Price / $250, aquazfishing.com
Pros: Easy-to-access back cargo pocket; five built-in D-rings; exceptionally tough construction; snaps to lift the back of the jacket up out of the water; roomy pockets.
Cons: This jacket is heavier than the others, which is no doubt a by-product of it being really tough. Its rigidity somewhat reduces mobility.
Notes: This is a smartly designed jacket and a tremendous value. A friend borrowed the Trinity on a rainy day in Idaho, and after fishing all day said she had never been so comfortable under those conditions. She also landed her first-ever steelhead that day—go figure.
Tipping Point: The Trinity performed tremendously well, and if it had pit zips and a Styrofoam fly patch it probably would've been number one. One other thing I'd change is the design of cuff gaskets, which aren't as idiot-proof as the others. I landed a steelhead on the Bogachiel River, and when I plunged my hand underwater to grab its tail my arm got wet up to the elbow. This was due to operator error (I didn't affix the Velcro strap correctly), but the other jackets I tested are more intuitive and designed to prevent this from happening in the first place.
Bottom Line? With roomy pockets and functionality that rivals jackets costing more than twice as much, the Trinity is the best value, hands down.

Toby Walrath