Best Jackets and Pants
for Fishing in Alaska in 2016 

StormR Fusion Jacket and BibsStormR_Fusion_Jacket_and_Bibs.jpg
www.stormrusa.com
The Fusion jacket and bibs are waterproof, windproof and breathable, and provide all-weather protection, superior comfort and mobility, with high-stretch neoprene panels tied into a lightweight shell. The jacket and bibs are technically-advanced, incorporating features like anti-corrosion, splash-proof center zippers with an interior storm flap. Both are stylishly designed and incorporate 3M reflective graphics for added visibility.

 
 

Grundéns Gage Weather Watch Hooded Jacket and Bib Trouser
www.shop.grundens.comGrundensWeatherWatch.jpg
This rain gear is lightweight, packable, tough and 100% waterproof. We wore it and stayed dry on the decks of saltwater boats, while sitting in the woods on deer stalks and while fishing for coho in the fall on the river. The jacket has several pockets and the front zipper is covered by a double storm flap to further inhibit water from penetrating the rain gear. We also like the Kryptek Highlander camouflage pattern.

Bug Baffler Insect Protective Hooded Shirt and Pants
www.bugbaffler.comBugBafflerManHoodOn.jpg
Comfortable and roomy for complete body bug protection. The stretch knit wrist and ankle cuffs, as well as elastic waist, are lightweight and durable. The Bug shirt has enough room to wear a hat, has a zipper well placed at the neckline and offers seamless vision. Great bug protection to help enjoy the Alaska outdoors. Both the shirt and pants are essential items to have with you anytime the bugs are out.




The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Hoodie
www.thenorthface.comTNF_W_Thermoball_Hoodie_3.jpg
Our lady tester felt both cozy and stylish while donning the ThermoBall Hoodie this fall and winter. Featuring a synthetic alternative to down (ThermoBall powered by PrimaLoft), this jacket offered warmth and comfort in the cold, wet weather common to Alaska in fall. 




Grundéns Sedna Hooded Jacket and Bib TrousersGrundensSednaJacketModel.jpg
www.shop.grundens.com
The first-ever commercial-grade rain gear designed specifically for women, this jacket and bib is is constructed to the same standards as all Grundéns Pro gear and performed flawlessly on the boat deck, hauling in halibut and lingcod all season long. 




Mountain Hardwear Dynotherm Down Jacket
www.mountainhardwear.comMountainHardwearDynotherm.jpg
A high-quality midweight jacket can be hard to find, but our tester reports that the Dynotherm Down Jacket from Mountain Hardwear was the best of the bunch in 2015. Lightweight yet fortified with Q Shield Down 650-fill insulation, the highlight of this jacket was its versatility, coming in equally handy during active days on the ice or ski trails or at night recounting stories around the campfire. 




Black Diamond Women’s Hot Forge Hybrid Hoody
www.blackdiamondequipment.comBlack_Diamond_W_Hot_Forge_Hybrid_Hoody_Purple.jpg
Our tester was looking for a jacket that would provide four-season use and found it in the Hot Forge Hybrid Hoody, which uses a combination of down-blend and synthetic insulations to provide warmth in a range of weather conditions. It’s not bulky, either, which makes it an easy choice to grab when heading out of the house for anything from a quick trip to the store to longer forays into the woods.



Montbell Women’s Storm Cruiser Jacket
www.montbell.usMont-bell_W_Storm_Cruiser_Jacket_Ultramarine.jpg
Waterproof and breathable, this jacket proved exceptionally dependable for our tester, whether floating for a week in western Alaska or zipping to the Kenai for a day chasing coho in the rain. Fitted with a three-way adjustable hood that rolls up and stows easily, the Storm Cruiser can be modified quickly for ever-changing Alaska conditions, and there is ample ventilation for active moments when the temperature heats up. 



Patagonia Women’s Storm Racer Jacket
www.patagonia.comPatagonia_W_Storm_Racer.jpg
Our tester needed a lightweight rain jacket that kept the water off but didn’t make the wearer too hot when active, and the Storm Racer Jacket more than qualified. Designed specifically for trail running, this jacket offers active venting and a waterproof/breathable fabric that makes it comfortable even while working up a sweat. For those who don’t let the elements stop them from exercising outdoors, this rain jacket is an absolute must. 


The Original Bug Shirt Elite Edition Shirt
www.bugshirt.comBug_Shirt_by_Jim_Baird.jpg
Our tester appreciated the design additions over the Original model, which includes moving the zipper to the top edge of the face mesh and adding two sliders, as well as putting an adjusting cord at the back of the hood to give users a greater field of vision. He commented that the shirt is durable, breathable, well-designed and provides great bug protection. 

The Original Bug Shirt Bug Pants
www.bugshirt.comBug_Shirt_Pants_3.jpg
We found these pants to be lightweight and effective at keeping biting insects at bay, especially in the ankle area. They are cut long so that even when you are bending over, the pants remain tucked into your shoes. They are made from a comfortable polyester microfiber and are available in two color choices—sandstone or ivy green.

Outdoor Research Superlayer Jacket
www.outdoorresearch.comOutdoor_Research_Superlayer_Jacket_.jpg
This mid-layer jacket is light, but warm enough to be a top layer on fall and early-winter days. It features Primaloft Silver insulation, and is compressible, as well as wind- and water-resistant. We liked the length of the coat as it is cut a little longer in the back than a usual mid layer and appreciated having both zippered hand pockets as well as a chest pocket.




Patagonia Men’s Adze Hybrid Jacket
www.patagonia.comPatagonia_M_Adze_Hybrid.jpg
Testers liked that this jacket is windproof and is fleece-lined, yet it has breathable side panels to let out heat when you are moving. Another one of those jackets that can serve as both a mid- and top layer depending on conditions.




Carhartt FORCE Rugged Flex Pant  
www.carhartt.comCarhartt_FORCE_Flex_Pant.jpg
These cargo pants are comfortable and practical. Designed with a relaxed fit and articulated knees, they also include ample pockets including a cell phone pocket. The pants material wicks sweat, flexes for ease of movement and resists stains. These were our favorite pants of the year.









Ex Officio Mens Bugsaway No Borders Pant
www.exofficio.comExofficio_BugsAwayNoBordersPant.jpg
These pants not only fit well, but they are technologically advanced. In addition to wicking moisture and providing sun-protection equivalent to UPF 30 sun-block, the pants will also help repel biting insects. They are treated with Insect Shield Permethrin, which provides a repellency that is effective for about 70 washings.