Keith Lusher 05.15.25
What It’s Made For
This versatile combination is perfect for anyone who wears activewear in the outdoors. The four-way stretch fabric and quick-drying capabilities make these pieces ideal for mountaineers, backpackers, campers, hikers, and even fishermen like me. I’ve found them particularly well-suited to active pursuits in humid environments, with UPF 50+ protection shielding against harsh sun exposure, whether you’re scaling a mountain trail or casting lines in open water. The adaptable design transitions seamlessly between various outdoor activities while maintaining comfort in changing conditions.
First Impressions
My wife selected this color combination as a gift – the neutral Alloy gray pants paired with the vibrant Bonfire orange anorak. Immediately, I was struck by how the technical fabrics felt less stiff and more natural than typical fishing apparel. The colors complemented each other beautifully while serving the practical purpose of high visibility on the water.
100% comfort in 98% humidity. The CFS Pant remains dry
Material
- Fabric: Four-way stretch material that feels natural and comfortable against the skin, unlike many technical fishing garments that can feel stiff and artificial. Both pieces feature quick-drying fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection, essential for long days on Louisiana waters.
- Stitching & Details: The pant features well-constructed adjustable cuffs with elastic string loops, plus a comfortable Velcro tab and drawstring waist closure system. The anorak includes a functional hood, a kangaroo pocket, and a zippered front pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. The Stio Whitebark Pinecone logo appears on the left pant leg above the knee, while the distinctive Stio label is prominently displayed on the front of the anorak.
Rating: 9/10
Fit & Sizing
The CFS Board Pant has a comfortable, relaxed fit with enough room for movement without feeling baggy. The waist closure system with Velcro tab and drawstring allows for personalized adjustment, and I found it remained comfortable even when bending forward while rowing or casting. The anorak features a classic pullover design that’s neither too loose nor too tight, with enough room for layering underneath if needed.
Rating: 9/10
Comfort & Wearability
These garments truly excel in comfort, especially in our challenging Gulf Coast conditions. The four-way stretch fabric moves naturally with your body during casting, wading, or boating activities. I was particularly impressed that the waist closure system never dug into my stomach, even when bending forward – I honestly forgot it was there. The anorak’s hood provides excellent sun protection without feeling restrictive or limiting visibility.
Rating: 10/10
The distinctive Stio label is prominently displayed on the front of the Bonfire orange CFS Hooded Anorak
Functionality & Performance
The standout performance feature of both pieces is their remarkable quick-drying capability. After getting wet while launching my boat, the pants dried within minutes – no more soggy, clingy fabric ruining the day. The adjustable pant cuffs proved unexpectedly useful for keeping my legs dry during early morning launches. The anorak’s UPF 50+ protection has “saved my neck (literally)” during long days exposed to the relentless Louisiana sun, while its packability (it stuffs into its own pocket) means it’s always available in my tackle box for unexpected weather changes.
Rating: 10/10
Style & Appearance
Unlike much technical fishing apparel that screams “I’m going fishing,” this combination maintains enough style to transition seamlessly from the water to casual social settings. The Alloy gray provides a neutral, versatile base, while the Bonfire orange adds a vibrant pop of color that also enhances visibility on the water. I’ve found myself wearing this combination even when I’m not fishing, which speaks to its crossover appeal.
Rating: 10/10
Durability & Longevity
While not explicitly mentioned in detail, the quality construction suggests excellent durability for regular use in demanding water environments. The four-way stretch fabric appears to maintain its shape and performance characteristics even after getting wet and drying multiple times. Time will only tell if the material holds up.
Rating: 8/10
Durable, four-way stretch fabric offers quick-drying comfort and UPF 50+ sun protection
Value & Price Point
Though specific pricing isn’t mentioned, Stio products generally position themselves as premium outdoor apparel. Based on performance, versatility, and quality, the value appears excellent for dedicated anglers who spend significant time on the water in humid, challenging conditions. The combination’s versatility for both fishing and casual wear enhances the overall value proposition.
Rating: 8/10
Wear Test Notes
Louisiana’s combination of intense sun, high humidity, and frequent water exposure creates a uniquely challenging environment for fishing apparel. Throughout multiple fishing trips in these conditions, this Stio combination has proven itself exceptionally well-adapted to our Gulf Coast needs. During one particularly memorable early morning boat launch, I cinched up the pant cuffs to keep them dry, then later released them once on the water – a small feature that proved surprisingly practical. The anorak’s packability came in handy when an unexpected midday shower hit – I had already stowed it in my tackle box after the morning chill passed, and could quickly deploy it again for rain protection.
The Verdict
- Best For: Gulf Coast and warm-water anglers who need quick-drying performance and sun protection without sacrificing comfort; anyone who wants technical performance with enough style for everyday wear.
- Avoid If: You’re looking for heavy-duty cold-weather protection or prefer the traditional “technical” aesthetic of most fishing apparel.
- Overall Rating: 9/10
As someone who lives far from Stio’s mountain terrain roots, I can confidently say that their quality and performance translate perfectly to Louisiana’s waterways and coastal environments. This CFS combination delivers exceptional performance with its quick-drying capability, sun protection, and all-day comfort, all while maintaining enough style to wear anywhere your day takes you after the fishing is done. Whether you’re fishing the bayou, launching a boat, or just enjoying a day near the water, this has become my first choice for active days outdoors.
As an avid Louisiana fisherman, I’ve tried countless “technical” apparel options over the years, but nothing has quite hit the mark like my new Stio CFS combination. My wife bought me the CFS Board Pant in Alloy (earthy gray) paired with the CFS Hooded Anorak in Bonfire (vibrant orange), and the combination has quickly become my go-to fishing outfit.
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