Simms Waypoints Rain Jacket Review
Updated: Jun 30, 2022
When it rains, it's not always cold outside. Growing up in Northern California, our wet season was from roughly November through April, giving us rain for several hours to maybe an entire day. Fishing in those conditions was often a cool to downright cold experience, so typical heavier-duty rain gear was usually required. Here in South Florida, that need isn't nearly so frequent.
On days when the temperature is up and the rain starts to fall, the last thing I want is a rain jacket more appropriate for a chilly climate. During our tropical summer rain storms, my goal is to keep the rain off me while also avoiding sweating like crazy underneath my gear. Surprisingly, the only time in my life I'm sure I was nearing hypothermia was when I was soaked by a heavy summer rain shower one late August afternoon here in Florida. While the temperature was plenty warm, the cool rain and the wind from riding back to the ramp on an open skiff really got me.
I recently started looking for a light rain jacket that was very packable and appropriate for use on those sultry days. I found exactly what I was looking for in the Simms Waypoints Jacket.
Designed as a lightweight outer layer, the Waypoints Jacket features 2.5-layer Toray fabric, a drawcord-adjustable hood and hem, velcro-adjustable cuffs, a chest pocket, and two mesh-backed hand warmer pockets. On my 6'3" 190-pound frame, the size L fits me very well with good length and an attractive cut that isn't bulky. The jacket's breathable material also features four-way stretch, which adds to comfort and mobility.
There is no heft with this jacket—it's VERY lightweight! Another thing you don't need to worry about is the size, as it folds or rolls down super small for easy packing. In addition, it can roll entirely into its chest pocket to minimize the space it occupies when stowed away (as shown in the picture above). I love that I can keep it in my Simms Dry Creek boat bag, and there is still a ton of vacancy left for things like lunch and gobs of tackle.
Thus far, I've worn my Waypoints Jacket in temperatures ranging from cool to warm and sunny to rainy weather. It has been flawless at keeping the rain out and doesn't trap a ton of heat inside like a thick heavy-duty rain jacket. However, this is a jacket, so it still does provide a minor level of insulation. For this reason, I also found it comfy to wear on sunny, cool days for a hint of added warmth.
This jacket is a quality piece inside and out and feels great to wear. The $149.95 price is what I'd categorize as premium, but what you get in return is typical Simms high quality and functionality. The Waypoints meets my needs perfectly for rainy weather and beyond!
Available colors include slate (tested) and admiral blue. Sizes range from S–3XL
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