Loop Gielas LW jacket review

What is the Loop Gielas LW jacket?

The Loop Gielas LW jacket is a high-quality lightweight hardshell waterproof jacket designed specifically for fly fishing. Like other hardshell jackets, it's designed to be used in a layering system, so can be worn with a single layer beneath it on warm, wet days, or worn over a cosy insulated jacket when the weather is cold.

What's this jacket made from?

Loop says the Gielas has a three-layer construction with a nylon face and a Sympatex membrane, making it durable enough to withstand any expedition, while remaining completely waterproof and breathable.

Loop says: "With superior breathability and a base water column of 45,000mm the Gielas has one of the best combinations of breathable waterproofing on the market."

What's the hood like?

The Loop Gielas jacket has an oversized hood that has been designed to fit perfectly over the peaked caps most fly fishers wear for head and eye protection when fishing. There's wire in the brim to allow water to run off and there are pull cords to pull it down tight so it won't blow off in windy weather.

The collar zips up nice and high to keep your neck warm in cooler, windier weather. It's keeps rain and wind out and is comfortable to wear, with enough slack in the fabric to make it flex when hiking or casting.

What are the cuffs like?

The cuffs have a soft waterproof section on them and some velcro fasteners that can be tightened to keep out wind and wet when fishing. They're fairly simple but do the job perfectly well.

What pockets does it have?

There are two large waterproof chest pockets big enough to take a large phone or a fly box, and two hand pockets. Like other hardshell jackets, these are just zip openings that allow you to access the pockets of a jacket beneath, such as a softshell or insulated jacket. Both pockets work well and have zippers that can be pulled even with cold, wet fingers.

What's it like to wear?

George has been using the Loop Gielas all year on trips to rivers, mountain lakes, and stillwaters. It's worked really well, keeping him warm and dry on cold, wet days, and preventing him overheating when it's warm or we've been hiking for ages. He says it's comfortable to wear and it looks really smart.

How much does it cost?

The Loop Gielas jacket comes in two colours, dark grey and petrol blue. These are available in XL, L, M, S, XS, 2XL, and 3XL, and are suitable for both men and women.

It costs £255. That's quite expensive but about the same sort of price as an equivalent jacket from a major brand like Patagonia, and of similar quality, making it decent value for money for something that should last many years of fishing.