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
FORLOH BTM Pant
These pants include FORLOH Polygiene Stay Fresh Technology that uses natural silver chloride to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. We wore them 8 days in a row on a remote adventure and were impressed. Pants are made from waxed nylon/cotton ripstop fabric and are tough. The wax makes the pants more resistant to water, as well as sharp sticks and thorns. Wax can be reapplied in the field. The pants are breathable and have some stretch, adding comfort during rigorous hikes.
Free Fly Men’s Breeze Short 6”
These are very light and breathe really well. The fabric also has considerable stretch. It’s almost like wearing nothing. They also dry quickly, making them great for activities around the water. Super comfy with a drawstring waist makes them great for lawn-chair duty or more active pursuits. They’re available in sizes S though 3XL, in 7 colors, and are rated at UPF 50.
Duluth Trading Co Men’s Flex Fire Hose HD Relaxed Fit Pants
Duluth claims these are a new breed of work pants for the world’s most-grueling jobs. Huge pockets and loose fit make them useful and comfortable. Extra-long Crotch Gusset, built-in stretch, and articulated knees add to the comfort. They have triple-stitched seams, are highly abrasion resistant, and have a DWR finish. These are good-looking, as well as tough, functional, pants. They’re available in 3 colors and many waist and inseam sizes.
Free Fly Men’s Breeze Pant
The extended version of the Men’s Breeze Short, the pants are just as comfy and light. 4-way stretch provides freedom of movement. They feature an elastic waistband and drawstring for comfort, and the same quick-drying, stretch-woven fabric as the Breeze Short. Available in sizes from S to 3XL in 5 colors.
Columbia Women’s Kruser Ridge III Softshell Jacket
Is it time to replace your old softshell? A breathable softshell is a must-have for Alaskans who fish and get outside. It makes a great mid-layer and it’s not bulky at all. You can even wear it under a puffy coat on really cold days. Anyone who moves in cool weather like cross-country skiers, Nordic skaters and fat bikers also needs a breathable layer just like this. The Omni-Shield technology wicks moisture and resists stains. Our tester says this jacket is extremely comfortable and gets used all the time.
Columbia Women’s Summit Valley II Pants
These pants are comfortable, quick drying, and stain resistant, making them ideal pants for kicking around Alaska. Whether you’re day-tripping around town or flying to your favorite remote community for an adventure, these pants are useful for traveling, hiking, and everyday casual wear. These pants should be a staple in an active woman’s wardrobe.
Grundéns Kryall Pant
These pants were one of our testers favorite clothing items this year. They are fleece-lined, stretchy, have several pockets, belt loops and fit well. The outer material has a DWR water-repellent finish so you can be out in the rain for a while without getting drenched. You can wear them as either a top layer or as a mid-layer beneath waders or rain gear.
FORLOH Men’s Merino Hi-Loft Reversible Jacket
Editor George Krumm tested the tan wool/exposed color. This stylish, reversible merino-wool jacket looks great around town or in the field. It comes in 3 colorways (brown/black, tan/exposed, and brown/deep cover) and sizes from S to 3XL. Instead of down or synthetic quilting, this jacket uses cruelty-free merino wool. This helps minimize odor while providing warmth. One side has a nylon face; the other side has a wool face. This is a high-quality garment that will last for years. Sourced and manufactured in the USA with a lifetime warranty for any manufacturing defects.
FORLOH Women’s Deep Space Tech Legging
If you haven’t checked out American made FORLOH brand yet, go take a trip to their website next time you’re shopping. This high-waisted legging fits great and has pockets so you can slip your phone somewhere easy while you’re unloading your car and getting your outerwear ready before you jump in the boat. Head to and from the river in comfort and layer up below your waders with these durable, multi-purpose leggings.
Duluth Trading Company Women’s AKHG Roadless Pull-On Joggers
This is a great athletic pant for traveling anglers, hikers, and generally active people. The material has a slight stretch and fits securely around the waist with a high-waisted stretchy band. Our tester loves the fit and the pretty berry color, but their seasonal colors seem to change out. The coup de grace? Zippered pockets galore!
Carhartt Women’s Force Relaxed Fit Fleece Lined Jogger
These are a great pant for Alaska. The jogger style is comfortable and versatile alone or under your outerwear and the oh-so-cozy fleece lining makes our tester reach for them first on cold days.
Kuiu Guide PRO Hooded Jacket
Editor George Krumm likes gear that is well suited to both fishing and hunting pursuits, and this jacket is one of those items. This soft-shell hooded jacket is made of Primeflex nylon with a micro-fleece interior. It provides great wind resistance, and it stretches so it moves with you. It’s designed for temperatures from freezing to 45°F. It’s water resistant, but not waterproof. In a Southeast deluge, it would be best to wear a rain shell over it, but it can handle light precipitation okay. Dual chest pockets are big enough for a phone or rangefinder, with a lanyard loop inside to secure things. It has zippered pit vents for that hike through the alder jungle. It is available in 3 camo patterns and 2 solid colors, from S to 4XL.