Gear Review: Orvis Ultralight Fly Fishing Vest

Even just a quick glance at this item tells you it isn’t a standard fishing vest. Far from it.

Orvis’s Ultralight Fly Fishing Vest is a radical design that merges hi-volume storage capacity with close-fitting construction. The low-profile design keeps load closer to the body and reduces the “layered bulk” of conventional vests. Even with pockets fully loaded (see below for long list of carrying specs), the vest’s overall flat form cheats wind and remains snag-resistant.

Features include: net holder, eleven pockets, 6 exterior, 4 interior, and 1 rear, four large vertical chest pockets for fly boxes, two of which feature internal mesh organizers, two exterior vertical chest pockets higher on the shoulder for leaders, tippet and other accessories, two interior vertical chest pockets hold valuables and include a key clip, adjustable sliding clip closure allows you to adjust vertically to the most comfortable position, two fly patches hide a zinger port and two elastic cords on the exterior of chest pockets for adding accessories and tippet bar. A large rear zipper pocket securely holds extra gear.

This much carrying capacity requires a well-padded, contoured collar, as well as fabric stretch in the right placed – Orvis included both.

The design also allows nippers to nest under a hatch for quick access. Forceps can be slid up and underneath the Velcro for easy access. The entire package is treated with DWR.

For anyone averse to donning a vest, note that this is an ultra-modernized version of an old essential that deserves a close look.

Lightweight, hi-capacity, form fitting and breathability make this a stand-out wearable.

This product was tested for an entire fishing season.

Highly recommended.

$149