Gen Z Fly Fishing | Are Vests Making a Comeback with the Next Generation?

Buffs Become Part of the Fly Fishing Uniform

I can recall how neck gaiters went from rare sightings to hipster sun shields. The fad was pushed along when Buff came out with cool colors and graphics. I especially liked the fish print designs.

Giving credit where credit is due, the neck gaiter's success in skin cancer protection has taken it out of the "trend" zone and into the "smart to wear" zone.

The Rise of the 6" Rubber Deck Boot

And now, the six-inch rubber deck boot is having its moment. Echoing the article "LaCrosse Alpha Deck Boots are Xtratuf Killers" by Tony K, "...deck boots in the outdoor world are kind of like Uggs for people who don't want to wear Uggs." I've noticed this trend mostly amongst the young guides and anglers of the saltwater fly fishing culture.

The Fly Fishing Vest: From Dad Gear to Retro Comeback

Is the fly fishing vest making a comeback? Fashion acts like a pendulum. What is popular swings to unpopular by the next generation, and then the generation after that goes retro and picks it up again. A vest was never a bad idea; it does what it's supposed to do, and it does it very well. Maybe for those reasons, and the fact that the new generation of fly anglers may see the vest as a way to claim their own identity, it seems to be due for a resurgence.

Guides Are Making Fly Fishing Vests Cool Again

I'm seeing more and more photos of fly anglers wearing vests. I personally know some guides that have switched over to wearing vests, and when guides start making something look cool, the rest of the fly fishing world tends to follow.

2007: The Year My Fly Fishing Vest Got Retired

I had to ask myself why I stopped wearing a vest. The last photo I have of me wearing a fly vest is from 2007. I was a guide in Alaska and I remember that even with a fully packed vest, I still had to carry a backpack or a shoulder bag to supply myself and two fly anglers for the day. I was looking for a way to improve my setup and came across a hip pack made by William Joseph (now out of business). It had magnetic closures which at the time was a novel idea and one that I thought would allow me to get in and out of the main compartment with one hand. I ordered it, and hasta la vista went the vest.

The Way of the Dodo

Hip packs and sling packs didn't just compete with the vest, they replaced them. In the last 10 years, if I see a vest on the river, it's usually worn by two types of anglers: the over-50 angler and the under-12. The under-12 soon gives up the vest when they become self-conscious about not fitting in. 

Never say Never...

Will I return to wearing a vest? Doubtful. I'm entrenched in slings and hip packs. Recently, I was able to get a look at what Simms has coming out in January. It's a series of hip, sling, and backpacks called the Headwaters collection. It was love at first sight. The collection checks off all the boxes in looks, functional design, and comfort. I don't see myself switching back to a vest anytime soon. KB

“The gods do not deduct from man’s allotted span the hours spent in fishing.” - Herbert Hoover

_{Some of the gear reviewed in this article was provided to me at no cost for evaluation. The views and assessments presented are entirely my own.}