Filson is well-established as a company dedicated to both craftsmanship and performance when it comes to technical apparel. For more than 100 years, Filson has produced exceptionally well-made and stylish clothing (and more) that stand the test of time with both look and durability. And for those in search of the perfect fly fishing jacket, what more could you ask for?!
In the spring, we got our hands on the Filson NeoShell® Reliance Jacket for a test and review. And wanting to make the most of both, this jacket traveled to rivers throughout the U.S. West while enduring some tough weather — from the snowstorms of Montana to the hard rains of Northern California. Day-in and day-out, this jacket stood up while also providing comfort when needed the most.
While the days of sweating in waterproof rain jackets (due to lack of breathability) are largely behind us, the memory of this former shortcoming in jackets remains scarred in the psyche of many anglers. And because gear can easily make us uncomfortable on the water (especially with increased perspiration), the most dedicated anglers approach jackets with the utmost scrutiny. And they should. And with that in mind, we expect the NeoShell® Reliance Jacket will stand up to the toughest critique.
Filson claims comfort with the NeoShell® Reliance Jacket, and they deliver. Their 3-layer NeoShell® fabric is waterproof and wind-resistant for comfort in the elements, but the jacket is also highly breathable, thereby keeping you comfortable as you sweat. (Many of us are all too familiar with needing to shed layers due to sweating when hiking in extreme cold. Gear fail!) And for those times when the trek brings up unavoidable body heat and sweat, the NeoShell® Reliance Jacket also has pit zippers to cool you off.
Two additional features that were well-received on this jacket were the mechanical stretch, which allows a broad range of motion (critical for fishing) and the waterproof zipper closure with sealed and taped seams. Ever been on a boat with the water spraying directly on you or in a torrential downpour? It’s often the zipper that is most vulnerable to letting water in. Nice to see Filson address this. And for when it’s cold (as it was in those April snowstorms in Montana), the NeoShell® Reliance Jacket features zippered handwarmer pockets and an insulated chest pocket. Always welcomed!
The NeoShell® Reliance Jacket comes in Olive Drab color and costs $395. To check out more about the NeoShell® Reliance Jacket from Filson, please click here.
Disclosure: Filson is in a professional relationship with The Venturing Angler. Though potentially benefiting from this relationship, we do not post what we do not believe to be true. To read more, click here.