The best fishing jackets and pants keep you comfortable and dry no matter what Alaska throws at you. We’re covering rain jackets, bibs, insulated layers, pants, and more. When you’re dialed in on the water, the last thing you need is to be cold or soaked. Here are the products we trust to keep us fishing all day, every day.
Best Fishing Jackets and Pants
Columbia Sportswear Men’s PFG Force XII ODX Bib
Publisher Marcus Weiner wore these bibs during a 7-day saltwater binge on Kodiak and then again on a 5-day freshwater adventure on the Togiak River. He shared the following, “I like the athletic fit of these bibs. When I am saltwater fishing in Alaska, the sea is often angry, resulting in pitching decks and forcing fishermen, particularly ones like me who actively jig, to find their balance without the use of their hands. A pair of bibs that give you full range of motion can help you stay upright. Also, I find myself constantly doing something while on the deck—bleeding and icing fish, washing down the decks, and cutting fish at the end of the day—and a good pair of bibs like this that keeps you dry and protected, but also allows you to be athletic, is a great asset.”
Editor George Krumm also used these bibs (and the Force X11 ODX Jacket) on saltwater and freshwater trips and says he stayed dry in some day-long torrential southeast Alaska rainstorms. There are many features built into these bibs, and some of the pertinent ones follow: abrasion-resistant overlay to protect against wear, top-level rain protection, lined utility pockets, zippered cuffs, adjustable suspenders, custom fit, and two-way front zipper.
Mustang Survival Taku Waterproof Bibs
This set is the new favorite saltwater fishing gear for Publisher Melissa Norris. Slightly tapered and fitted, the style is more flattering than the boxy style we’re used to seeing, but more importantly it’s chock full of functional design features. A waterproof pocket with a fold-over flap, a fabric-lined full chest pocket to warm your hands, and the thigh-length side zipper all combine to make these the best bibs she’s ever worn.
Original Bug Shirt Company The Elite Edition Bug Shirt
On a recent float trip down the Talachulitna River the mosquitoes were relentless and immensely plentiful. This shirt was a lifesaver. It may well have been the most important piece of equipment that Publisher Marcus Weiner brought on the float. It’s comfortable to wear and spaciously cut to fit over other clothing and to give you room to cast, and includes adjustable cords to customize the fit at the hood and waist. The pocket is spacious and the entire shirt stows into that pocket when you aren’t using it. The face mesh is very fine and won’t allow no-see-ums to enter. It includes dual zippers to open the mesh. It is lightweight and comes in many sizes and several color options.
Duluth Trading Company Men’s AKHG Crosslayer Tapered Pants
These comfortable pants combine style and function; think of them as a pair of upscale workout pants. They are moisture wicking, water repellent, odor fighting, and offer a range of pockets. We wore them under waders, as a top layer when traveling and as comfy pants back at camp. They come in 2 colors, 5 sizes, and 3 inseam options.
Grundéns Bulkhead Tech Fleece Pant
We wore these pants as both a top layer and beneath waders and they performed nicely. The windproof, breathable, fleece-lined pants are rugged and very warm. They feature hand-warming pockets, an adjustable waist belt, with partial elastic cuffs at the bottom, and kneepad insert pockets. Choose between 7 sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.
Paka Women’s Apu Parka
This beautiful coat combines comfort with cutting-edge technical and environmental details. The 4-way stretch exterior is waterproof, the insulation is half the volume of down for the same warmth and will keep you warm when wet, and is manufactured with certified textiles and traceable natural alpaca fiber from the Andes.
Mustang Survival Taku Waterproof Jacket
This waterproof, breathable, and durable jacket will keep you dry in all the rainy weather Alaska can throw you. The arms are designed for easy movement in the shoulders and elbows, and the adjustable hood and cuffs let you customize your fit. Added bonus: The Mahi Yellow color is exceptionally bright for good pictures on those foul-weather days.
Mustang Survival Men’s Callan Waterproof Jacket
Publisher Marcus Weiner wore this jacket in 2025 and really enjoyed it. He said, “This jacket kept me dry during some torrential downpours. It gave me exceptional freedom of motion when casting in the freshwater, and for all the tasks associated with running the deck on a saltwater boat—baiting hooks, landing fish, bleeding and icing them down, cleaning the deck, setting downriggers and fighting big Alaska denizens of the deep. The fitted hood kept rain off my neck without being too big. The Blue-Red colorway is sharp looking.” This item is available in 6 colors and 5 sizes.
Columbia Sportswear PFG Force XII ODX Jacket
A good rain jacket is critical in Alaska. In 2025, Publisher Marcus Weiner wore this jacket. “There’s a lot to like in this rain jacket. The first thing I noticed is the adjustable wrist cuffs, which also include a watertight neoprene inner cuff. I often stick my hands and arms nearly to the elbows into the water when I am releasing fish in a river, and being able to reduce the amount of water that saturates your under layers is a very appreciated feature.
The next element that caught my attention was the large, adjustable hood with a high collar. I found myself in snotty conditions often, and cinching down the hood and collar really helped keep the weather out. I also appreciate the droptail hem, which aids in keeping water from going down your pants (if you aren’t wearing bibs). The coat kept me dry, is comfortable, has plenty of storage pockets, and a D-ring to hang your favorite tool from.”
Columbia Sportswear Women’s Arctic Crest Down Hooded Jacket
When you refuse to hide inside from the cold, this puffer jacket will keep you warm and cozy on your adventures. The nylon shell is water resistant, and the 700-fill-power goose down is the utmost in warm puffer stuffing. Zippered hand pockets are big enough for keys and a phone, while the chest pocket is also large enough for your essential valuables.
Free Fly Apparel Women’s Breeze Drift Pant
The Breeze Drift Pant features ultra-lightweight poly/spandex fabric offering 50+UPF sun protection. The pants are cut with a high waist and a loose fit for extra comfort. Breeze Drift pants are offered in 4 colors and 6 sizes. Publisher Melissa Norris says, “Everything I test from Free Fly Apparel are among some of the most comfortable clothes I have ever worn”.
Columbia Sportswear Women’s Reign No Shine Jacket
This lightweight, absolutely waterproof jacket is perfect for layering on those active weather days with ever-changing conditions. The shell is OutDry Extreme featuring tape-sealed seams and impenetrable, breathable fabric to keep you dry, while the inside is a soft wicking fabric to keep you comfortable. The hood, hem, and cuffs are adjustable for custom fitting, and the armpits vent for airflow and heat control.
Columbia Sportswear Men’s PFG Uncharted II Insulated Anorak
This is a lightweight, hooded, insulated half-zip top that is a great layering piece for cold, wet spring/summer/fall weather, or as an outer layer in dry conditions. Both the 40 grams of insulation and the shell are 100% polyester, and as such, the jacket provides warmth even when wet. Omni-Shield treatment repels moisture and resists stains. Since this is a half-zip jacket, the side zip on the left side makes it much easier to put this jacket on or take it off. Hand-warmer pockets are lined with a soft micro fleece for comfort. There is a drawcord-adjustable hem and hood to seal out the elements.