RailRiders "Bone Flats Shirt" Hot

As I was walking through the Orlando Convention Center during ICAST 2012, I had a plan in mind for talking with the exhibitors. I thought I would concentrate on the small companies - companies that had a very unique product or companies I had never heard of before. Such was the case with RailRiders. As I walked by their booth I noticed a really nice looking shirt, so I stopped in and talked with John d'Arbeloff - who just happened to be the President of the company.

The thing that caught my eye about the shirt was the unique half collar that could be folded up to cover the back of your neck. I found this very interesting, because I am always looking for a way to protect myself from the sun and am not a big fan of ”tube-style” head coverings. John explained a little about the shirt, and then he showed some of the other items that he had brought to ICAST. We exchanged cards, and with hopes of getting a shirt to review I wished him good luck during the show. After a follow-up email a few weeks later, I was pleasantly surprised to come home one afternoon and find a box on my front porch. They had sent me a Bone Flats Shirt as well as a pair of Bone Flats pants.

Besides the shirt collar, the other thing that I found really cool about both the shirt and pants is they are vented with mesh panels running down both sides. On the shirt it is just under the armpit to the waist and down the inside of the arm; the pants are mid-thigh down past the knee). The vents are perfect for the hot Florida days - big enough to allow some air through, but not big enough to allow any no-see-ums in. If you have been to Florida in the summer, especially near any mangrove bushes, then you know all about our no-see-ums.

Bone Flats Shirt

Weight: 5.9 oz

Featherweight 1.5oz Duralite Nylon
Mesh Panels down arms and torso
UPF 30+ Sun Protection
Roll sleeves with tabs
secure front zippered pockets
Back cape-vent
Flip-up sun collar
Fly rod tab
Straight
Available in four colors – Bahamian Blue, Yellow Sun, White, Lime Green

I received an XL shirt and found the fit to be good. It did feel snug around the shoulders, and got tight when I raised my arms directly over my head, but never was an issue while casting. The shirt is very clean in the front, with hidden zippers that allow access to the front pockets. I found it quite easy to open them, and the pocket is large enough to hold an extra pack of hooks, or in my case reading glasses. The vents on the side and back worked great, allowing nice air flow on the windy day I tested it. It was quick to dry also, as we waded most of the day. Since being diagnosed with Lupus and a three month lay-off from the water, I have gained a few extra pounds, so I would suspect that if I was in a little better shape the shirt would have fit me better. The flip up collar is a real plus for those that don’t like to wear tube-style neck protection. Overall, I was very pleased with the shirt.

The shirt is comparably priced with most of the other major clothing brands that cater to the fishing industry. I think if you give RailRiders a try, you will like them as much I do.