Orvis Ratings and Reviews
ACCESSORIES(1,783)
BOOKS(10)
BOOKS & VIDEO(245)
BOOTFOOT WADERS(99)
FISHING GLOVES(64)
FISHING HATS(10)
FISHING LUGGAGE(276)
FLY BOXES(515)
FLY LINE & BACKING(775)
FLY VESTS & JACKETS(137)
HEAVY FLY REELS(504)
LEADERS/TIPPETS(611)
LIGHT FLY REELS(90)
NETS/WADING STAFFS(207)
OPTICS/SUNGLASSES(240)
SPIN TACKLE(6)
STOCKINGFOOT WADERS(459)
TECHNICAL OUTERWEAR(136)
WATERCRAFT(3)
Shop Now At Orvis
Top-Rated Products
Clearwater Mesh Vest
(17)
Hydros® Strap Vest
(13)
Top Rated Product
Hydros® Strap Vest
Our men's adjustable vest is the perfect hybrid. Lighter than a vest, but more capacity than a chest pack. 28 total pockets with specific design functions for everything from fly boxes to thermometers. Adjustable suspension system allows custom fit. Padded air mesh shoulder straps provide the ultimate in comfort and breathability. Men's adjustable vest in putty. Nylon with DWR coating. Washable. Imported.
Average Customer Rating:
Rating Snapshot (13 reviews)
5 stars
10
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
0
12 of 13(92%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Hydros® Strap Vest
Review 1 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
Light and comfortable,
June 6, 2012
By: AceCurry
from Charleston, West Virginia
"Lightest and most comfortable vest I have ever owned. I can't wait to spend a full day on the water with this vest."
Share this review:
Review 2 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
Does exactly as advertised,
June 2, 2013
By: Bill3
from Williamsport, MD
"Do you get a vest, a waist pack, or a sling pack? I bought this product because sometimes I need the extra capacity of a vest. You know, lunch, a wading jacket, some water, and the bonus of having a place to hook your net. It's a quality product."
Share this review:
Review 3 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
One size doesn't fit all,
December 1, 2012
By: willow03
"Hubby wears an XL and this didn't even come close to fitting him. The quality is exceptional and the weight is perfect but it won't fit anyone who wears greater than a Large. I wish that came in size selections because I would instantly order another -- but alas, it doesn't. Back it goes. :("
Share this review:
Review 4 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
I never planed to purchase...,
November 13, 2012
By: Andrey
"Until I put this vest on. It sits so comfortable on me that I could not say to myself no. Fishing trip after no doubt it worse the money."
Share this review:
Review 5 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
Lightweight and sturdy,
October 26, 2012
By: Wass1
from Bakersfield, CA
"Lightweight in my warm weather country. Very comfortable. Plenty of room for the fisher that carries everything, but perfect for the minimilist. Magnets for the tools a great idea. Stops the dangly-tanglies.The forceps magnet could be a touch stronger. I am 6 feet, 230 pounds and it adjusts perfect to my frame."
Share this review:
Review 6 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
Fantastic Vest,
October 24, 2012
By: Fancyboy
from California
"This is the most comfortable and usable vest/chest pack I have ever used. It carries a ton (even my water and a lunch) and is more comfortable than any other system I've used. A winner!"
Share this review:
Review 7 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
Best Vest.,
September 17, 2012
By: Anonymous
"Excellent vest. Its utility purpose, comfort, design and great style suits all my needs and exceeded my exectations. It is my first choice for fly fishing."
Share this review:
Review 8 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
Great vest .... except,
August 10, 2012
By: Dugie
from Colorado Springs, CO
"The other reviews all cover the pros of this vest and I agree with them all. However, I'm 6'6" and weigh in at 240. I found the girth of the vest isn't sufficient to accomodate my 38" waist. I strongly recommend that they increase the side straps to allow additional inches for guys that are XXL. I will figure out a way to adapt. They need a size XXL or larger that will allow for winter fishing with more layers of clothing."
Share this review:
Review 9 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
An excellent vest,
May 31, 2012
By: TroutVol71
from East Tennessee
"I'll not repeat what others have said regarding this vest, only add some new thoughts. I have not had any rear mesh pocket stiching issues, and I use that pocket for my water bottle. Hopefully, it will hold up. I, too, have tried every design on the market from old school vests to waist packs to sling packs, etc., and find the Hydros most comfortable system that I have encountered. I can almost forget it's there, but have everything I need for headwaters trout fishing, and the pockets are laid out well.
My only criticism is that the forceps slot is too loose to be of use. Bend over to net a fish and they slide out and are gone. The vest material and various flaps are too thick to make a good, handy clamp spot.
A very good vest. I'm considering getting a second one and putting it away for when this one wears out. My last favorite was held together by repair stitching, staples, paper clips, epoxy glue and prayers..."
Share this review:
Review 10 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
Almost Perfect,
May 24, 2012
By: Swingflies
from Downingtown, PA
"I wanted to share two sides of the story.
First and foremost, the vest is very practical and manages the load effectively and evenly.
I've tried waist packs, sling packs and chest packs but can't seem to get comfortable.
I fish with traditional rods and spey rods and I'm not one to carry a ton of gear. I find the pockets well designed. I even use the zippered chest pockets to hide nippers, forceps and a sharpener keeping them out of the way when I swing flies. The box pocket on the right side is just large enough to handle a Bugger Barn, my choice for Spey Flies. Inside mesh pockets are too small for larger tippet spools but convenient for other accessories. Back pockets will handle rain jacket, lunch, water and a camera. Finally, with the front zipped, if you unclasp the sides, you can swing the entire vest around for easy access to the back pockets.
Now the only disappointment. After 2 days on the water, the stitching on the small rear mesh water pockets popped. I think that the banding should be more elastic to provide more give. Making the repair is disappointing.
Overall, the functionality and comfort offset this problem."
First and foremost, the vest is very practical and manages the load effectively and evenly.
I've tried waist packs, sling packs and chest packs but can't seem to get comfortable.
I fish with traditional rods and spey rods and I'm not one to carry a ton of gear. I find the pockets well designed. I even use the zippered chest pockets to hide nippers, forceps and a sharpener keeping them out of the way when I swing flies. The box pocket on the right side is just large enough to handle a Bugger Barn, my choice for Spey Flies. Inside mesh pockets are too small for larger tippet spools but convenient for other accessories. Back pockets will handle rain jacket, lunch, water and a camera. Finally, with the front zipped, if you unclasp the sides, you can swing the entire vest around for easy access to the back pockets.
Now the only disappointment. After 2 days on the water, the stitching on the small rear mesh water pockets popped. I think that the banding should be more elastic to provide more give. Making the repair is disappointing.
Overall, the functionality and comfort offset this problem."
Share this review:
Review 11 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
nearly perfect,
April 15, 2012
By: cameroia
from Aberdeen, Scotland
Reviewer Images
(click to see full-size image)
"An excellent vest/pack, with well laid out & ample pockets, and comfy when fully laden.
Bought this from Orvis store in Banchory to replace my old vest. Wanted something light, but with space to carry water, sandwiches, raincoat as well as all my tackle - I often have long days on the river, walking a few miles, and like to carry provisions. Tried various backpacks, vests, waist packs before choosing this one.
This vest packs all my stuff - the rear pockets can easily hold a 1.5 litre hydration bladder, a 0.5 liter coffee flask, spare jacket or fleece, food - and yet is comfortable and doesn't feel like i'm weighed down.
Plenty of small front/inside pockets - ideal for keeping keys/permits/scale sampling kit/boxes etc separate and therefore quickly located.
Still getting to grips with front fly box pockets - a pair on each side, one zip opens to the left, one to the right - but i guess my hands will get used to them quickly - but the pockets are the right size for me (my fly boxes are usually 6" wide).
love the 6 tippet holders on the inside - ideal for storing & sorting tippet by X.
there's a pair of magnets, one either side - one keeps my nippers tidy, the other i've found handy for holding a fly when changing over - surprisingly useful.
there's a pair of magnets, one either side - one keeps my nippers tidy, the other i've found handy for holding a fly when changing over - surprisingly useful.
The side straps allow for adjustment to the amount of clothing i'm wearing - handy in scotland where we can go from snow to sunshine in a few hours.
the over shoulder straps - i've got them pulled to the max - a minor niggle here, that the tag end has no where to go - i've had to fold and tuck it back under itself, but it seems to stay put.
the waist buckle - again, the tag end flaps about - i've added an elastic band and tucked the tag into that - small design change to add a loop to do that would have been a nice touch.
Only disappointment - I've had this vest for one week now, used it 5 times, and already the stitching has come away from one of the small rear mesh pockets, so i'll have to get that repaired. Hmm, not so robust for a product that cost £125.
However, that niggle aside, a great product. My last vest served me for 7 years; hope I get as many years of service from this one too."
Share this review:
Review 12 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
Awesome Product,
February 28, 2012
By: Riverraider
from Eau Claire, WI
"This was little more than I would like to spend but well worth it! The vest is very comfortable, durable and light weight. The adjustable shoulder straps allows int to be worn in all conditions. Over a heavy winter jacket or a summer T shirt."
Share this review:
Review 13 for Hydros® Strap Vest
Overall Rating:
pockets, pockets, pockets,
December 29, 2011
By: ellie0727
from South Alabama
"Item wasa just as promised. Many pockets, great for fly fishing."
Share this review:
