We admit, it’s been a while since we had something to really write about. Since the fall, we’ve waded through many ho-hum new product introductions, until we decided it was finally time to begin writing about the few that we feel deserve the HOT! award.

Enjoy!

Chota CVX100 Deluxe wading Jacket.
Sounds technical and it really is. We love this Jacket because it addresses most of the major issues that waterproof gear is associated with. Functionality, cost and style.

STYLE - First, The Chota CVX100 Deluxe Wading Jacket(lets just call it the Chotalux for simplicity) is genuinely good looking! While the classic Filson oiled cotton jackets looked great on the river, the Chotalux looks as good landing a silver salmon in Alaska as it does around town or at a tailgate. Major points for the non-nerd factor! The black Chotalux we tested truly is a wearable jacket.

FUNCTIONALITY - Yup, got that without going overboard. Two large outer chest pockets for reels, tippet small fly boxes and such will do. Two additional waterproof zipped chest pockets allow you to reach into your vest. Two more forearm pockets are quite handy for anything else and are easy to get to in foul conditions. And finally, the Patent Pending hood includes a “system” that in essence locks your cap to the waterproof hood so that your head movement is not inhibited by the sides of the hood - one of the neat little features that we thought addressed fly anglers needs that been developed until now. There are a few other functional features like an add-on skirt to expand the length of coverage to knee level, although we doubt that will get much use.

WARMTH - This is one of the most beautiful aspects of the Chotalux. We’ll put this up against the warmth of any top brand ski shell. In short, it’s light and its warmth comes from its ability to completely close off the elements yet remains breathable due to the Dermizax fabric, which appears to be true alternative to GORE-TEX. The Velcro wrist system and tight fleece hand pocket are also well thought out.

OVER ALL - We think the Chotalux represents a needed new advance in foul weather fly fishing gear and is a top choice at less than $300. Our only beef is the lack of removable hood, and the way the zipper clasp is fitted on the opposite side of most tradition US made jackets. Visit Choata Outdoor Gear.