and even the handy floatant cap, but what sold me was how great this vest felt.
For the hefty price, I figured the Simms G3 Guide Vest would help me catch more fish and it did - in a way. Instead of having to fumble around looking for the fly boxes I needed at the moment, the Simms vest helped me stay organized and allowed for easy-access to every pocket. In the past I used to have to take frequent pit-stops to give my back and shoulder a break, but I was now fishing all day without the slightest bit of pain.
Because I was spending more time fishing and my fly was in the water for a longer amount of time, the end result was that I did catch more fish and it was all because of my vest. I am not one who is easily impressed by expensive gear, but I must say: the Simms G3 Guide Vest was worth the price for its comfort alone. Throw in the function and style of this product and it is easy to see why this vest should be on everyone's wish-list.
Also check out these other great Simms products:
Simms G3 Guide Waders Review
Simms G4 Goretex Waders Review
I've experimented with fly fishing vests, fanny-packs, backpacks and even chest-packs in my search for the perfect way to keep all of my tackle and flies close at hand while on the water. Nothing has met my personal criteria with respect to function and most products I have tried have made me very uncomfortable. I was determined to not spend an exorbitant amount of money on a fly fishing vest or pack, but after a week of unbearable shoulder pain during a trip to a destination river last year, I broke down and shelled out almost $200 for a Simms Vest.
Simms is known for their incredible waders, but you don't hear much about their vests. I asked a bunch of questions regarding what is best at my local fly shop and the slick salesman convinced me that I had to try the G3 Guide Fishing Vest. I was impressed by all the neat features like the contoured spacer net for ventilation, the clever use of magnets, the thermolaminated pockets, and even the handy floatant cap, but what sold me was how great this vest felt.
For the hefty price, I figured the Simms G3 Guide Vest would help me catch more fish and it did - in a way. Instead of having to fumble around looking for the fly boxes I needed at the moment, the Simms vest helped me stay organized and allowed for easy-access to every pocket. In the past I used to have to take frequent pit-stops to give my back and shoulder a break, but I was now fishing all day without the slightest bit of pain.
Because I was spending more time fishing and my fly was in the water for a longer amount of time, the end result was that I did catch more fish and it was all because of my vest. I am not one who is easily impressed by expensive gear, but I must say: the Simms G3 Guide Vest was worth the price for its comfort alone. Throw in the function and style of this product and it is easy to see why this vest should be on everyone's wish-list.
Also check out these other great Simms products:
Simms G3 Guide Waders Review
Simms G4 Goretex Waders Review