I’ve soaked through more pairs of waders and rain pants than I care to count. On a 95-degree float down the Eagle River last August, I finally tried the Allover Apparel quick dry overalls. This review comes after three months of hard use, from pre-dawn launches to late-season hopper fishing. Spoiler: they earned a permanent spot in my truck.
Why Quick Dry Overalls Matter for Fly Fishing
Standard denim or canvas overalls turn into soggy weights when you’re knee-deep in a cold Colorado river. They stay wet for hours, chafe against your skin, and can leave you shivering even in summer. Quick dry overalls solve this by using synthetic fabrics that wick moisture and dry in minutes. For anglers who move between water and bank, this makes a real difference. It is a practical upgrade.
The Allover Apparel pair uses a polyester-spandex blend that feels more like athletic wear than traditional workwear. These lightweight overalls barely add bulk under waders or when worn alone on warm afternoons. I’ve worn them on guided trips and solo walks along the Eagle River; they handle both equally well. On a late June afternoon, I waded through a beaver dam to reach a promising run. The water came up to my thighs, and within 25 minutes of walking in the sun, the fabric was bone dry. That speed is exactly what you need when you’re hiking between pools.
Design and Fit: Overalls for Men and Women
Allover Apparel makes this model in cuts that fit both men’s and women’s overalls. The men’s version has a relaxed seat and thigh. The women’s offers a tapered waist and a higher rise. Both include adjustable suspenders and a snap-close bib pocket.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 88% polyester, 12% spandex |
| Weight | 9.2 oz (women’s medium) |
| Drying time | 20–30 minutes in direct sun |
| Pockets | 2 side, 2 back, 1 tool pocket on leg |
| UPF rating | 50+ |
| Water resistance | DWR finish (not fully waterproof) |
The fabric has a four-way stretch that moves with you when you’re stripping line or bending to net a fish. I’m 5’11” and 180 pounds, and the men’s large fits perfectly over a thermal base layer. My partner, who is 5’7″, wears the women’s small and says the crotch sits low enough to avoid binding during long walks. We both appreciate the adjustable buckles on the suspenders, which let us fine-tune the fit without tools.
On the Water: Fishing Overalls Performance
I tested these outdoor overalls on six guided trips and a handful of solo outings. The quick dry claim holds up. After wading through a knee-deep side channel, the bottom half of the overalls was damp. Within thirty minutes of walking in the sun, they were dry. No clammy feeling, no heavy drag. One August morning, I stepped into a hole that came up to my waist. The water ran down into my boots, but the bib area stayed above the surface. By the time I reached the next run, the fabric on my legs had already shed most of the moisture.
Because they are not intended to be waterproof overalls, you won’t stay dry in a downpour or if you submerge the bib area. But for splashy conditions, morning dew, and quick dips, they work well. I pair them with a rain jacket for sudden afternoon thunderstorms typical of the Vail Valley. The DWR finish sheds light rain and bug spray without beading up too much. On one trip, I wore them through a light drizzle for two hours, and only the shoulders where the rain jacket overlapped felt damp.
Breathable Overalls for Summer Heat
Ventilation is excellent. The fabric feels thin without being flimsy. I wore these on a 98-degree day walking the bank near Avon, and never felt swampy. The breathable overalls design uses a moisture-wicking interior that pulls sweat away from your skin. This is a big deal for summer fly fishing when you’re hiking in and out of canyons. On one hike down into the Eagle River canyon, the temperature hit 102°F. I had nothing but these overalls and a long-sleeve shirt. Even after an hour of climbing back out, my legs stayed dry and comfortable. The stretch fabric also allows free movement when scrambling over rocks.
Durability After a Season of Use
After three months of weekly wear, including several trips where I sat on rough rocks and brushed past willows, the overalls show minimal pilling. The seams are flat-locked and haven’t popped. One stress point to watch: the corner of the tool pocket can catch on barbed wire. I snagged mine once, but the fabric didn’t tear. It left a small pull that disappeared after washing. I also accidentally caught a suspender clip on a branch while bushwhacking. The plastic clip held, though it felt like it might break. For heavier bush work, I’d prefer a metal clip.
These are durable overalls that hold up to the everyday scrapes of a fly fishing guide’s life. I’ve washed them a dozen times with no shrinkage or color fade. The black color still looks sharp. I’ve put them through the washer on hot with waders and towels, and they emerge looking new. The only sign of wear so far is a slight fuzzing on the inner thigh from rubbing against wader material.
Drawbacks: Where They Fall Short
No product is perfect. The Allover Apparel overalls lack a true water-resistant zipper on the fly. That means if you’re wearing them without waders and get hit by a big wave, you’ll feel a wet crotch. I’d like to see a reinforced knee panel for crawling under overhanging branches. Also, the suspenders are plastic clips that feel cheap compared to the rest of the build. They work fine, but they don’t inspire confidence when you’re leaning over a net.
A missing feature is a built-in thigh pocket for a nipper. The tool pocket on the leg is useful for pliers, but it’s not deep enough for long-nose hemostats. I ended up using the bib pocket for those. Still, for $79, these are a strong value for anyone who wants a versatile layer between skin and waders, or standalone pants for summer wading.
How They Compare to Other Fishing Overalls
I’ve worn Carhartt’s quick-dry bibs and Patagonia’s guide pants. The Allover Apparel falls between them in price and features. Carhartt is heavier and more durable but less breathable. Patagonia is lighter but triple the cost. For the budget-conscious angler who still wants performance, Allover Apparel hits a sweet spot. To give numbers: Carhartt’s Force Quick-Dry Bibs cost $110 and weigh 12 ounces. Patagonia’s Guidewater Pants run $179 at 8 ounces. The Allover comes in at $79 and 9.2 ounces. That’s a strong middle ground.
For a dedicated pair of wading pants, you might prefer neoprene or breathable waders. But for camp, travel, and bank fishing, these overalls shine.
Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?
Yes. The Allover Apparel quick-dry overalls deliver on their main promise: they dry fast, breathe well, and move with you. They are not a replacement for waders, but they complement the rest of your kit. For the fly angler who values comfort and convenience on the water, these are a solid buy. I have already recommended them to three other guides, and two have purchased their own pairs.
If you’re planning a trip to the Eagle River, pack a pair. Stop by our online fly shop for flies and gear, and check the current Eagle River conditions before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Allover Apparel quick-dry overalls to dry?
In direct sun with a light breeze, the fabric dries in 20 to 30 minutes after a wet wade. Hanging them on a tree branch during lunch break will do the job. In cooler, cloudy weather, expect 40 to 50 minutes.
Are these waterproof overalls for fishing?
No. They have a DWR coating that repels light moisture, but they are not fully waterproof. For heavy rain or deep wading, wear waders over or instead of these.
Can women wear these overalls too?
Yes. Allover Apparel makes a specific women’s cut with a higher rise and tapered waist. Both versions perform identically in terms of drying and stretch. My partner has worn hers on four outings and reports no fit issues.
Do these overalls have enough pockets for fly fishing gear?
They have five pockets plus a tool pocket on the right leg. I fit a small fly box, tippet spool, and hemostats without bulging. A larger box may need the bib pocket. For a big day with multiple fly boxes, you might still need a vest or pack.
How do I choose the right size?
Allover Apparel runs true to size for a relaxed fit. If you plan to wear heavy base layers underneath, size up one. The adjustable suspenders handle most torso lengths. I recommend measuring your waist and inseam and comparing them to their size chart. The suspenders offer about 6 inches of adjustability.
