Editors’ Choice Awards 2023: Jackets & Pants
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The best fishing jackets and pants will keep you dry and warm no matter what Alaska throws at you. These are the Fish Alaska team’s picks to keep you unquestionably comfortable all day while you fish.
Best Fishing Jackets and Pants
Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle Rain Shell Jacket and Bib Pants
We especially like how easily this jacket and bib pants pack down so that you can take them with you in any fishing situation and be prepared for rain. The jacket features smart design considerations like a draw cord adjustable hem, zippered hand pockets, and adjustable cuffs. Pants include hand pockets and removable, adjustable suspenders.
Columbia Women’s Tidal PFG II Pant
Without a doubt, layering is essential to function and comfort when outdoors. These super-stretchy pants offer Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection and Omni-Shield water resistance. Additionally, easy on-off elastic at the waist and hems, perfect for a long day on the water with changing conditions to contend with. You can throw the worst of the bait bucket at these stain-resistant pants, then throw them in the washing machine for the next day’s adventure, fresh as a daisy.
Forloh Women’s SolAir Lightweight Pants
Forloh designers combined 3 patented technologies to construct these warm-weather pants. The Polygiene Stay Fresh and Odor Crunch systems work to eliminate odor, while the brrrPro system actively works to keep you cool. The pants are built to move with articulated knees, and the zippered pockets mean you go home with everything you went out with. Made in America undoubtedly makes it even better.
Gill Apex Pro-X Jacket and Bibs
This is undoubtedly an outstanding set of breathable rain gear, comparable to the best on the market. The stitching and seams are of high quality and the lower legs are reinforced with abrasion-resistant material. This set is very waterproof thanks to the XPLORE+ 3-layer fabric and fully taped seams, plus the XPEL plant-based water and stain-repellent finish.
There is a small handwarmer pocket on the chest of the bibs, and a second pocket overlaying the handwarmer pocket. A high fit covers most of your chest and back. The hip pockets don’t close. There are reinforced tool pockets attached to the hip pockets and small D-rings on each front hip for attaching tools or remotes. These bibs are unusual in that the fly zipper doesn’t go all the way to the chest. They have Velcro adjustments for shoulder straps which we like because they provide a flexible fit and it’s easy to get them just right. The bibs feature a side entry—the right-side zipper goes from ankle to the very top of the bib. Additionally, the left side zipper goes from ankle to hip.
The jacket has adjustable cuffs inside and out. It has a nice, 3-point adjustable hood you can cinch down so it won’t blow off no matter how fast you’re driving the boat. The YKK AquaGuard front zipper and internal storm guard ensures water doesn’t seep through the zipper.
Grundéns Neptune Pro Anorak and Bib
Designed to be lighter than other commercial raingear, The Pro Anorak jacket and bibs are medium duty with built-in stretch. This raingear is available in red orange with reflective TPU panels in high-wear areas. Neoprene cuffs keep water from running into your sleeves, helping you stay warmer, and the cuffs can accommodate commercial-grade fishing gloves. The material is 230g PU-coated polyester knit for waterproofing with added mobility and stretch. The reflective hex pattern TPU overlay offers increased tear resistance in critical wear zones. The fully gusseted, water-draining neck zipper entry has an additional venting-position snap. Additionally, the adjustable hood has 2-way shock cord and concealed routing. The bottom hem has dual shock-cord adjustments. The back is vented for maximum airflow and breathability. This raingear is lighter and more flexible than some of the traditional PU raingear, making it more comfortable to wear.
AFTCO Reaper Camo Windproof Jacket
The coat is warm, and treated with DWR, so it’s a useful garment most of the time when fishing in Alaska. Ok, occasionally it does get pretty darn hot, but give it a little while and the weather is bound to change. And remember that whenever you are on the water, especially so in the saltwater and often on bigger rivers, it’s often colder than being on land. Jackets like this that can be worn as a top or mid-layer are handy on fishing trips. We especially like the digital camo pattern, the integrated facemask, and the full-sized hood.
The North Face Women’s Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Parka
This windproof and waterproof raincoat shows attention to the details that matter. The 33-inch length will keep you and your bottom dry and the breathable fabric will keep you fresh. The adjustable hood design leaves room for hair and a hat. In addition to being a rainy-day workhorse, this parka folds up nice and tight on those sunny days to leave room in your bag for other gear. All in all, this is an excellent jacket.
Columbia Women’s Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket
Columbia consistently delivers quality products, and this lightweight jacket is another example of their excellence. The Heavenly Jacket features Columbia’s unique Omni-Heat system delivering warmth at an impressively light weight. The fabric is water resistant, which we found more than capable of repelling the mists and drizzle common to the shoulder seasons. The bum-covering length of this jacket keeps your backside dry and warm. With all of these features, the hardest thing to decide is which of the 9 available colors to order.
Outdoor Research Men’s Foray II GORE-TEX Jacket
Generally, when fishing in Alaska, we recommend that you come equipped with high-quality rain gear. We also recommend that you dress in layers; temperatures can fluctuate a lot, and it can go from hot to cold and vice versa within the same trip. This jacket is one to undoubtedly consider in your clothing kit. It is waterproof, lightweight, packable, and is available in a range of colors and sizes. One of the features that we appreciate are the zippers on both sides of the jacket that run from the armpit down to the hem. This allows you to vent heat and also wear it like a parka (if you are trying to cover a backpack). Additionally, the jacket also features an adjustable hood and cuffs; the exterior chest pocket is handy for stashing your phone.
The North Face Women’s Canyonlands Full-Zip
This uber-comfortable fleece full-zip jacket was one of our favorites this year. The 200-weight fleece makes for a nice top layer when it’s cool and a perfect mid-layer as the temps drop. Options include 5 colors and 6 sizes.
Grundéns Downrigger GORE-TEX Jacket
Our tester wore this jacket through some wet conditions throughout the 2022 season and stayed altogether dry. The jacket features a 2-layer fabric construction; sporting a tough outer exterior with a liner designed to wick moisture. Additionally, it’s available in 3 colors and 6 sizes.
The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Hybrid Eco Jacket 2.0
North Face makes it easy to go green and stay warm. This pullover hoodie jacket is constructed with 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. The slim fit works well for layering in the coldest seasons, coupled with the water-repellent fabric will keep you dry in the misty drizzles.
Sea to Summit Bug Jacket & Mitts
Alaska is home to over 30 species of mosquitos and judging by some of our trips into the Interior, they number in the trillions. Sea to Summit tackles that issue with their bug jacket with attached mitts and optional Insect Shield treatment. The hood attaches with a zipper for easy access, the mitts are included, and the mesh is fine enough to protect you from the smallest of mosquitos. For those wanting an extra level of protection, this jacket is offered in an Insect Shield version which has been chemically treated to repel insects. This small piece of gear can mean the difference between a comfortable day spent achieving your fishing goals, or a miserable day cursing the bugs.
Gill Women’s Navigator Jacket
The Navigator Jacket from Gill offers full wind and rain protection in a stylish, functional package. This jacket features a roll-away, adjustable hood, breathable fabric, and adjustable cuffs to provide changing protection for changing conditions. Our tester appreciated the soft feel and ultimate comfort of this jacket. In addition, the thoughtful details like the buttonhole access to the inner pocket for headphone wires really knocked it out of the park.
Columbia Sportswear Men’s PFG Drift Guide Convertible Pant
These are UPF 50 rated, with Omni-Shield advanced repellency, these functional and good-looking fishing pants are made of 100% recycled polyester. These lightweight pants are most useful in summer. They have side pockets, and hook-and-loop closure back pockets and cargo pocket. Columbia’s Omni-Shield resists water and stains. The legs zip off to convert the pants to shorts. We especially like the wide, center-back belt loop which makes these pants stay put better. Pants are available in 3 colors, in waist sizes from 28” to 44”, and inseam lengths of 30”, 32”, and 34”.
Editors’ Choice Awards 2023 Categories:
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