Cape Fear Performance Shell Vest
As a fly fisherman, I prefer wearing a vest to keep my core warm and my arms free for comfortable, unencumbered casting. That’s why last fall, I picked up the Cape Fear Men’s Performance Shell Vest. Cape Fear Sportswear designs technical clothing specifically for water and snow sports, so their products have design details that make them well suited for activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking. The vest turned out to be exactly what I needed – it’s lightweight, easy to pack in a sling pack or boat bag in case I need to add or remove layers, and comfortable. I particularly liked the high collar, which zips closed to protect your neck from wind and sun–perfect for closing the gap often left between a Buff and a shirt collar. I usually wore it layered under a raincoat, but I also wore it on its own over a performance longsleeve tee-shirt in foggy, damp conditions because it has an outer shell and 3-layer construction that keeps out water and wind while still being breathable.
I also appreciated the inside pocket, which has an audio port access so you can protect your phone while listening to music or taking a call on headphones. There’s also a drawstring at the waist, which cinches closed and keeps the vest in place while casting, so it won’t ride up and let a cold breeze sneak up your back. It’s clear that the vest was actually designed for active outdoor activities and, I’m glad that I added it to my fishing wardrobe.
Check out this video to learn more about the Cape Fear softshell vest and jacket: