Product Reviews

Product Review:   Simms Headwaters Mesh Fly Fishing Vest

Made By:  Simms

Over the years I have tried different ways of carrying gear on the water.  I have used a vest, a chest pack and a fanny pack.  I am always looking for the best and lightest way to carry my necessary fly fishing gear for a long day of fishing.  Recently, I decided to go back to the fly vest.  I wanted the most comfortable, durable, light weight, and functional fishing vest I could find.  Hands down the Simms Headwaters Mesh Vest is the way to go.

As I mentioned, I've tried different ways of carrying my fly boxes, leader, weight, floatant, indicators, nippers, pliers, and forceps (clamp).  I have tried several different vests of the years.  For a long time I had an inexpensive one, but my back was sore at the end of the day leading to my trying ways to keep my equipment on me.  My first vest was an old second hand Simms vest that was a little small, but effective... and I didn't have a sore back at the end of a long day.

Recently I tried the Simms Headwaters Mesh Vest.  I love it.  The guide vests that Simms carry are great, but I need need the extra room and I can't figure out why I wouldn't want the mesh.  The mesh cuts down in weight and on the Simms Headwaters quality is key.  This vital piece of equipment is about as bullet proof as it gets. 

Here is what Simms says about their Headwaters Mesh Vest:

• Featuring 15 pockets including 2 large bellowed chest pockets with hook & loop closure, 2 large zippered horizontal fly box pockets, 4 vertical waist pockets with hook & loop closure and 1 horizontal back pocket
• Rib knit collar
• 2 Patented built-in retractors and accessory D-rings
• Buckle closure
• Rod loop and hook & loop closure
• D-ring net holder at center-back
• 100% Polyester mesh with 100% Nylon fabric pockets with DWR treatment

The Mesh really does cut down the extra weight.  The Simms retractors are brilliant.  I will never lose another pair of nippers or forceps because of a faulty clip on retractor again.  I can carry three boxes of flies, plus every tool I'vde already mentioned and I still have room for more.  The rib knit collar is padded and stretchy which is very comfortable.  Also the built in fly patch is great.  I've always been frustrated with the velcro patches - I've lost many a fly and many a fly patch.  This one is the perfect size, expertly functional, and aesthetically awesome.

I hiked about three miles round trip in the snow with a backpack over the vest and found that the straps of my pack aligned perfectly with the space between pockets on the vest.  In other words, adding a backpack didn't make the vest uncomfortable or cumbersome.  

At the end of the day I was relieved and happy to have this vest.  One of the best purchases I've mad in a long while.  You can find less expensive vests for sure, but you will not find one this comfortable, or one that will last half as long.

Don't hesitate, pick one up right now HERE.

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