First Thoughts
Light, nice design aesthetically and yes of course its green but not the usual plain olive that seems for so long to have been the norm in UK wading design. The two tone ("pine-green") colouration works nicely I think. The body length is slightly longer than some similar jackets which I prefer personally. I don't mind the bottom getting wet if I wade deep - the main pockets are kept at chest height anyway so unless you plan to go kamikaze wading then their contents should remain safe and dry.

I like some of the extra touches such as the underarm venting zips (waterproofed) and the fleece-lined handwarmer pockets for example as unless you can afford a whole range of clothing, a jacket like this often ends up filling several roles covering all the year and weather conditions therefore.

Performance and Opinion
Obviously wading demands getting wet. Well actually, it demands getting into the water but of course your jacket and waders should hopefully stop any direct contact while keeping you comfortable at the same time. Snowbee use a double system of adjustment on their cuffs - one on the inner neoprene sleeve which I liked and the other on the outer fabric. It was this outer one that by the end of the review had me wondering as I know I am not the worlds best caster but I did find that the line kept getting caught on the upward facing end of the velcro adjustment strap. By adjusting it tighter or looser the problem went away but at the position that was comfortable for me it was a recurring problem.

Overall though this is a relatively minor complaint in what turned out to be a very serviceable garment. I used it in the rain when I was pleased to find no leaks anywhere or folds for water to gather - the high collar when zipped right up was great for keeping cold draughts out too! I also forced myself to route march across a couple of fields on a warm day with the underarm vents open and while I was still gently steaming by the end, I was not running with perspiration either as I know I do with some of my other jackets that do not have this option.

The hood (which has a stiffened peak and a drawstring to pull it back off your face) folds up into the collar when not in use which I prefer to a detachable one as at last you always know where it it then. The two main front pockets hold a couple of good sized fly boxes and there are two built in coiled retractors for accessories such as snips and forceps. There seemed to be just the right amount of storage therefore without going overboard. What use is a lightweight jacket if you then load it down with gear!

The Geo is available in sizes small (36/38") to XXL (44/46").

Features

• Constructed from lightweight 3-layer laminated Nylon Dobby
• Hydrostatic Pressure (waterproofness) of 20,000mm of H20
• Breathability of 10,000g/m2/24 hrs
• Full length front waterproof zip, with inner storm flap
• High, fleece lined collar, with integral hood, which folds away inside collar when not required
• 3-panel integral hood with adjustable draw cord, stiffened rain peak plus rear hood adjuster to pull the hood back off your face
• Massive main front pockets will swallow the largest of fly boxes
• In front of these there are welded front pockets, with waterproof zips
• Fleece lined, zipped hand-warmer pockets for added warmth
• Two large front, internal cargo pockets, with waterproof zips
• Two front coiled retractors for snips & accessories Underarm waterproof vent zips for additional ventilation in hot conditions
• Welded sleeve pocket with waterproof zip
• Large flapped rear pocket for spare clothes etc, with short, waterproof side zip, for easy access to water bottle, spare spool etc.
• Articulated, reinforced elbow patches for comfort and ease of movement
• Cuffs fitted with the original Snowbee waterproof cuff design -an inner adjustable waterproof Neoprene cuff, plus an outer cuff with Velcro strap adjuster
• Adjustable elasticated waist draw cord with toggle-locks
• Strong D-ring on the back plus rod loop and Velcro tab on front

Price from: £249 RRP
Perfect jacket to pair with the Snowbee Prestige zip-front waders we previously reviewed also. Snowbee continue to make quality gear at great prices but just watch out for that outer cuff strap and make sure it is fastened down out of harms way.

BUY NOW!
The Snowbee Geo wading jacket is available from Sportfish - click here to order now!