The new MCX rain gauge |
A previous occupant of my house didn't subscribe to the idea of catch and release |
The reason is the dreaded North Atlantic Oscillation. Long term followers of my writings may recall its explanation in September 2014's "How Long Can This Go On" post, which included a similar view of the old rain gauge. In essence the oscillation is between the atmospheric pressures prevailing at each extremity of the North Atlantic, Reykjavik and Gibraltar.
Atlantic atmospheric pressure C. BBC 2016 |
Wind at 13.5km altitude 31 May 2016 C. Windyty.com |
We just have to console ourselves that it could be worse, like it was in 2014 and 2015, when ultra-dry February - April periods stopped the spring run in its tracks. In Yorkshire, after 280mm of rain in those 3 months in 2016, we've had a strong spring run and there are good numbers of fish in the rivers that may become catchable given some rain and a sustained rise in water levels. Needless to say I'm desperately keen to get some fishing done before we go to Norway in mid-July. Rest assured that I shall write about the preparations, the inevitable requirement for rain-dancing, and of course the trip itself.
Wading Jackets - Yet Again! - Vision Keeper & Vector
With the absence of rain, water and fishing my new bizarrely-sourced Patagonia ST jacket remains untested on its hanger in the garage. However, an acquaintance asked whether I would write a short review of some wading jackets at the cheaper end of the spectrum. As this doesn't merit a separate post, I've tacked it onto the end of the meteorology lecture.Vision Keeper
HMCX demonstrating the dog-retaining qualities of the Keeper jacketTomatin 2013 |
The features are basic but the materials and construction are sound throughout. There are 2 front top-loading pouch pockets; 2 hand warmers; and a single zipped key pocket. There are no front D rings, but the fabric loops alongside the pockets provide anchors for zingers that could be easily improved by the addition of larger split rings.
The Keeper is generously cut (HMCX is 15 1/2 stone of shoulder and muscle), light (but passably warm) and completely wind and water proof. The velcro adjustable cuffs are concealed under elasticated wrists. The collar and cuffs are lined with a pleasantly comfortable fabric After 6 seasons the keeper shows no signs of wear.
Based on this evidence and HMCX's satisfaction I would recommend the Keeper as a bargain '2 season' jacket without any hesitation.
Vision Vector
During the Great Jacket Hunt someone recommended that I should look at the Vector, which I did during an unrelated visit to my local Vision dealer. These are my impressions after inspecting the jacket and trying it for fit.Immediately you can feel that the £109 Vector is a clear step up from the Keeper in terms of materials and construction. Its robustness is obvious. The breathable lining is heavy duty, multi-layered and substantially taped along all its seams. The external material is similarly tough and seemingly durable. The cut is several inches longer than the Keeper: whilst not perfect for deep wading, it would make an ideal dual-purpose boat and wading jacket.
The pockets and features are broadly the same as the Keeper, with 2 chest top loaders, handwarmers and fabric tabs in lieu of D rings. Another improvement is the hood, which is capacious, stiffened and fully adjustable, a serious bit of work designed for foul weather.
If you want a '4 season' jacket that is tough, durable and can withstand anything the weather throws at you, all at a budget price, the Vector would take some beating. In my opinion it's a far better jacket than the £199 Guideline Kispiox I inspected during the Great Jacket Hunt on virtually every count: durability, breathability and water proofing (the Kispiox doesn't have a membrane).
Other Affordable Options
The next steps up the budget ladder lead to the £145 Snowbee Prestige and the £160 Greys Strata. Based on 15 years' use I rate the Snowbee very highly for its all-year-round comfort (lovely cuffs), excellent pocket arrangements and durability. It's also a great jacket if you fall in, a feature I've tested extensively. I haven't used the Greys, but trying it on in a shop immediately suggested that it would be an excellent choice for low-temperature spring fishing but much too warm in summer and autumn. For all but the most serious and frequent fisherman there's not much point going further up the price range, as the next group of jackets is clustered around the £250 price point, which I covered in detail in the first 2 chapters of the GJH.
The Bottom Line
If you fish in Scotland or England for just one week in the summer or autumn, then the £89 Keeper will meet 95% of your needs at a bargain price.If you fish more often and in colder periods with bad weather, spend another £20 and upgrade to the Vector.
If you fish 20-30 days annually and want more pockets and somewhere to stow your lunch, spend another £40 for the Snowbee.
You need not spend a penny more. Perhaps my involvement with expensive jackets upset the weather......
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