For years, the Team Vass 175 range has been the gold standard for anglers requiring lightweight, tough, and genuinely waterproof gear. But technology moves forward, and so does Vass. Enter the Team Vass 220 Series—the direct successor to the 175, designed to be lighter, drier, and more technically advanced.
If you are looking to upgrade your wet weather gear for the coming season, here is everything you need to know about the technical side of the 220 range and why it might just be the best lightweight waterproof clothing on the market today.
The core of this new range is the Vass-Tex 220 material. While visually it retains the “Vass look,” the fabric engineering has been significantly overhauled to solve common issues found in standard waterproofs.
The 220 series boasts a confirmed Hydrostatic Head rating of 12,000mm. In practical terms, this is torrential rain protection. Crucially, Vass uses welded seams rather than stitched-and-taped seams. Stitching creates needle holes that eventually leak; welding fuses the material together, creating a bond that is as strong and waterproof as the fabric itself.
One of the biggest upgrades is the inclusion of RDT (Rapid Dissipate Technology).
The Problem: Traditional rubberised waterproofs keep rain out but trap sweat in, making you damp from the inside.
The Solution: The RDT backing on the Vass-Tex 220 fabric actively helps dissipate internal body moisture. It breathes significantly better than the older PVC coatings, reducing that “clammy” feeling during active sessions.
Vass has engineered the outer face of the 220 to be hydrophobic. Water doesn’t just sit on the surface; it beads up and runs off immediately. This prevents the garment from “wetting out” (soaking up water into the outer layer), ensuring the clothing stays lightweight even after hours in a downpour.
In a move towards sustainability, the 220 series uses NO chemical PTFE repellent finishes. This means no harmful chemicals leaching into the water tables and lakes you fish in. Furthermore, the waterproofing is intrinsic to the material—it requires no reproofing for the life of the garment.
The 220 series covers all bases, from lightweight summer shells to winter-ready thermal armour.
The smock is the classic choice for the sea angler or carp angler who wants total protection without zips letting water in.
Key Features: Quad-welded seams, large front pouch pocket with funnel flap (stops water entering when you bend over), and neoprene cuffs to stop water running down your arm when casting.
Hood: The storm hood now features an improved draw-cord system and a clear peak (which can be trimmed if preferred).
For those who prefer ease of access, the jacket offers the same 12,000mm protection with a heavy-duty YKK front zip covered by a double storm flap.
Pockets: Includes two front hand pockets and an internal zipped chest pocket for phones/keys.
Design: Extended lower back to ensure water runs off past your waist, not into your trousers.
These are designed to be worn all day. They feature the famous Vass yellow elasticated braces with quick-release buckles.
Knees: Double-reinforced knee areas with an access flap to insert knee pads (optional).
Fit: Ankle adjustment straps allow you to cinch them tight over boots, and the material has “all-way stretch” to prevent restriction when crouching or climbing banks.
All the above (Smock, Jacket, B&B) are available in a Winter Lined variant. These feature a soft, quilted internal lining.
Why choose them: They provide exceptional warmth without the “Michelin Man” bulk. The lining is bonded in a way that promotes air circulation, working in tandem with the RDT outer to keep you warm and dry.
The Vass 175 was legendary. Why change it? Here is why the 220 is the superior replacement.
Waterproof Rating
Vass 175: High (Unspecified Head)
Vass 220: 12,000mm Hydrostatic Head (Confirmed)
Breathability
Vass 175: Standard Breathable
Vass 220: RDT (Rapid Dissipate Tech) for less condensation
Durability & Feel
Vass 175: Ultra Lightweight
Vass 220: Lightweight but stronger, with a softer, quieter feel
Maintenance
Vass 175: Standard finish
Vass 220: No Reproofing Required / No PTFE
The Verdict: The 175 was great because it was light and stretchy. The 220 retains that stretch and lightweight feel but adds a more sophisticated “dry-feel” interior and a tougher outer face that sheds water faster. If you loved the 175, the 220 will feel like a familiar friend that went to the gym and got smarter.
Material: Vass-Tex 220 (Waterproof, Windproof, RDT Breathable).
Waterproof Rating: 12,000mm Hydrostatic Head.
Lining: Soft quilted winter lining (lightweight thermal insulation).
Construction: Quad-welded seams (no stitching holes).
Key Features: Fold-out storm hood with draw-cord and toggle stops; Neoprene cuffs with adjustable Velcro flaps; Large front pouch pocket with “fold-over” funnel flap; Extended lower back hem for water run-off; Reflective print on shoulders and arms for night safety; Metal-free garment (corrosion resistant).
Uses: Sea fishing (boat and shore), Carp fishing active wear, general winter angling.
Material: Vass-Tex 220 (Ultra-stretch, waterproof, windproof).
Waterproof Rating: 12,000mm Hydrostatic Head.
Reinforcement: Double-layer knee areas with internal pockets for knee pads.
Fastening: Vass signature yellow elastic braces with quick-release buckles.
Key Features: Velcro ankle adjustment straps; Internal chest pocket with zip; Machine washable and quick-drying (does not hold water weight); Zero reproofing required.
Uses: All-round angling, commercial fishing, wet weather site work.
Material: Vass-Tex 220.
Waterproof Rating: 12,000mm Hydrostatic Head.
Closure: YKK heavy-duty main zip with double storm flap protection.
Key Features: Internal zipped pocket + two external hand pockets; Storm hood with clear peak protection; Adjustable lower hem draw-cord; RDT technology to reduce internal condensation.
Uses: Anglers who prefer zip-access over smocks, general outdoor wet weather protection.
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