The 15 Best Fly Fishing Vests

Fly fishing can be a fantastic hobby, but your next trip will only be as good as your equipment. Heading out to the water with subpar materials can quickly lead to a day without any good catches. In particular, having a poor-quality fly fishing vest can lead to your fishing lures and accessories becoming damaged or soaked.

Finding the best fly fishing vest for your needs doesn’t have to be tricky, however. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top fly fishing vests for a variety of users and needs. All of these will be well-made with quality materials and most of them can suit men or women of various body types. Let’s get started!

Best Fly Fishing Vest

1. Bassdash Strap

The Bassdash is great for men and women alike as it can be adjusted to fit any size torso.

Key Features

• Adjustable for men or women
• 18 pockets in total
• D-ring on the back for attaching fishing nets
• Knife lash tab
• Extra attachment loops

It’s one of the most comfortable you can find online. It’s made of a padded mesh material that not only keeps things breathable for the duration of your fishing expedition but also lets you hook on tons of extra gear with various loops and clips integrated into the vest. The shoulder padding really comes into play when you load the vest up with all your gear.

It also dries really quickly, so don’t worry if it gets wet. Some zippered pockets let you protect anything sensitive, as well. The only downside is the material contact relatively easily with splinters of wood or other sharp objects.

Pros

• Very comfortable in the shoulder pads
• Padded air mesh material keeps everything breathable
• Many of the pockets are zippered for protection
• Lightweight overall
• Dries quickly

Cons

• Gets caught on sharp things easily

This fishing vest is affordable and long-lasting and you can feel comfortable even when lugging around a lot of gear.

2. Allen Bear Creek

The Allen Bear Creek is an optimal choice for lightweight individuals or those who don’t need to store too much stuff.

Key Features

• Olive color
• Small in size
• Features zip-down work station
• Multiple interior storage pockets
• Many D-rings for Accessories

It’s smaller than many of the others, but it’s still large enough to hold plenty of gear and a medium-sized fly box. It features some of the heaviest duty zippers on the market to protect your sensitive things even under regular wear and tear. There are also several D rings that you can use for attaching various accessories.

The only downside comes about when it’s particularly hot or humid. The neck pad and shoulder pads, while comfortable, tend to seal in heat and cause you to sweat excessively. You’ll want to keep a cold bottle of water handy to prevent from overheating with this fishing fly vest.

Pros

• Zippers are heavy-duty
• The lining is mesh and durable
• Still large enough to fit a medium-sized fly box

Cons

• The neck pad is a little bulky
• Can make shoulders sweaty

It’s a durable, efficient fishing vest that’s a great pick for smaller folks.

3. MDSTOP

The MDSTOP is a perfect choice for those who tend to get wet frequently.

Key Features

• Quick-dry material
• Universal design
• 14 large storage pockets
• Adjustable shoulder and waist straps

It has 14 pockets in total, many of them large enough to store a good chunk of gear. 12 of them are zippered to keep your sensitive stuff intact and safe from water. Even if the vest does get soaked, it’s like mesh fabric material dries incredibly quickly.

Despite being called a universal fit vest, smaller or larger folks will have a little difficulty fitting everything into place. The presence of the adjustable shoulder and waist straps alleviate this concern somewhat, but it’s definitely sized more for individuals toward the middle of the size range. Keep this in mind if you are looking at this vest for everyday use.

Pros

• Very practical pocket layout
• Lots of room for storing gear
• Thin but durable material
• Dries really quickly even when soaked

Cons

• Not the most comfortable vest
• Doesn’t actually fit everyone

Pick this fly fishing vest up if your body type is about average for a perfect fit.

4. M MAXIMUMCATCH

This is more than a vest but also combines some elements of a fishing backpack.

Key Features

• Comes as a combination vest and backpack
• No hassle warranty for all the gear for one year
• Plenty of zippered pockets
• Adjustable straps
• Only 24.5 ounces

It also comes with a large back pocket to turn it into a vest/backpack combo. This huge amount of storage space lets you lug all the gear you could imagine out to your ideal fishing spot without any hassle whatsoever. There’s also plenty of heavily zippered pockets for even more gear or for multiple fly boxes of variable sizes.

The straps are all adjustable and are built with excellent suspension structures to improve durability and comfort. The mesh backing is also really breathable and will prevent you from sweating too much. Make no mistake, this is a lot of gear for a single purchase, so those looking for lighter equipment will want to move on.

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable
• Lots of value in the purchase
• Mesh backing for comfort

Cons

• A bit bulky for some users

It’s a great choice for fishermen in the market for lots of storage space and who might also use a durable fishermans backpack.

5. Kylebooker

The Kylebooker is perfect for fishermen who like comfort and practicality in equal measure.

Key Features

• Adjustable for men or women
• Made of light mesh fabric
• Plenty of D-rings

It’s easily adjustable for men or women and features a huge number of loops for storing gear, along with a D-ring net lash. It’s easy to tie all of your major equipment on to this single vest for convenience and comfort. The mesh design is fairly breathable but also durable enough to improve the support around your waist and shoulders.

Like other so-called “universal” fit fly vest, folks on either the lighter or heavier end of the body type spectrum will have some difficulty fitting into this vest even with the adjustable straps. Be sure that your body is likely to fit inside for maximum comfort before finalizing your purchase.

Pros

• Very comfortable for most users
• One size fits most people
• Orange loops easily mark where you should store your gear

Cons

• Doesn’t fit really large or small users

The Kylebooker is made of excellent materials and will be comfortable for most folks; we’d recommend it to the majority of fly fishers.

6. Lightbare

The Lightbare is meant for those who spend lots of time in the hobby.

Key Features

• Fast-drying mesh material
• Pads on the shoulders ensure comfort
• 18 pockets in total
• Adjustable suspension system
• D-Ring on the back for attaching a fishing net
• Wide reflector for low light conditions
• Knife lash tab

It has so many equipment loops and rings that you can practically take the gear of your buddies, as well. It has adjustable straps to ensure your comfort and is designed such that it should fit most men without too much trouble. The lightweight and breathable mesh fabric also dry really quickly.

But we would only really recommend this vest for fly fishing enthusiasts. It’s rather bulky despite the lightweight material and it has so many pockets that it would go to waste if you are only fly fishing in a casual sense. It’s designed for the pros above all.

Pros

• Lots of spots for a variety of equipment or survival needs
• Very versatile in its uses
• Easy to fit most male body types
• Most of the pockets are zippered
• Comfortable overall

Cons

• Bulky overall
• Too many pockets for casual fishing

With plenty of room and lots to like, the Lightbare is ideal for fishing aficionados.

7. Anglatech

The Anglatech is pricy but well worth the cost due to its excellent construction and fantastic versatility.

Key Features

• Adjustable for men and women
• Breathable mesh fabric
• Includes both large and small pockets
• Shoulder straps distribute weight evenly

This lightweight vest with pockets can be used for men and women thanks to the adjustable shoulder and waist straps. You can find the perfect fit for your body type in just a minute of adjustment and take advantage of the breathable mesh fabric. It’s overall a very lightweight and comfortable vest that isn’t likely to make you sweat as you exert yourself.

But it doesn’t dry off very quickly, so be careful when striding into the water while wearing the vest. It has tons of pockets both internal and external, so feel free to organize your gear how you see fit.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Plenty of room for tons of gear
• Both internal and external pockets for convenience
• Easy to adjust to most body types
• Mesh fabric is incredibly breathable

Cons

• Doesn’t dry very quickly

The Anglatech is a good choice for careful fly fishers that don’t normally soak their equipment.

8. Flygo

The Flygo is ideal for men who both fly fish and do other outdoor activities.

Key Features

• Made of cotton and mesh
• Offers some waterproof protection
• Ventilated linen design
• 16 pockets in total
• Various colors to choose from

It can also be used for other types of fishing or general travel through the wilderness. It’s incredibly durable and made with cotton and nylon mesh. This keeps things comfortable while allowing it to breathe enough to prevent you from sweating. It also offers some waterproof protection for your clothes beneath. You can also choose the color that you feel works best with your personal style.

But the lack of many zippered pockets means that your gear is at a higher risk of accruing water damage. Be careful when fly fishing if you choose this vest and keep your more sensitive equipment in either the chest pockets or elsewhere.

Pros

• Good for a variety of activities, not just fly fishing
• Very easy to adjust
• Plenty of pockets on the front
• Comfortable and lightweight

Cons

• Most pockets aren’t zippered

The Flygo is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who like to camp, fly fish, and spend most of their time on adventures of all kinds.

9. Obcursco

The Obcursco is a great choice for both sexes.

Key Features

• Adjustable for both men and women
• Fishing rod holder
• High-quality light mesh fabric
• Most pockets have zippers
• Reflectors on the back

The Obcursco has a specially designed holder for your fishing rod, plus plenty of storage space for any equipment or accessories you might want to bring along. Most of the pockets are zippered, so you don’t need to worry about water damage. It’s also very adjustable and can fit men and women after a few tugs on either the shoulder or waist level straps.

However, the overall comfort of this product is negated somewhat by the thin shoulder straps. Their thin size allows them to be adjusted easily but it also makes them a little uncomfortable and vulnerable to rip or damage. Take care of this vest and try not to overstuff it to avoid this issue.

Pros

• Great for nighttime use due to reflectors
• Most gear can be stored safely due to the zippered pockets
• Very easy to adjust to your size

Cons

• Shoulder straps can dig into your shoulders
• Thin straps run the risk of tearing

It’s perfect for fly fishers that take a lot of gear with them, but maybe not a lot of heavy gear.

10. Allen Gallatin

The Allen Gallatin is ideal for people on the smaller side.

Key Features

• Lightweight design
• D-Ring included
• The neck strap is padded
• One size fits most
• Zip-closure front pockets

It features a few large pockets in the front and some extra zippered pockets on the interior of either breast segment. This design keeps things compact and lightweight without becoming bulky. The neck strap is nicely padded to improve your comfort.

This vest doesn’t dry super quickly due to the type of material it’s made of. But it’s very easy to attach on and off and adjust, so we’d recommend it for fly fishers who don’t like to spend tons of time getting their gear into place. With this vest, you can throw it on and head out the door in just seconds.

Pros

• Pockets have lots of storage space inside
• Easy to adjust
• Mostly comfortable due to its weight distribution
• Compact design is good for smaller folks

Cons

• Not a ton of storage space compared to vests with more pockets
• Doesn’t dry very quickly

It’s a capable fishing vest with enough space for most fly fishers, though a few will want a vest with more space.

11. Anglatech Fly Fishing

This combines all the use of a traditional fly fishing vest with a useful water bladder hidden in the back.

Key Features

• Comes with accessories, like a 2 L water bladder
• Adjustable for men and women
• Breathable mesh fabric

This is an ideal fly fishing vest for those who take extended expeditions to their favorite location. The addition of a water bladder means you can stay hydrated and enjoy your day for longer before returning home. There’s also a breathable mesh fabric to keep things relatively comfortable and prevent you from sweating.

Most of the pockets are zippered for safe storage of all your equipment or accessories. The only downside is that the shoulder straps are a little thin, so the pack might be a bit uncomfortable in that area, especially with a full water bladder.

Pros

• Very good for long hikes through the wilderness
• Comfortable for long durations
• The water bladder is easily accessible
• Most pockets are zippered

Cons

• Straps are thin

This fly fishing vest is excellent for those who forget to pack enough water frequently.

12. Piscifun

The Piscifun is designed for hard-core fishing trips.

Key Features

• Waterproof phone pouch
• 17 pockets in total
• Breathable mesh back
• Included water bladder
• Adjustable size up to 18 inches around the waist
• Sturdy buckles

It also incorporates a handy water bladder to keep you hydrated during longer expeditions. Unfortunately, the water bladder tube from which you suck out liquid is a bit cheap, so be careful when using it frequently. Curiously, the rest of the fly fishing vest is incredibly well put together.

Most of the vest is constructed from a breathable mesh or sturdy fabric. The vest is very breathable and uses super durable zippers and buckles to keep things secure without making your trip uncomfortable. You can adjust this vest up to 18 inches around the waist, and there are 17 pockets in total to keep all your gear organized.

Pros

• Incredibly durable for a fishing vest
• Protects both your gear and your phone capably
• Easy to adjust for a variety of body types
• Keeps the back cool and comfortable
• The water bladder is helpful for hydration

Cons

• Bladder tube is cheap

This fishing vest is a fantastic choice for those who don’t want to worry about their gear breaking in the middle of a fishing trip.

13. Redington Blackfoot

The Redington Blackfoot is affordable and simple and ideal for short distance fly fishing expeditions.

Key Features

• Comes in multiple sizes
• Mesh fabric is incredibly breathable
• Sage color

It’s great for fishers who like the classic look of old school vests. It comes in a Sage color and in multiple different sizes so you can pick whichever would fit best with your body. Each vest is made with a breathable mesh fabric that keeps things incredibly cool, so your odds of sweating up a storm are practically nonexistent.

It has several pockets, most of which can be totally sealed to prevent water from leaking in and damaging items inside. It doesn’t have quite as much storage space as many other vests, but it’s a good choice for fly fishers that don’t carry a ton of equipment with them or who aren’t traveling very far.

Pros

• Keeps things very cool in temperature
• Dries quickly since there isn’t a lot of fabric
• Most pockets have zippers

Cons

• Not as much storage space as some other vests
• Not super adjustable

The Redington is simple in design and lightweight are sure to appeal to casual fly fishers.

14. MDSTOP

The MDSTOP is great for men or women who find most other vests somewhat uncomfortable.

Key Features

• Quick-dry material
• Padded shoulders for comfort
• Universal design
• 14 pockets in total
• Adjustable shoulder and waist straps

It has tons of room for all the accessories you could dream of. Most of the pockets are properly zippered and you can take the vest on and off relatively quickly thanks to the main zipper in the middle of the chest area. Everything is made with padding or high-quality light mesh fabric; the shoulders are pretty comfortable compared to other fly fishing vests, in particular.

Like most universal fit fly fishing vests, men and women who are a bit larger or smaller than average may have a little difficulty getting everything to fit appropriately. However, most people will be able to squeeze inside without trouble. Since this vest is more comfortable than average, even body types that are a little too large for the straps should still be able to enjoy themselves.

Pros

• Easy to take on and off
• Comfortable even for long periods of time
• Most pockets are zippered and have plenty of room
• Strong stitching makes the jacket durable

Cons

• Doesn’t fit all body types very well

This fly fishing vest is great for keeping you cool and comfortable throughout your fly fishing expedition.

15. Elkton

The Elkton is of superb construction quality and has lots of innovative design features to draw your attention.

Key Features

• Hardshell storage compartments and rod holders
• Extendable rear backpack function
• 2 retractable swivel tethers for tools
• Water-resistant fabric and breathable mesh
• Adjustable straps

It’s ideal for all types of fishing or outdoor activities. It has several excellent storage compartments, along with too hardshell fly compartments for keeping your fly fishing equipment as safe as possible. It also comes with two retractable swivel tethers.

These let you hook your gear into place and reach it easily without having to strain or struggle. The padded material ensures your comfort for the duration of the day.

It’s quite a bit more expensive than most other fly fishing vests on the market. But it’s still a worthwhile purchase if you want the best of the best and want to ensure that your accessories or valuables don’t get wet or damaged during your next fly fishing expedition.

Pros

• Great for fly fishers that don’t like to struggle to reach all their gear
• Fits most people without difficulty
• Doesn’t get very wet easily thanks to water-resistant material
• Keeps you cool during exertion
• Hard pockets are great for more valuable items

Cons

• Pricy compared to most other fly fishing vests

The Elkton is a fantastic choice for obvious fly fishers who take the sport seriously.

Bottom Line

Overall, your unique needs will direct you toward the best fly fishing vest. Try to consider how many pockets you need or if you need any hooks or D-rings for carrying extra equipment. Don’t forget to consider adjustability and comfort when selecting your ideal fly fishing vest, either.