William Joseph
Light Weight Jacket
Chris Beech takes precautions for wet weather fishing.

When William Joseph say ‘light weight’, they’re not kidding! This jacket scrolls up into a carry bag just a little smaller than a grown man’s palm, and can be clipped to a belt loop for the ultimate in portability. Manufactured from 100% nylon, the rain jacket is well designed for the fly fisher, featuring a generous cut which allows free and unencumbered movement, elastic Velcro cuffs, elastic waist and well fitting hood. The only zippered pockets are high on the chest and are large enough for items like a mobile phone (don’t tell the Editor), car keys or small fly box.

A very nice touch (which I admit to thinking was pure novelty value) is the high powered Light Emitting Diode (LED) in the main zipper. Ever forgot your torch and struggled to see in the wee hours? This LED is bright enough to rig your flies, search through gear bags, or see your way back to the car. Handy!

The fabric is breathable to some degree —I’ve fished in it extensively and found it comfortable to wear under normal fishing conditions, and it certainly protects the wearer from the odd shower or wave. With strenuous activity, however, perspiration will collect inside.

The best things about this jacket are its portability, simplicity and lack of flyline-catching extras. Designed to be compact, it can always be with you when you need it most. Available in green and retailing for around $100, the William Joseph Light Weight Jacket represents outstanding value.