Have you looked at the Columbia PFG Packable fishing jacket. It was on sale for around 100.000 at cabelas for a long time. I have used mine for 4 seasons now. For the price its a great fishing jacket no complaints, good size pockets breathable nice neopren cuffs. Although its not a good packable jacket more of a full time fishing jacket dry and warm 4 seasons going strong.

 

I have always just used a hooded gortex shel (3 layer) but now im using mountain hardwares conduit fabric has treated me real well lately. Ligh and easy to pack, welded seems, waterproof zippers and very good breathing.

So yea, just my personal preference but a jacket like this will leave you happy year long in any outdoor activity (except maybe hunting if you need camo, mountain hardware doesnt make any camo)

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=1827&prod=3228&cat=1869&viewAll=False

 

The high-end GoreTex stuff is a bit stiff, but it is absolutely waterprooof. I have the Cloudveil 8x and it is awesome in the worst weather. I also carry a light Simms In-Vest during warmer times of the year in case I need it in a pinch, and it is also a fine jacket for occasional use.

 

I have a Pac-Lite from Cabelas for backup or warmer weather, didn't see that coming..... I have Simms G3 Jacket for the winter, you will get wet in the Pac-Lite if it is really coming down. I had it from Backpacking days and it works just not as a go to jacket.

Craig

 

I'd go with the pac-lite just remember that the DWR will degrade (the coating that beads water on the surface). After the first season treat it evert 6-7 times that is gets wet, or as the water stops beading. Also, don't be afraid to wash it and dry it. It's next to impossible to go wrong with goretex

 

I have a Columbia Queets that I've been pretty happy with for light use. Flexible and packs in a pocket, but not what I'd wear on a multi-day rainfest.

 

I recently got an LL Bean Gor-tex PacLite fishing jacket that I really like. Well designed to keep water out. Good hood, neoprene cuffs, very light. Great pockets - two front box pockets for fly boxes, with zippered hand pockets behind. Reportedly folds up into its own pocket, but I haven't quite figured that out yet.
Michael

 

Patagonia deep wading is $150 on sale now.

 

I agree 100% with yellow lab. The deep wading jacket is great. I love mine

 

Pretty hard to go wrong with pataguchi esp at a price like that. In addition to great gear it is a outstanding company with great values.

 

Im tempted to upgrade mine, I like the new zip pockets and the new cuffs. http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/deep-wading-jacket?p=81798-1-386

 

I got mine last summer on the web special for $125.00 and at $150. it still a good deal. Saved my ass last oct in winthrop as a huge rainstorm that lasted for 3 hours while on big twin it kept me dry. Plus it packs away nicely in to storage in the pontoon. The web spceails are great never thought I'd buy pataguiche but like I said the web specials are good.

 

While I haven't worn a rain coat for years, I seem to recall that natural lambskin is more comfortable but you pay for the comfort. Latex is more durable but not breathable.

 

Shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no comment.

 

my son got a cloudveil and loves it. i think it is an 8x. it was on sale for 50% off. mike w

 

Any Patagonia at that price is great. Their H2NO fabric is just as good as GoreTex. I have been using a REI Elements jacket for the past year and a half with no complaints. 3 layer GoreTex for a great price with REI's full backing. The shell I have is the most technical (arm pit zips, three way adjustable hood) lightweight jacket I have seen. I got mine on close out with my membership for 45% off. Paid $65 including tax.

 

Have you tried Frogg Toggs?

 

All 2.5 jackets, even PacLite, are very non-breathable. Fine if you are not exerting, but honestly, I don't love 2.5s. Best money spent is on eVent jackets. I think REI might have their Kulshan on sale right now.

 

In my experience, eVent kicks butt. (Full disclosure, I work for REI, and this is my personal opinion.) I've worn the Kulshan (men's version is Shuksan) while fishing, snowshoeing, hiking, and jacking a friend's car out of a drainage swale on a Forest Service road; in weather including heavy snow, below-freezing wind, freezing rain, and those "is it going to rain, spit, or be sunny?" days. It really does let the sweat out and keep you super-dry, and it really does block the wind. It's now my go-to all-around shell.

Minuses for fishing: no neoprene cuffs though the cuffs cinch, longer than ideal for wading but can be unzipped from the bottom. It doesn't pack down super-small, and the hood doesn't stuff into the collar (which I prefer but some would consider a minus). New Kimtah (M&W) is a bit lighter-weight but I haven't seen it yet. I can't wait for someone to start making eVent waders.

 

Helly Hanson.....survived some awesome downpours in AK

 

I love my Simms Guide jacket but I also own a set of patagonia waders and would love to have one of their jackets. Good luck.

 

Pretty much all of the above will do Bfic. Sounds like you want some movement though compared to your Redington. The cabaelas jackets work well, infact thay have a model that has a neoprene seal at the cuff so no water gets in the sleeve. All in all, unless you like waterproofing you're own gear, I would buy at a store that has an in house warranty. I use a lightweight MARMOT shell from REI that folds really small. After a year I had a small seam that was starting to fray. They gave me a new one on the spot. It was $129.