The search for contemporary technical outwear has lead to spending considerable time in fly fishing shops over the last few months. While LL Bean and Patagonia offer similar cuts and looks to Simms, the Bozeman-based fishing outfitter has the better details. Dedicated to fishing since its inception in 1980, Simms moved from Jackson, WY to Montana in 1993. That year they forged a bond with W.L. Gore, pioneering breathable waders.
The relationship with Gore is clear in the Simms jacket range. The G4 Pro uses Gore-Tex pro, making it super light, breathable, and clearly waterproof as well. Importantly, the G4 is the only jacket that Simms produces with pit zips. Of course, there is the question of pulling off a technical fly fishing jacket as casual wear. But since the jacket is simply awesome in its technical features it hardly matters.
