“Don’t the offshore guys only needs bibs?” “Its not wet enough to wear bibs on the skiff” “it’s going to be way to hot in those things”
These are the kind of things we heard when we brought in the the Simms Vapor Elite set. After 4 months of very real world testing and wearing them on the water a ton. This piece of kit is now a mandatory for me in my skiff. When skies open up and threaten your day on the water, the right rain kit makes all the difference. Simms’ Vapor Elite Jacket and Bib—is designed to keep us dry, agile, and comfortable, even in the heaviest downpours.
At around 15 oz for the jacket and 17.6 oz for the bib, this kit won’t weigh down your pack. Each piece compacts neatly into its own chest pocket, perfect for stashing in a vest pocket or bag until a surprise storm strikes .
Movement – and this is where the Vapor Elite shines. Both pieces feature stretch construction: the bib’s legs zip open 15″ to slip on over waders or boots, while the pant knees are reinforced with abrasion-resistant Spectra yar. Not the traditional plastic bag feel of a rain jacket or poncho. This Jacket and Bib feel soft, supple, and stretchy. The first time I worn it I was blow away with how “not like a rain jacket” it felt.
The guys over at Loslocos Mag Bay, Rudy and George, were the first to put these jackets and bibs to the test—and they’ve been rocking them ever since. Rudy absolutely loves them, and if you know him, you know he’s a fishing machine. That alone says everything you need to know about how well these hold up to harsh conditions, constant travel, and serious wear and tear.
The waterproofing lives up to and exceeded expectations, the breathability outperformed competitors—most notable in humid or hot environments. I am blow away with just how well these perform in warmer climates.
For fly fishermen fishing in warm, wet climates, the Simms Vapor Elite Jacket & Bib combo is about as close to perfect as it gets. It’s fully waterproof, breathable, ultra‑packable, and angler-designed—ideal for everything from summer downpours on the salt to drizzly sessions in wooded streams.
If you’re in the market for a go-to rain system that is extremely comfortable without the bulk—this is it. Stay dry, stay light, and keep fishing no matter the weather.
