Westin W8 Jacket – Carbon Black

Westin W8 Jacket – Carbon Black

For the angler who refuses to compromise, the Westin W8 Jacket is the absolute pinnacle of technical fishing outerwear. While the W4 provides exceptional protection, the W8 series is engineered with world-leading materials to offer a level of performance usually reserved for extreme mountain expeditions. This is the flagship jacket for the active lure angler who demands total mobility and impenetrable weatherproofing in the most hostile environments.

At the heart of the W8 is the Toray Dermizax membrane. Unlike standard breathable membranes, Dermizax is non-porous, meaning it won’t clog with salt or dirt over time, maintaining its incredible 20,000mm waterproof and 10,000mvp breathability ratings for the life of the garment. Reinforced with 500D Nylon-66 Cordura, this jacket is built to withstand the brutal reality of professional angling.

Technical Specifications

Westin Chest Size Guide

The W8 features a tailored, active fit. If you intend to wear heavy mid-layers, consider your sizing carefully:

• Small: 36″ – 37″

• Medium: 38″ – 40″

• Large: 42″ – 44″

• X-Large: 46″ – 48″

• XX-Large: 50″ – 52″

• 3X-Large: 54″ – 56″

Gerry’s Pro Tip

“If the W4 is a reliable SUV, the W8 is a high-performance tank. The standout for me isn’t just the waterproofing—it’s the circular knit back. Standard jackets often feel ‘clammy’ or plastic-like against your skin; the W8 feels like a soft-shell on the inside but performs like a hardshell on the outside. Also, the inclusion of 500D Cordura in high-wear areas means you can lean against boat rails or scramble over rocks without worrying about tearing your expensive gear. It’s an investment, but it’s likely the last fishing jacket you’ll ever need to buy.”

Examples of Where to Use

• Extreme Boat Fishing: When you are miles offshore and there is nowhere to hide from the horizontal rain and salt spray, the 20k/10k Dermizax membrane is your best friend.

• Rugged Shore Trekking: Ideal for coastal lure fishing where you are constantly moving and rubbing against abrasive rocks or heavy vegetation.

• Professional Guiding: For the angler who spends 200+ days a year on the water, the non-clogging nature of the Dermizax membrane ensures the jacket breathes as well on day 500 as it did on day one.

• Sub-Zero Winter Sessions: The W8 acts as the perfect final shell. Its 2-way stretch Toray fabric allows for full movement even when you have three layers of fleece and base layers underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dermizax better than standard Gore-Tex or similar membranes?

Most breathable membranes use tiny pores that can eventually become blocked by salt, sweat, or dirt. Dermizax uses “moving molecules” to transport moisture out. This means it is exceptionally stretchy and, more importantly, it doesn’t lose its breathability even after heavy use in saltwater environments.

Is the W8 jacket heavy?

Surprisingly, no. Despite the inclusion of 500D Cordura and a high waterproof rating, the Toray fabrics are incredibly lightweight. The “Circular Knit Back” also eliminates the need for a separate hanging mesh liner, further reducing weight and bulk.

What is ‘Hipster Tape’ on the seams?

Hipster Tape is a specialized, high-strength seam-sealing tape used in high-end technical apparel. It provides a more durable and flexible seal than standard heat-pressed tape, ensuring the seams remain 100% waterproof even as the jacket stretches during casting.

How do the pockets handle water?

The four main pockets use YKK water-repellent zippers. While they are designed to keep the rain out of your essentials (like lure boxes or line), we still recommend keeping moisture-sensitive electronics in the internal zipped pocket for absolute safety during a downpour.