A beautifully preserved vintage angler's vest from the House of Hardy, made in England and dating to approximately the latter half of the 1970s.
Made from traditional khaki cotton, the vest features a practical arrangement of pockets, a wool fly patch on the chest and the distinctive Hardy shield badge. Its understated design reflects an era when fishing clothing was made primarily for utility, comfort and durability rather than fashion.
The House of Hardy of Alnwick needs little introduction. Celebrated for its rods and reels, the firm also produced a range of traditional fishing accessories and clothing, designed with the same appreciation for the practical requirements of the angler.
This example appears to have seen little, if any, actual use. It remains in remarkably fine overall condition, although the cotton fabric shows some natural ageing consistent with its approximately fifty years.
A charming piece of British angling heritage, equally suitable for use on the river or as part of a collection of classic Hardy tackle and accessories.
Maker: House of Hardy, England
Period: c. 1975–1979 (estimated)
Material: Khaki cotton
Features: Multiple pockets, wool fly patch, Hardy shield badge
Condition: Excellent vintage condition, apparently little used, with some ageing to the cotton
Origin: Made in England
Questions about measurements, condition or international shipping are always welcome.
A modern classic of technical fly-fishing clothing
A fine example of Patagonia's highly regarded Riverwalker Vest, introduced for the Spring 2008 season as a modern interpretation of the company's original mesh fishing vest from 1987.
The Riverwalker represents an interesting chapter in the evolution of fly-fishing clothing. Combining the familiar comfort and breathability of a traditional fishing vest with the organised storage of a modern technical pack, Patagonia created a remarkably functional garment without abandoning the simplicity of the classic design.
The construction combines lightweight mesh and stretch nylon with numerous carefully arranged compartments for fly boxes, leaders, tippet and other essential fishing equipment.
Curved and straight zippers provide convenient access, while the integrated attachment points, removable fly patch and built-in rod holder reflect the attention paid to the practical requirements of the serious angler.
The back incorporates additional zippered storage, accessible without removing the vest. A padded collar and carefully designed shoulder construction help distribute the weight of a fully loaded vest.
This particular example is a size Medium and has accompanied its previous owner through many days on the river.
It shows honest signs of extensive use, but no defects have been reported. The vest retains the purposeful character that made the Riverwalker such a successful design.
Now discontinued and increasingly difficult to find, the Riverwalker has developed a following among anglers who appreciate Patagonia's earlier technical fishing equipment.
A highly practical and distinctive fishing vest, made to be worn rather than merely admired.
Maker: Patagonia
Model: Riverwalker Vest
Period: c. 2008
Size: Medium
Construction: Mesh and stretch nylon
Storage: Multiple specialised pockets for fly boxes, tools and accessories
Features: Integrated attachment points, removable fly patch and rod holder
Back: Additional zippered storage
Condition: Well used, with no reported defects
Production: Discontinued
Questions about measurements, condition, additional photographs or international shipping are always welcome.
A classic vintage fly-fishing vest from Orvis, dating to approximately the 1970s.
From an era when the traditional fishing vest was an essential part of an angler's equipment, this is a fine example of the practical and understated design associated with American fly fishing.
Long before modern technical packs and lightweight fishing systems became commonplace, the angler's vest offered a simple and dependable way to carry fly boxes, leaders, tippet, tools and the many small necessities of a day on the river.
Founded in Manchester, Vermont, in 1856, Orvis became one of the most recognisable names in American fly fishing. Alongside its celebrated bamboo rods and reels, the company offered an extensive range of fishing clothing and accessories that helped define the traditional appearance of the twentieth-century fly fisherman.
An appealing piece of vintage angling equipment, equally at home on the river or among a collection of classic American fly-fishing tackle.
A fitting companion to an Orvis bamboo rod and a Hardy-made CFO reel.
Brand
Orvis
Period
c. 1970s (estimated)
Manufacture
Made in Hong Kong
Material
Cotton
Hardware
Brass zippers and buttons
Size
Labelled S; fits approximately M
A discontinued classic from the British heritage outfitter
A fine example of Barbour's now-discontinued Dry Fly fishing vest, combining the firm's traditional outdoor character with an unusually restrained and practical design.
Unlike the heavily pocketed fishing vests commonly associated with traditional fly fishing, the Dry Fly takes a more understated approach. Its clean lines and carefully considered details give it a distinctive appearance, equally suited to a day on the river or casual everyday wear.
The vest features YKK zippers, brass rings and small faux-leather fittings, details that reflect the functional character of the original design.
Founded in South Shields in 1894, Barbour became one of Britain's most recognised manufacturers of practical country clothing. Although best known for its waxed cotton jackets, the company also produced a range of specialist garments for anglers and other outdoor pursuits.
The Dry Fly belongs to this less familiar side of Barbour's history. No longer in production, it offers an appealing alternative to the conventional angler's vest, with a design that is both purposeful and quietly elegant.
A handsome addition to a collection of classic British angling clothing, and a practical companion to traditional fly-fishing tackle.
Maker
Barbour
Model
Dry Fly
Type
Fly fishing vest / angler's gilet
Production
Discontinued model
Zippers
YKK
Details
Brass rings and faux-leather fittings
Design
Minimalist, traditional angling style
Questions about measurements, condition, international shipping or price are welcome.
Long-Brim Fishing Cap · Lightweight Ripstop · Size M
A distinctive fishing cap from BEAMS PLUS, made in Japan and designed with a particularly long bill to provide generous protection from the sun.
Drawing upon traditional outdoor clothing and the practical requirements of the angler, the cap combines understated Japanese design with the purposeful simplicity of classic fishing equipment.
The lightweight ripstop fabric is comfortable to wear, while three ventilation eyelets on each side allow air to circulate during warmer days on the river. The extended bill provides additional shade, particularly useful when fishing in bright sunlight or studying the water for rising trout.
This is a used example in good, serviceable condition. There are signs of wear to the sweatband and maker's label, together with some minor staining to the bill.
These marks are consistent with its previous use and have been left as found.
A practical and rather unusual piece of Japanese fishing apparel, equally at home on a trout stream or as part of an everyday outdoor wardrobe.
Maker: BEAMS PLUS
Origin: Made in Japan
Type: Long-brim fishing cap
Size: Medium
Material: Lightweight ripstop fabric
Ventilation: Three eyelets on each side
Bill: Extended length for additional sun protection
Condition: Used, with wear to the sweatband and label and minor staining to the bill
Further photographs, measurements and international shipping information are available upon request.
Traditional British Country Style · Pure Wool · Size M
A handsome traditional tweed cap from Hackett London, made from the firm's Horse & Hound tweed and reflecting the understated elegance of classic British country clothing.
Dating from a period when Hackett was particularly associated with traditional tailoring and sporting attire, this cap combines practical warmth with the timeless appeal of wool tweed.
The outer fabric is 100% wool, excluding lining and trim. Its traditional construction makes it a natural companion for autumn days beside the river, early-morning salmon fishing or simply a walk through the countryside.
This is a previously worn example, showing signs of use to the interior sweatband and lining. These marks are consistent with normal wear and do not detract from the cap's traditional appearance.
A pleasingly understated piece of British country clothing, equally suited to the fishing stream and everyday wear.
Maker: Hackett London
Collection/Fabric: Horse & Hound Tweed
Type: Traditional tweed cap
Size: Medium
Outer Material: 100% wool, excluding lining and trim
Condition: Used, with wear to the sweatband and lining
Further photographs, measurements and international shipping information are available upon request.
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