Top spec jacket is hard to fault

Snowbee SFT wading jacket

This wading jacket utilises the same seamless fusion technology that can be found in Snowbee’s SFT breathable waders. Any stitched seams have been replaced by fully-taped sonic welded seams which makes for a watertight seal and the seams are also completely flat which helps to avoid any undue wear.

The jacket is constructed from a quality three layer fabric with a 100 percent nylon outer shell and a Vapour-Tech breathable membrane. This combination gives a waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket.

I had the large size for review and it sat just above my waist.

Well-designed hood 

There’s no separate lining to get caught up in, which makes it extremely comfortable over base and mid layers as the jacket just slides over the top. The full length water resistant main zip tucks away into a brushed polyester fleece chin guard to prevent chafing.

It has an extra high collar with a brushed fleece lining which is very comfortable. The fixed but adjustable hood is made up of three panels and it can be rolled up and neatly tucked away inside the high collar.

The hood has an elasticated cord around the face that can be tightened down and held in place with toggle locks and for further adjustment there is another toggle lock located on the back so it can be tightened around the head.

The hood has a slightly stiffened fabric peak and does a good job of keeping the elements out while at the same time not restricting your peripheral vision. The slightly articulated arms taper down to a very tidy stretchable rubberised cuff with a low profile Velcro fastener.

This cuff gives a good seal around the wrists and is nice and soft. On the bottom hem of the jacket is an elasticated draw cord and a concealed toggle lock system.

Pockets and features

There are two large chest box pockets which have elasticated tops so they are expandable, and in the bottom of each are two metal eyelet drain holes. On the inside edge of each of these pockets is a water-resistant zip that gives access to a large flat waterproof pocket behind.

The top of the chest pockets and the zips are further protected by a wide and deep storm flap with a Velcro fastener. On the outside edge of the chest pockets is another water resistant zip giving access to fleece-lined hand warmer pockets.

There are no internal pockets. There is a Velcro tab rod holder on the top of the chest and a concealed webbing rod loop that fastens out of the way on the inside hem of the jacket. On the back of the jacket is a large D-ring.

VERDICT

I wore this jacket during a three-day boat fishing session on Eyebrook Reservoir in the most appalling wind and driving rain and it kept me completely dry and warm. I was also very impressed with its breath ability. A superb wading jacket that’s right up there with the best of them. Good attention to detail yet a simple unfussy design.

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