Inflatable wading jackets

[ceilidh]

Apart from the 'Englands' floatation wading jacket, which is excellent, but too expensive for the limited use I will be able to make of it, does any other manufacturer still make a similar jacket? Some years ago there were alternative products, but Englands now seems to be the only choice.

I have an excellent 'Sospenders inflatable vest' with plenty of pockets, which is fine in good weather but it is too small to fit over a foul weather wading jacket ( wearing it underneath one of these would not be a good idea!!)

Most of the neck halter type lifejackets tend to obstruct the tackle pockets on conventional deep wading jackets, hence my preference for an all in one solution.

If anyone has such a garment, I have an almost unused Partridge Goretex wading jacket Size M ( fits my 42" chest) with plenty of pockets, fly patch and velcro cuffs, darkish green colour available for sale, swap. part exchange.

[wilbert]

I too have been looking for a wading jacket like this but can only find the Englands one which can be bought for about £180. I have had the the Englands doctors waistcoat for a number of years now but find it a little too bulky and heavy. I keep thinking of not wearing it but you can guarantee first time its left at home I will go for a swim.

Has anyone used one of the Englands wading jackets? if so how water proof and warm are they??

[ceilidh]

Thanks for the reply Wilbert. I know that Hardys used to sell one but, as might be expected, they were more expensive than the Englands version. I see that John Norris are currently quoting £185 for the Englands Jacket. I don't know about warmth, but the new versions are now made of microfibre and claimed to be much lighter than the previous ones.

I waded happily enough without a lifejacket for 50 years but a dodgy hip and a couple of recent unintentional swims have changed my views!