The Best Fishing Vests & Tactical Waistcoats

2021 Review by Jason Sawyer

A fishing vest or waistcoat is an essential bit of kit for any angler, perfect for keeping you warm in the winter or even cool in the summer. Always keep your fly fishing tackle close at hand.

Fishing waistcoats and vests are a must-have piece of fishing attire. A fly waistcoat is ideal for keeping your equipment handy without restricting your arms while casting. Here I reviewed the best fishing waistcoats and vests from leading brands Kylebooker, Bassdash and Lixada. Let’s crack on:

My Top-5 Fishing Vests

Here are my 5 best vests for fishing:

Best Overall: Bassdash Adjustable Fly Fishing Vest

Fishing Vest
Fishing Vest
1,746 Reviews

    Editors Rating: 4.7

    Runner Up: Lixada Tactical Fishing Vest

    Fishing Vest Sale
    Fishing Vest
    1,801 Reviews

      Best Comfort: Kylebooker Fly Fishing Vest

      Fishing Vest Sale
      Fishing Vest
      543 Reviews

        Best Deluxe: North Star Sports Vest

        Unique lightweight constructed mesh fabric for better breathability will keep you nice and cool when it’s hot outside. Adjustable shoulder and waist strap will fit all sizes.

        Made from lightweight mesh fabric with weight-distributing shoulder straps for added comfort. Includes 6 zip front pockets, 2 chest pouch pockets and 2 more inside pockets with zip down fly bench. 4 elastic loops to attach tools, fishing sun glasses and fishing accessories.

        Best Budget: KEFITEVD Quick-Dry Fishermans Vest

        Fishing vest
        Fishing vest
        951 Reviews

          More Vests For Fishing

          Here are some more fishing vests I recommend:

          Magreel Unisex Fly Fishing Vest

          Fishing Vest
          Fishing Vest
          194 Reviews

            Reflective straps make this angling vest ideal for kayak fishing.

            Bodywarmer Fishing Vest

            Hardwearing multi-pocket utility fishing vest, practical pocket layout with plenty of storage. There are 14 usable pockets on the front face of the vest, 4 of which are inside.

            There is also a lower back pocket that takes the rolled-up fabric back, allowing for more ventilation through the mesh. Knitted collar for added comfort, great for fishing, camping, hunting or any other outdoor activity. Great value for money fisherman’s vest.

            If you want this fishing waistcoat to go over other lays of fishing clothing then we would recommend going one size up.

            Kids Camouflage Fly Fishing Vest

            Made from lightweight mesh material with adjustable straps on the shoulders, front & sides. Features 9 pockets spread amongst the fishing vest, ideal for kids fishing trips. The vest is made from 600D Cordura making it tough and durable.

            My Top 3 Fishing Waistcoats

            Here are my 3 best waistcoats for fishing:

            Multipurpose Fishing Waistcoat

            Ideal for all outdoor pursuits such as hunting, shooting & fishing made from 100% cotton in black. The design includes 8 outer pockets with zipper, velcro & press stud closure and 4 inner pockets with a zipper.

            Well made Moleskin fishing waistcoat will last many years. Very high-quality vest with plenty of room to carry tools and accessories.

            Mil-Tech Olive Fishing Waistcoat

            The popular Mil-Tech fishing vest in Olive. Made from 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton. There is a large zip at front with 9 outer pockets, hook-and-loop and press stud closure.

            There are 4 inner pockets and 1 large zipper pocket on the back of the jacket for quick easy access. Lightweight and durable vest suitable for all outdoor pursuits such as fly fishing and sea fishing.

            Good workmanship has gone into the design which is very high quality and fashionable, this is a very reasonably priced fishing waistcoat.

            Gilet Multipocket Fishing Waistcoat

            Great multi-pocket waistcoat with 16 pockets including 4 inside and 1 poachers pocket on rear. There is plenty of room to store all your fishing tackle and accessories in the pockets. There is also plenty of space for moderate layers to be worn underneath the fishing vest.

            Made from 65% Polyester and 35% cotton strong durable and lightweight material. Colours available in Black, Navy, Beige, Olive and Woodland Camo.

            Jason Sawyer

            Jason Sawyer
            Expert UK Fish Species Hunter

            I have now caught over 100 different species of fish from British waters. My site is completely independent, financed only by you clicking on retailer links and buying something (at no extra cost to you). If you do - thanks a million I wish you tight lines fishing!