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Columbia were kind enough to send me some fishing clothing from their new PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) range for our recent fishing trip to the Beara Peninsula and Waterville in Ireland. Now this was excellent timing because I needed to purchase some comfortable, mildly waterproof clothing and some additional storage.
These trips typically involve a lot of walking, adverse and variable weather conditions and – amazingly – quite a large number of fish. So it’s the perfect place to stress-test some kit.
What’s on this page?
What is in Columbia’s PFG range?
Columbia’s PFG range includes;
- Long sleeve shirts
- Hats
- A fishing vest
- A fishing hoodie
- Shorts
- Short sleeve shirts
What did they send us?
Columbia sent us some Terminal Tackle Pants, a Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Shirt and a PFG Henry’s Fork V Vest. You can see our reviews for each piece of kit below.
- Comfortable
- Water and stain repellent
- Stretchy
- Storage
- Not for wide thighs
- Comfortable
- Cooling
- Quick drying
- Storage
- Comfort
- Weather-proof
How did we test Columbia’s PFG range?
We’ve travelled to Ireland to fish for pollock and bass in both 2022 and 2023. Fortunately, Columbia were able to send the clothing before our most recent trip to the Beara and the weather was, at best, variable. With winds of up to 40mph, bright sunshine, showers and – on one day – unusually warm conditions, the PFG range was put to the test. Particularly when you consider we hike over cliffs and do up to 40,000 steps per day when lure fishing. These marks are seriously remote and challenging to get to, so some robust kit is essential.
Is Columbia’s Performance Fishing Gear range good?
Yes Columbia’s PFG range is good. Really good. The Terminal Tackle Pants are stretchy, snug-fitting trousers that are suitable for hiking and fishing in all manner of weather. If you need a pair of temperature-regulating, water-repellent trousers that are pretty easy to wipe clean (great for unhooking fish), the Terminal Tackle Pants are excellent.
The Terminal Tackle Long Sleeved Shirt is equally comfortable and worked great as an underlayer in colder conditions. I’d hazard a guess that it’s a fantastic option in much warmer conditions when you’re trying to stay out of the midday sun. Light, breathable and nice quality fabric. The cool green/cypress freshwater colourway is a personal favourite.
Finally – the creme-de-la-creme – Columbia Men’s PFG Henry’s Fork V Vest. Honestly, I was so impressed with this fishing vest. It has 12 (yes 12) multi-sized pockets, a relaxed, loose fit and is designed to repel water and stains. The storage space is off the charts and meant I didn’t need to take a backpack with me on slightly shorter marks. In the large back pocket my lure and terminal tackle boxes comfortably fitted and everything else – pliers, scissors, line, leader, snacks and water – I could spread around the other pockets.
And after four days of straight fishing and a surprisingly large number of fish caught, the vest still looks (and smells) surprisingly fresh. Honestly, for someone who values convenience and comfort above all else, this vest is hard to beat.
The only thing to consider with the Terminal tackle Pants is the fit. They are snug. For me, a wide-thighed, big-arsed gent, I looked like an outcast from the BeeGees, as opposed to a high-quality fisherman. I’d say they’re designed for slimmer-legged fishermen.
Summing up – should you buy from the PFG range?
Yes, you should buy from the PFG range. Particularly if you’re looking for some durable, water-repellent clothing designed for fishermen. Every item we tested was comfortable, of excellent quality and reasonably priced. I’d say we’d even be happy to pay for them next time!
FAQs
What is Columbia’s PFG range?
Columbia’s PFG range is a range of clothing designed for anglers by the outdoor giant Columbia. The trousers, tops, vests and shorts and water and stain-repellent clothing are designed for long days and variable weather conditions.
What does PFG mean on Columbia?
PFG stands for Performance Fishing Gear and is a line of clothing designed by Columbia for fishermen. The PFG line keeps you cool and protects you from the sun’s rays when the days are long and the cloud cover is minimal. Great for LRF, lure fishing and boat trips.
What is Columbia PFG made of?
Each item in Columbia’s PFG range is primarily made from polyester, nylon and elastane. Each item of clothing is designed to withstand variable weather conditions and whilst they aren’t technically waterproof (you’d need to carry some overtrousers and an actual waterproof), they are water repellent.
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
