COLUMBIA WADING JACKET
Danny Spelic gets into Columbia’s Cascade Range Wading Jacket

In recent times, the name Columbia has become synonymous with the very best in technical fishing apparel. Columbia’s unique range of Performance Fishing Gear has provided Australian anglers with an array of shirts, shorts, jackets, footwear, hats and accessories for optimal performance and comfort in any climate or terrain for the best part of the last ten years.

Since company chairperson Gert Boyle (the grumpy looking woman seen in Columbia’s clever marketing campaign) designed their first fly vest more than 40 years ago, the product range has developed in leaps and bounds.

I recently had the opportunity to sample one of Columbia’s latest products—the Cascade Range Jacket—which is a serious step up compared to some of the other wading jackets currently on the market. In Canberra’s cold winter climate and in the Snowy Mountains region where I do most of my fishing at this time of the year, the Cascade Range Jacket has proven invaluable.

Made from Columbia’s Omni-Tech Duo Ply XD material, this seam sealed, waterproof, breathable and windproof jacket features front cargo hand warming pockets, inside storm flap and rain gutter that provide superior protection and comfort for those wet days on the water. The most noticeable design features that set this jacket apart are the neoprene cuffs and waistband, and the maximum visibility hood. The neoprene cuffs are extremely comfortable and provide superior protection against the elements, whilst the hood, drawcord and visor allow for maximum visibility in poor conditions without making you feel like a horse with blinkers.

Prior to testing the new Cascade Range Jacket, I had been using Columbia’s Ballistic Jacket which I purchased about two years ago without knowing a lot about Columbia’s product design and range. Although it provides fantastic protection in the most severe conditions, its sheer bulk (with interior fleece liner) makes it difficult at times to fish effectively without feeling and looking like the Michelin Man! This is no design fault on Columbia’s part, because the Ballistic (unbeknown to me at the time) is a jacket specifically designed for skiers and hikers rather than fly fishers!

The Cascade Jacket is lightweight and compact in comparison, which makes it easy to carry in a small pack when not in use. The cropped waist design also makes wading a breeze and allows for freedom of movement in deeper water. Perhaps the only suggestion for improvement would be a few more pockets to store equipment (I don’t like wearing both a jacket and a fly vest to carry all my gear) including an internal mesh pocket for fishing licence, keys etc.

Available in stores now, the Cascade Range Jacket comes in an ‘Oxide’ (olive green) colour and is available in sizes S–XXL. The recommended retail price is $299.95, which is great value for money when compared to similar jackets of this kind.

For further information contact your local Columbia stockist or phone Columbia on (07) 3356 3444.