My fishing apparel has been mostly hand me downs, left overs, and whatever
I could scrounge up. Thanks to AFTCO and the Outdoor Blogger Network, I was
thrilled to be chosen to trial and review several items of technical fishing
apparel from AFTCO. I would no longer
look like a rag picker when on the water!
I was the lucky recipient of three great pieces; three pieces that
for me make up a complete fishing ensemble.
The generous folks at AFTCO supplied me with the following:
After Outdoor Blogger Network announced that I was the lucky winner
of the complete set, I was anxious to receive the product and put it through its
paces. AFTCO promptly shipped all items
and it was a very short time and I had the great products in my hands. I should note that the items are from the men’s
collection, which initially concerned me regarding fit, but I followed AFTCO’s
sizing chart, and found both the shirt and pants to be true to size and despite
being a men’s product, they fit my female form surprisingly well.
Without further ado, let’s jump right in!
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AFTCO
Technical Long Sleeve Vented Fishing Shirt:
This is the
ultimate "on the water" apparel for the hard-core fisherman. This
classic, long sleeve, technical vented fishing shirt is made of a 100% poly
micro rip stop that is so light and comfortable you will hardly know it's on. Despite
the fact that I wore it in triple digit temperatures I remained cool, dry, and thanks
to the 30+ UV protection, well protected from the sun. After getting caught in
a pop up thunderstorm, I noted that the shirt did not have that clammy, sticky,
wet feeling and very quickly dried, keeping me comfortable even in inclement
weather.
The vented back
allowed for plenty of airflow, and the light weight, comfortable material was
very breathable in the high humidity conditions I routinely encounter in the
Midwestern river bottoms during the peak of summer. There was NO sauna effect
with this shirt.
The two big front
pockets, one of which features a hidden
zipper pocket, provided ample storage for
the double handfuls of assorted flies, lures, snacks, etc. that I
stuffed into them. The closures were secure and I felt my items were safe in the
pockets. The hidden zipper pocket proved especially nice for securing my
smartphone without fear of it falling out of a pocket at an inopportune place
or moment. The shirt further features a
stain resistant coating, UV protection, handy utility loop, full button front, and
roll-up sleeve tabs.
The fit was a
little roomy, but that only enhanced the comfort and coolness. Sleeves were not
overly long on my smaller female frame. It made for a good and attractive fit,
despite the fact that it was a men’s model. Overall this shirt gets 5 stars. I
would wholeheartedly recommend it for male or female anglers who want comfort,
protection from the sun, and handy features all combined in a durable shirt. The
only improvements I could suggest would be zip open vented side seams to
increase air flow, and the addition of a hidden zipper pocket on both pockets.
These are minor details, and shouldn’t be considered faults but rather a wish
list on my part. I just found that zippered pocket so darn handy! This has
turned into a go to shirt for manay of my outdoor activities other than
fishing. The comfort and features just can’t be beat.
When it comes to
a great all around fishing technical shirt; don't settle for less, this is
going to be the only vented fishing shirt you'll need. With a MSRP of 49.99
this is an affordable shirt that offers great function and features!
On to the Pants!
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| AFTCO Original Fishing Pants |
AFTCO
Original Fishing Pants
The AFTCO original fishing pants from also from the men’s line of
performance fishing clothing had me once again a bit concerned regarding fit. I
found the fit to be great for me. For a change the inseam length was not so
long as to require hemming, or to be flopping around my feet creating a hazard
while moving about in the boat. The elastic in the waist made the fit there
perfect, and kept them snugly and comfortably in place. Plenty of give for
bending, stretching, reaching; but no issues with drooping or the need for “hitching
up the britches. The cut is generous enough to don over a pair of shorts or
bathing suit and still not be considered binding. Made from 3-ply supplex nylon, the pants were
also quick to dry following the
thunderstorm drenching. While the pants do have a water resistant coating, they aren’t waterproof and that heavy downpour
did leave me soaked. While wearing them on another occasion in a light drizzle
I found the water resistant properties to be quite satisfactory. Features include a stain resistant coating, a cordura
lined pliers pocket, which also worked superbly for securing my fishing license
and ID; belt loops, zip fly, two back pockets with Velcro secured tabs, and side entry pockets. This pant also features
10" ankle openings and 8" zippers to allow for an easy pant fit, even
over your shoes. The pants get five stars from me as well. Cool, comfortable,
easy to care for , good fit and well thought out technical details along with a
MSRP of $49.99 make these a must have in your fishing bag!
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| AFTCO Lure Sun Mask Buff |
AFTCO Lure
Sun Mask Buff
Perhaps my favorite of the items was the AFTCO Lure Sun Mask Buff.
It’s cool, lightweight, looked great simply around my neck scarf style away
from the boat and heading in for dinner. It can be worn as a fishing buff around the
neck, or to cover the bottom of your face and ears, or to completely go over
your face and head (so only your eyes will be showing). I wore it a hood, used
it to bundle my long hair up off my neck in the heat and humidity, I even was
able to fashion it into a “do rag” style to keep my hair contained and the
blazing sun off my neck while riding the motorcycle! It takes up a small amount
of space, and I now carry it with me everywhere I go, It IS that versatile!
This sun mask is the answer to multitude of outdoor skin, face, head protection
needs while always keeping that burn off. For all of you fisherman that forget
to apply sunscreen, this is your ticket to UV protection. Quick dry,
anti-microbial, 100% polyester. Camo + Lure fabric gives this saltwater fishing
mask a cool look. Given the versatility of the buff, it’s a steal at the MSRP
of $19.99. Five stars and I’ll not leave home without it! Heck since it comes
in such a nice camo pattern, I’m even planning to use it as a gaiter/face mask
for hunting soon!
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| Yep, I slimed and stained these pants to the nth degree! |
One thing that truly impressed me about all three products was the
ease of care. Since I am often fishing away from home and I like to travel
light, I put the products to my version of the wash and wear test. I was easily able to rinse them clean- even
though the pants were especially stained and messy looking from blue mud, blue
green algae stains, fish blood and slime; simply running them along with the shirt
and buff through the sink by hand with a little detergent rendered them looking
clean as new. I hand wrung them out and
threw over the towel bar. They dried quickly and looked good as new when I
headed out the next morning. Big thumbs for the care and portability. I’d go so
far as to hazard a guess that these could be washed clean creek or river side
and be ready to hit the water come morning looking fresh and clean for any
great fishing photo ops that might come along.
All the way around great and affordable products that are
especially well suited for a variety of conditions and that travel well. What
more could an angler ask for? With this set in your bag you have half your
travel wardrobe ready!
Be sure to visit AFTCO’s web site
for a look at the entire line of fishing technical apparel!
Disclaimer:
As with all reviews on Walkin’ with the Wild Woman, the above review is my honest opinion, I received the AFTCO fishing apparel free of charge and agreed to provide a review in exchange. Walkin with the Wild Woman is not sponsored by or associated with AFTCO and is accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.
As with all reviews on Walkin’ with the Wild Woman, the above review is my honest opinion, I received the AFTCO fishing apparel free of charge and agreed to provide a review in exchange. Walkin with the Wild Woman is not sponsored by or associated with AFTCO and is accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.
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