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Best Fishing Vests In 2021

Andy Lewis
Your guide to this article today is by outdoor expert Andy Lewis
Published December 5, 2018
Support us! GearHungry may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more

It’s about more than just looking the part. Your fishing vest gives you access to numerous bait types with a varied number of pockets, maintains your body temperature on those cold mornings, and keeps everything within arm’s reach, so you never miss your opportunity when there’s a tug on the line. In short, the best fishing vests are your companion when you’re out on the boat or parked by the shore. We’ve not only taken a look at an excellent assortment of fishing vests, but we’ve tested them, and devised exactly what you need to be on the lookout for. It’s time to upgrade your fishing game, and it starts now.

The Best Fishing Vest

1
Bassdash Strap Fishing Vest

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If you love fishing, then you are sure to appreciate this highly adjustable vest from Bassdash Fishing. The beauty of this adjustable and unisex verst is that you can conveniently have access on demand to your tackle and tools at all times. Just imagine how much pleasurable your fishing experience will be without the need to carry a cumbersome tackle box? With 18-pockets in total and a D-ring gear attachment plus a variety of useful accessory loops, this fully adjustable fishing vest is ideal. Whether you prefer to fly fish, head out on a boar or cast from the shore, this durable premium polyester constructed vest delivers a customized fit. With a breathable mesh back, it’s also designed to keep your cool even in active heat. In an assortment of colors too, this suspension style fishing vest represents excellent value and choice.

Key Features:

Fully adjustable suspension style system

Lightweight and fast drying material

18 pockets including 14 zippered options

D-ring on back to attach a fishing net

Customized shoulder and waist straps

Specification:
  • BrandBassdash
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

2
Gihuo Men’s Fishing Vest

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With a wide range of classic and traditional colors to choose from as well as various sizes and styles, there’s a Gihuo Fishing vest to suit everyone. This stylish and highly versatile lightweight jacket is ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities from fishing to hiking, camping to photography. With 16 varying sized pockets, including secure zippered pockets as well as velcro fastening ones, you can handily store all your personal possessions discreetly away for unrestricted access. All the while ensuring that your hands are free to focus on whatever activity you are engaged in.

Made from a lightweight fabric blend that’s designed to offer a minimal amount of waterproof protection, it’s the ideal vest for those drizzly and damp, early morning starts. With plenty of breathable mesh incorporated into the design, this jacket is well ventilated and will ensure the wearer remains cool and comfortable at all 

Key Features:

Wide range of colors and sizes available

Lightweight fabric with breathable mesh paneling

16 pockets in total including 5 functional varying sized zipper pockets

Perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities

Stylish and practical design

Specification:
  • BrandGihuo
  • Weight1 pounds
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

3
Anglatech Fly Fishing Backpack Vest

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For those of you who love to combine your fishing with a healthy dose of adventure, then this fishing backpack from Anglatech delivers plenty of features you’ll appreciate. Designed for the explorers among you who enjoy spending long days on the water, not only does it come with expandable storage but it also includes a water bladder. So now you can stay hydrated all day long without having to take along extra water bottles with you. Constructed from a breathable mesh fabric that allows plenty of airflow, you will stay both cool and dry no matter what the weather. With fully adjustable shoulder and waist straps, it’s ideal for all shapes and sizes. The Anglatech vest is made from a heavy duty and hard wearing ripstop nylon. If you want to ensure that your essential fishing gear is always well organized and easily in reach, then grab yourself this comfortable, adjustable and stylish fishing vest today.

Key Features:

Combination vest with 2-liter water bladder

Lots of organized wearable storage

Fully adjustable sizing

Customize shoulder and waist straps

Comfortable and breathable mesh construction

Specification:
  • BrandAnglatech
  • Weight1.5 pounds
Pros

Mesh backing avoids sweat build up and keeps you cool

Two waterproof pockets protect electronics if you take an unexpected dip

Cons

Low quality zipper closure, primarily made of plastic

Range of motion is heavily impacted if all pockets are used

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

4
Lixada Fly Fishing Vest

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From hunting to fishing, camping to kayaking, the Lixada Fly Fishing Vest is a versatile and functional choice. The highly practical design features a series of secure pockets, ideal for storing all your valuables while ensuring your hands are kept free. There are fully adjustable buckle straps at the shoulders and waist so that it can be worn by both men and women. The universal adult size should be suitable to fit just about anyone and a stylish range of colors are available.

Designed with a breathable mesh back panel, it allows air to freely flow through the fabric ensuring the wearer remains cool, dry and comfortable no matter what the weather. Fabricated from a superior, premium ripstop polyester shell, it’s highly durable and reliable There’s the added convenience of being able to use this Lixada Fishing Vest either with or without replaceable EPE foam, providing the wearer with superior buoyancy plus added security and protection in open water conditions if requried.

Key Features:

Universal adult sized vest

Premium construction delivers superior buoyancy

Wide range of color options available

Highly breathable mesh incorporated in the design

Generous range of pockets for secure storage

Specification:
  • BrandLixada
  • ModelDFU1780161302653GR
  • Weight1.5 pounds
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

5
Master Sportsman Adult Fishing Vest

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You’d be surprised at how quickly a dozen pockets get eaten up, so how about twenty-six? That’s how many pockets the Master Sportsman fishing vest comes with, which gives you an absolute ton of space for bait, extra hooks, and just about everything else you can imagine. Each pocket has a sturdy closure, most of them being zippers. You get a zipper closure on the vest as well, with an addition fold-over snap button to keep things nice and secure. We just wish that this vest was a bit longer.

It rides up fairly high on your torso, even if you’re a slender guy. While the material feels great and remains breathable, the primary build is cotton, so stains and odors are far more likely to kick their feet up and stay a while, even after a long spin cycle. So long as you keep the usage lightweight, this inexpensive vest is an excellent way to conquer the water, and fill up your cooler before you head out. Everything is at your fingertips, including a loop to hold onto your rod while you’re sorting through your catches. Be sure to also check out our list of the best fishing nets for more great items like this.

Key Features:

Made with 60% cotton / 40% polyester

Includes rod holder loop

Sturdy zipper closure w/ fold-over snap button

Specification:
  • BrandMaster Sportsman
  • ModelPPFV-11
  • Weight11.2 ounces
Pros

26 large pockets

Removable fly patches let you customize your vest

Cons

Rides a little high up on the torso, even for slender gents

Primary cotton construction makes this susceptible to odor retention and stains

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

6
Rothco Uncle Milty Travel Fishing Vest

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You mean you didn’t have an uncle Milty? Rothco took the most classic fishing vest design, and put their own twist on the aesthetics and function. With the Uncle Milty fishing vest, you’ll be able to dip into over a dozen different pockets, and stash your bait, extra hooks, and just about anything else you’ll need, including your smartphone. While the polyester material helps to keep you warm, it is very thinly crafted. Veteran fishers will have to be a bit careful not to tear it.

The only other major downside is that it’s difficult to clean, primarily because of all the zippers and pockets. Stains are difficult to lift, but odors do wash out fairly easily. Rothco built this with an accurate sizing chart in mind, so what you select is what you get: nothing runs small or too big here. Last but not least, you get a little extra protection from the single fold-over button closure over your zipper, and three solid colors to choose from. This is a perfect gift for fishermen in your life.

Key Features:

Primary polyester construction

Over a dozen pockets for maximum storage

Zipper closure w/ button clasp over mid breast area

Specification:
  • BrandRothco
  • Model613902754621
  • Weight1.15 pounds
Pros

Fits snug to help regulate body temperature

Pocket sizes accommodate most smartphones and bait boxes

Cons

Polyester is thin and prone to ripping if you aren’t careful

Difficult to wash properly

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

7
M MaximumCatch Fly Fishing Vest

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When was the last time you had a true fly fishing vest? M MaximumCatch is willing to bet that even if you could recall your old fly fishing vest, their model would beat it tenfold. We’re inclined to agree. You get a total of sixteen pockets, and a fully adjustable harness system that can loosen at the shoulders and waist. That helps it retain its breathable design, keeping you cool from dawn until dusk. The only major design flaw is that half of your pockets are located on the interior section of your fly fishing vest, making them partially inaccessible.

You also get a removable foam pad that’s in a pocket in the vest. Trust us, you’ll know that it’s there. It’s fairly obvious and ironically uncomfortable, so we recommend removing it to regain mobility. Minor gripes aside, M MaximumCatch created this out of durable materials, making it simple to wash. Since the design is breathable, the entire vest is lightweight, keeping your mobility on-point throughout your fishing trip. Be sure to combine this with a cool fishing shirt from our list.

Key Features:

Extremely lightweight construction keeps you on your feet

Total of 16 pockets

Includes two zip-down fly benches

Specification:
  • BrandM MAXIMUMCATCH
  • Weight1.4 pounds
Pros

Shoulder and waist straps are fully adjustable

Breathable design keeps you cool throughout the day

Cons

Half of your pockets are interior, making them difficult to access when in use

Foam padding on the interior is bulky and far from comfortable

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

8
ONYX Kayak Fishing Vest

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If you’re sitting on a boat with your rod poking in the water, you might nod off a bit. We’ve all done it, but on rare occasions it could send you tumbling into the water. With an ONYX on your back, you’ll be right as rain. This doubles as a floatation device to keep safety as the top priority, and also includes breast pockets and loops to keep everything close at hand. The downside is, there aren’t very many pockets, so you have to plan your space usage wisely.

Sizing is also a bit wild here. For us, and many gents who have tried out an ONYX vest, it’s oversized. Even if you follow the sizing information, it runs big. By far, our favorite feature had to be the drop-down tackle box tray, keeping everything accessible when you’re in the heat of the catch. ONYX created a great fishing vest here, with a sturdy front zipper and adjustable design, at half the price of many major brand vests. Our handy guide to the best fishing shoes features more great products like this.

Key Features:

Breast pockets and loops for easy access

Durable zipper closure w/ pull-on loop

High weight capacity

Specification:
  • BrandONYX
  • ModelKayak Fishing Life Jacket
Pros

Dual use as a flotation device

Drop-down tray makes tackle box access a breeze

Cons

Too much space on the interior to be comfortable, even for larger men

Very low amount of pockets

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

9
Allen Gallatin Ultra Light Fishing Vest

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There’s nothing wrong with the traditional fly fishing vest look. After all, it’s functional, and the perfect item for a minimalist fisherman who’s not looking to take the entire bait and tackle shop out on the boat with him. Allen Gallatin’s design keeps this totally breathable, but since it’s made of a durable nylon construction, the pockets aren’t very expandable. If you’re trying to stuff items in over capacity, you’re going to have one hell of a time zipping that pocket up.

On the subject of zippers, you’ll notice rubber caps on each one. These are fairly poor quality and will wear out very soon. With those small grievances in tow, note that the vest is extremely comfortable to wear. Traditional fly fishing vests put a strain on your neck and muscles, but with a padded neck piece and adjustable shoulder straps, the last thing you’ll be worried about is comfort, or stiff shoulders after you slide out of your vest. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best sunglasses for fishing.

Key Features:

Classic design keeps this breathable, no matter how you wear it

Triple buckle closure system

Fully adjustable straps

Specification:
  • BrandAllen Company
  • Model6347
  • Weight1 pounds
Pros

Extremely affordable; no price increase from size range

Padded neck strap reduces tension and maximized comfort

Cons

Limited pocket space, non-expandable nylon build

Rubber zipper coatings wear out very easily

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

10
Kylebooker Fly Fishing Vest Pack

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The one thing that we never really see fishermen talking about is the strain they’re putting on themselves. Kylebooker listened to this, and created a vest with a seriously comfortable pair of shoulder straps. This padding will not only leave you without tension on your shoulders, but it’s also completely adjustable to fit your size, no matter what. When it comes to fitting, it slips on like a glove, but it’s a different story when you fill the pockets to capacity. You’ll have an inhibited range of motion if you’re using the full storage capability of this vest.

If you keep it about 75% full, you’ll be good to go. Apart from storage, the only other thing we would seriously change about this vest is removing those orange ties on all the zippers. They’re fairly poor quality and will tear and degrade in no time. Kylebooker still makes a fantastic vest with ample storage, equipped with durable zippers, and even includes a dual rod loop so you won’t be slugging your pole over your shoulder. If you need serious fishing equipment, make sure you check our guide to the best ice fishing shelters.

Key Features:

Includes a rod holder strap

No short supply of pockets

Durable zippers with nylon ripstop setting

Specification:
  • BrandKylebooker
  • Weight1.54 pounds
Pros

Very affordable and durable, an overall great value

Adjustable shoulder padding reduces tension on your neck

Cons

When at full capacity, mobility is greatly impacted

Orange ties on zippers are very flimsy, don’t expect them to last long

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

11
M MaximumCatch Maxcatch Fly Fishing Vest

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M MaximumCatch has been putting out their famous Maxcatch lineup for years, and their standard fly fishing vest caught our attention. This vest comes with a premium design (without the premium price), but doesn’t hit every note the way we’d like. We’re big fans of the padded shoulder straps, but not exactly thrilled that when you pull on the adjustable straps, it tightens in the shoulders and leaves your lower section just sort of dangling there. If you’re using the pockets to store as much as possible, there’s another minor flaw.

The center zipper closure can only handle so much stress. When the pockets are full and pulling in two different directions, the zipper starts to slide down on its own. If you aren’t bringing the entire tackle shop with you, then you should be good to go. You’ll be able to enjoy the Maxcatch’s eyelet line feed, and stave off sweat with the full mesh panel construction in the back. It’ll stay breathable and won’t eat a hole in your wallet, but it wouldn’t be our first pick for an all-day fishing affair. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best fishing watches.

Key Features:

Removable foam fly patch

D-ring included for landing net

Cushioned shoulder straps help reduce tension

Specification:
  • BrandM MAXIMUMCATCH
  • Weight1.6 pounds
Pros

Designed to let you feed your line through the eyelets

Breathable mesh back panel keeps sweat away

Cons

This vest gets tight at the shoulders when you adjust the straps

Weight from pocket use impairs zipper function

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

12
NRS Chinook Fishing Vest PFD

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Our last pick is another flotation device and fishing vest all in one. While that leads to there being way more padding than actual storage, it’s a toss-up if you want a versatile vest that can also be used during kayaking and white river rafting. The storage that you get won’t interfere with mobility, even if all the pockets are utilized to maximum capacity, for your knives, fishing bobbers, lures etc. Just note that those pockets are particularly hard to keep clean, as are the other components of this fishing vest.

The star of the show is the eight-point harness system, designed to give you nothing but unparalleled comfort and a tight fit that you won’t find with any other vest. NRS went all-out to ensure mobility and a contoured fit but didn’t forget the aspects that make this a great fishing vest. You have multiple D-rings all across the bottom half, two loops to stash your fishing rod in, and a mesh back panel to help keep you cool throughout the day. Be sure to combine this with a cool fishing hat from our list.

Key Features:

Includes two rod holder loops

Mesh back panel helps reduce sweating and discomfort

Multiple D-rings located all over the vest for net attachment

Specification:
  • BrandNRS
  • Weight2.1 pounds
Pros

Extremely customizable, due to the eight-point system

Doubles as a floatation device thanks to the Soft PlushFIT foam

Cons

There’s more padding than actual storage

Difficult to clean

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Fishing Vest Buying Guide and FAQs

How We Chose Our Selection of Fishing Vests

Brand - There are some brands who have been in the business longer, and their adjustments over time show in their work. We avoided knock-off brands with shoddy manufacturing standards, and instead, focused on brands and companies that have been traditionally used by professional fishermen for decades. In this space, brand tells you a lot about what you can expect.

Reviews - Dwelling on user reviews will always be a factor that goes into your purchase, no matter how hard you may try to look past them. You get firsthand experiences from users that have nothing to gain other than telling the truth. You can always pick out those few stragglers, but for the most part, user reviews help us determine our shortlist of products before we order them and head to testing.

Design - Design and style are two different things entirely. You’re not looking to be suave or stylish here, you want function (and something that doesn’t look hideous at the same time). The design dictates function and mobility, which we’ve addressed with some bulkier fishing vests in the reviews above.

Types of Fishing Vests

Mesh - Mesh is usually used in the construction of back panels and other breathable sections of the vest. There’s nothing wrong with a mesh component, but the entire vest can’t be made out of mesh, otherwise your pockets would completely fail.

Fabric - Polyester, cotton and a few other choice materials are very common in fishing vest construction. Find a blend that has predominant polyester, as it has a great natural waterproof feature, and doesn’t stain or retain odors as easily as cotton.

best fishing vests

Fishing Vest FAQs

Q: What is a Fishing Vest?

A: They’re that cliche item you always see fishermen in movies wearing. It’s not just a style, though: it’s all about function, and making the right move at the right time. When you feel a tug on that line, you need to jump to attention and bring your A-game. How can you expect to do that when you’re not prepared?

Fishing vests help keep everything you could ever need right on-hand. That means linecutters, bait and tackle, additional hooks, just about anything you can think of that you might need in a pinch while you’re out on the boat or sitting by the shore. They also serve another function, which brings us into our next topic.

Q: Can Fishing Vests be Used as Flotation Devices?

A: Only if it’s clearly stated. You’ll find that most fishing vests are made of simple, thin materials that aren’t naturally buoyant. If a fishing vest also doubles as a floatation device, that will be a major selling point, and you’ll see it displayed clearly.

Flotation devices are usually foam padding that’s interwoven throughout various areas of the fishing vest. Keep in mind that these dual vests won’t have as much pocket storage, but will be suitable to use in other events, like kayaking or white water rafting. If you’re a bit of a daredevil when it comes to watersports, getting a hybrid vest will be your best bet.

Andy Lewis
Andy Lewis
Andy is a experienced Bushcraft instructor that has spent time in some of the most remote and hostile environments in the world. When not outdoors, Andy contributes his expert knowledge to our survival and outdoor department. With an NCFE Level 4 Survival Instructors Award firmly in hand, he has certainly earned the position of a trained survivalist, wilderness and first aid expert.
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