By Todd Ceisner
BassFan Editor
I catch a lot of flak from people in the bass fishing business for where I live.
When folks learn that I reside and work in Buffalo, N.Y., the typical response has something to do with the weather. It never fails. I get it. Yes, it’s cold here for a few months out of the year. Yes, it snows here, but not year round like some people think. And yes, we have to drill through ice to go fishing in the winter.
“Oh, you live in Buffalo?” people ask, as if I lost a bet somewhere along the way and was banished to the real-life version of Hoth. In my defense, we do experience the four seasons of the year, however, when the calendar turns to November, it’s usually time to break out some cold-weather gear.
I remember coming home from the 2013 Bassmaster Classic in Tulsa, Okla., thinking people can never make fun of the weather where I live again. During Classic week, it snowed, it sleeted and it was downright frigid. Okay, it felt like home. I came mostly prepared to cover a fishing tournament in Oklahoma in late February. I’d left some of my deep-freeze winter gear at home, thinking, “How cold can it actually get in Tulsa?”
At the Classic Expo that year, I stopped by the Simms Fishing Products booth and was introduced to the ExStream Jacket. I was told it was designed with versatility in mind. It could serve as a layer under a rain shell or worn over waders or as a stand-alone piece while out in the elements. It was a sharp, gunmetal color with a burnt orange quilted interior. It looked like a medium-weight jacket suited for the spring and fall. Man, was I mistaken.
I’d never owned a piece of Simms gear before, but I’d heard good things. Still, I was skeptical how a jacket made by a company known for its fly-fishing gear and apparel would hold up at home.
It’s been two full winters and parts of two others so far and this jacket continues to amaze me with how warm it is. I’ve had plenty of winter jackets over the years, from pea coats to ski parkas, but the ExStream is in a class by itself. In the wind, snow or rain, this jacket has yet to show a weak spot. Moisture beads up and falls away and when it does get wet, it continues to deliver warmth rather than get soggy and heavy, although I would recommend adding a waterproof top layer if you're going be out in a soaking rain.
I'd describe the fit as somewhere between tailored and relaxed. I'm 5 feet, 10 inches and weigh about 200 pounds and the large size fits just right, zipped or unzipped.
Be careful how many layers you put under it, though, because the weight-to-warmth ratio for the ExStream is what has impressed me the most. A lot of cold-weather gear is bulky and heavy, but this coat is very light (packable, even). The Prima-Loft insulation throughout the coat is the difference maker. Most of the time, I have only a long-sleeve tee shirt on and the coat does the rest.
As far as comfort, the smooth interior lining prevents any annoying friction with whatever fabric shirt you’re wearing, allowing 100 percent freedom of movement no matter what the activity.
The side pockets are lined and act as built-in hand warmers and there are ample interior pockets on each side for extra storage. The cuffs are adjustable thanks to a Velcro band that never slips or comes undone. Another cool feature is the removable, insulated, adjustable storm hood with a lined collar that goes on or comes off easily. With the hood attached and the elastic cord cinched down, the ExStream becomes a full-blown, foul-weather fortress.
If you’re in the market for a fall and winter jacket to hit the water with or to fend off the everyday elements of winter, the ExStream is a worthy option. It won't be the cheapest option on the rack, but in my opinion, for all-around cold-weather performance, look and feel, it might be the best.
To learn more, check out the photo gallery below or click here.
