Cooler days are upon us. That means it’s time to dust off the waders and pull out the jackets as we gear up for colder days on the water. If you’re anything like us here at Trouts, you can never have too many jackets. Simms has long been known for providing us all with the best fishing jackets on the market. You might be wondering the differences between all the options the provide. Below I will highlight the key technologies and functions of every Simms jacket we carry, as well as in-store opinions to help find the one that best suits your needs
Simms Riffle Jacket- $249.95- Key features of the Riffle include pass-through hand warmer pocket design that offers access to the inside of the jacker and wader pockets. Two large internal chest pockets capable of storing large fly boxes. Water-resistant easy cinch Velcro cuff closure system that locks out mositure and wind. YKK AquaGuard Vislon highly water-resistant main zipper with interior storm flap.
Technologies: 3-layer Toray waterproof/breathable fabric; 100% dull polyester ripstop with fully taped seams.
My Take- “The Riffle’s lightweight and cool design had me sold immediately. Add in the pass-through hand warmer pocket and this is seriously my favorite Jacket for the money.”
Simms Guide Jacket- $349.95- Key features of the Guide Jacket are 2 top-load storage pockets with Simms’ integrated retractors. Simms also uses a Shingle Cuff that is watertight and eliminates line catch points. A dual draw-cord with an adjustable bottom hem and a tuck-away fly patch that folds out to hold sidelined bugs.
Technology- 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric that is waterproof and breathable. 100% nylon with a 70d rip-stop face with tricot backer.
Guide Austin Manthey says, “It’s crazy how user friendly the guide jacket is. In Colorado the weather changes on the water by the hour this jacket will keep you warm and dry through a snowstorm but, not roast you as the storms clear.”
Simms G3 Guide Jacket- $449.95 Key features of the G3 Guide jacket include 7 storage pockets: 2 top-load chest pockets, 2 zippered chest pockets, 1 internal stash pocket and 2 zippered micro-fleeceline hand-warmer pockets. The water resistant Dry Cuff. A tuck away 3 point adjustable Storm Hood with dual draw-cord adjustable bottom hem.
Technology- 3-layer Gore-Tex Shell fabric; 100% nylon 70d rip-stop face with tricot backer.
Guide Dave Lovell says- “What sets the G3 guide jacket apart from other jackets in the industry is the durability. For a jacket with so many pockets you’d think seams would wear down but, that isnt the case with the G3.”
Simms Bulkley Jacket- $499.95 Key features of the Bulkley include 2 upper hand warmer pockets and 2 YKK AquaGuard Vislon zipperedfly box pockets. Shingle Cuff that is watertight and eliminates line catch points. Dual draw-cord adjustable bottom hem.
Technology- 2-layer Gore-Tex Shell fabric, 100%nylon 70d rip-stop face, 100% polyester 20d rip-stopliner. Primaloft Silver insulation 100g body, 60g/sleeves and hood that will retain insulation power when wet.
Guide Kyle Wilkinson says, “The Bulkley is my go to winter jacket from Simms, the built in insulation is great because it eliminates having to wear layer over layer to keep warm in cold conditions.”
Simms Vapor Elite Jacket- $449.95 Key features include an improved on-body glide, cohesive cord management system and a 3-point adjustable storm hood. Also has mesh lined hand warmer pockets to maximize breathablity along with a dual draw-cord adjustable bottom hem.
Technology- 3-layer Gore-Tex C-Knit: 10% lighter weight/ 15% more breathable than other Gore-Tex Shell Laminates, 100% nylon 15d face fabric- 86g/m2
Guide Lee Molvie says, “ The Vapor elite tops all other Simms jackets for the warmer months of the year. Add in all the great Simms technologies and its hard to find a better jacket when fishing in warm, inclimate weather.”
Simms Slick Jacket- $499.95 Key features of the Simms Slick Jacket are 2 large chest pockets capable of storing numerous fly boxes. An interior chest pocket with magnetic closure. 2 large hand warmer pockets with YKK VT9 AquaGuard Vislon ultra water-resistant zips and interior pass-thru zips for access to inside of the jacket. Also has watertight adjustable cuffs and dual draw-cord adjustable bottom hem.
Technologies- 3 layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric, 92% Nylon, 8% Elastane, 100% Nylon backer interior.
Assistant Shop Manager Jon Kirk says, “The name says it all, the Simms Slick Jacket is the most versatile jacket I have ever owned. Having pockets that give me access to the internal use of the jacket is simple but at the same time brilliant.”
Simm G4 Pro Jacket- $549.95 Key features of the G4 Pro jacket include updated Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric: 15% lighter than the previous G4 Pro Jacket, Improved abrasion resistance and tear strength. 9 storage pockets: 2 bellowed chest pockets, 2 zippered chest pockets, 2 tippet pockets, 1 sleeve pocket, 1 internal stretch woven pockets and 1 large back storage pocket. Highly water-resistant Dry Cuff design.
Technology- 3 layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric, 100% ripstop nylon face.
Guide Phil Tereyla says, “Spending nearly 200 days a year on the water guiding, I tend to carry a ton of gear. The G4 pro has room for it all, plus when I get the chance to fish with my buddies I have plenty of room to store extra beers.”
Simms ProDry Gore-Tex Jacket- $549.95 Key features of the ProDry Jacket include 2 chest pockets with YKK AquaGuard zippers. An oversized collar to protect from the elements and a cohesive cord lock system that manages internal adjustment cords. Tuck away 3 point adjustable Storm Hood. The Dry Cuff design is perfect for keeping water from running down your sleeves.
Technology-3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell- Waterproof/breathable, 100% nylon face, 40d rip-stop/body and 70d/reinforcement zones.
Shop Manager Rick Mikesell says, “The ProDry is for the angler who gets out no matter the weather, the tall collar added with the Storm-hood keeps you warm and dry in even the worst conditions.”