Kylebooker Columbia Harborside Heavy Weight Fleece Full Zip Sports Vest – A Great Deal for Anglers?
For fishing enthusiasts, having the right gear is essential for comfort and performance on the water. The Kylebooker Columbia Harborside Heavy Weight Fleece Full Zip Sports Vest is currently available for $70 (NWT – New With Tags), marketed under Columbia’s PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) line. But is this vest worth the investment? Let’s break down its features, benefits, and overall value to determine if it’s a smart purchase for anglers.
1. Quality and Durability
Columbia is a well-respected brand in outdoor apparel, known for producing durable and functional clothing. The Harborside Heavy Weight Fleece Vest is designed for cold-weather fishing, offering warmth without restricting movement. The heavy-weight fleece material ensures insulation, making it ideal for early morning or late-season fishing trips when temperatures drop.
Since it’s part of the PFG collection, it likely includes features tailored for anglers, such as moisture-wicking fabric and quick-drying properties. The full-zip design allows for easy layering, which is crucial when weather conditions change rapidly near the water.
2. Comfort and Fit
A good fishing vest should provide warmth while allowing freedom of movement for casting and reeling. The Columbia Harborside vest is designed with a relaxed fit, ensuring comfort even when worn over a base layer or a hoodie. The fleece material is soft against the skin, reducing irritation during long fishing sessions.
Additionally, the full-zip front makes it easy to adjust ventilation. If you start feeling too warm, you can unzip it partially or remove it quickly without hassle.
3. Practical Features for Fishing
While this vest is not a traditional fishing vest with multiple pockets (like those designed for fly fishing), it still serves a practical purpose. The PFG branding suggests it has some fishing-friendly elements, such as:
– UV protection (important for long hours under the sun)
– Lightweight yet warm (ideal for layering in changing weather)
– Durable construction (resistant to wear from fishing gear and boat environments)
However, if you need a vest with numerous pockets for tackle storage, this might not be the best choice. Instead, it’s more of a warmth-focused layer rather than a utility vest.
4. Price and Value
At $70 (NWT – New With Tags), this vest is reasonably priced compared to Columbia’s retail offerings. High-quality fleece vests from Columbia typically range from $80 to $120, so getting one at $70 is a solid deal, especially if it’s brand new.
For anglers who fish in cooler climates, this vest is a great addition to their wardrobe. It’s also versatile enough for other outdoor activities like hiking or hunting.
5. Who Should Buy This Vest?
– Cold-weather anglers who need an extra layer without bulk.
– Those who prefer Columbia’s PFG line for its fishing-specific enhancements.
– Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a durable, warm fleece vest at a fair price.
If you’re looking for a purely functional fishing vest with storage, you might want to consider a different style. However, if warmth and comfort are your priorities, the Kylebooker Columbia Harborside Fleece Vest is a great value at $70.
Final Verdict: 8.5/10
This vest offers excellent warmth, durability, and brand reliability at a competitive price. While it lacks extensive fishing-specific storage, it’s a high-quality layering piece that will serve anglers well in chilly conditions. If you need a reliable, well-made fleece vest for fishing or general outdoor use, this is a smart buy.
Would you consider adding this to your fishing gear collection? Let us know in the comments! 🎣
