Best jackets and pants for Alaska anglers in 2022
Onyx Thunder Rage Jacket and Bib onyxoutdoor.com Our tester stayed dry and comfortable in this rain suit from Onyx. He tested it in Yakutat during a period in August where the region was experiencing an “atmospheric river.” With more than a foot of rain in a week, this suit got put to the test during a cutthroat trout outing on a nearby lake, during a long hike to Situk Lake, on an adventure catching northern pike and on a roller-coaster half-day on the saltwater looking for coho. We’d say it passed the torture test quite well. 
Orvis Ultralight Storm Jacket orvis.com This jacket gives solid protection from the elements, and you almost won’t know you are wearing it since it comes in at 9.2 ounces. It packs into the hood which makes it easy to transport and stow in your pack. The jacket keeps you dry through design: fully taped seams, a YKK AquaGuard front zipper, and adjustable cuffs and hem. It’s available in five sizes and two colors. 
Patagonia Men’s Micro D Fleece Jacket patagonia.com This fleece jacket is warm, light, and soft. It’s a good top layer on cool, dry days and a quality mid-layer when the temperature drops. Layering is the key to staying warm in Alaska and this garment makes a solid addition to your layering system. Our tester wore this jacket in all kinds of situations, both during rigorous hikes and during sedentary days on the water. It dries quickly, is very light, packable, and ultrasoft, so it’s one of the first garments our tester now reaches for. 
Columbia Women’s OutDry Extreme NanoLite Shell columbia.com This shell is extremely light, packable, breathable and waterproof. The large hood sports a bonded brim. Our tester appreciated the drop tail which gives extra coverage against the elements and helps prevent water from getting into your pants. Other features include a peripheral hood adjustment, adjustable cuffs, a drawcord hem, and it all packs into a hand pocket for storage and ultimate packability. 
Sierra Designs Women’s Borrego Hybrid Jacket sierradesigns.com This is another one of those versatile garments that serves as a top layer when it’s nice out and a mid-layer when temps drop. The jacket incorporates Primaloft Eco Silver insulation in key areas. It also features a fitted hood, two zippered handwarmer pockets, two interior pockets, and a self-stuff pocket so you can pack the jacket into a small space. Our tester likes this hybrid concept where the arms include four-way stretch material for freedom of motion and the core includes insulation. It comes in three color combinations and five sizes. 
Mountain Hardwear Men’s Stretchdown Jacket mountainhardwear.com When it comes to hunting and fishing in Alaska, there are very few bad-weather days, just bad-clothing choices. At the core of a good clothing system is layering. This jacket is a solid choice. Light, warm, packable, combining 700-fill goose down with a nylon shell, it’s designed to give you freedom of movement. Add a waterproof layer over the top and you’ll be warm and dry. Weighing in at 18 ounces, its warmth-to-weight ratio is very good. 
Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire Jacket outdoorresearch.com Our tester was impressed with the versatility of this jacket. It’s heavy enough for a chilly spring day, light enough for an early summer morning, and roomy enough to layer for a shoulder-season run to the river. Outdoor Research has earned their reputation for quality gear and this jacket is no exception. Make sure you like the color—this jacket will last for years. 
Columbia Women’s Labyrinth Loop Omni-Heat Infinity Insulated Hooded Jacket columbia.com Puffy coats are critical pieces of insulation and highly effective in Alaska’s cold climate. We always bring puffy coats into the field, even in the peak of summer, where rainy days on the water can feel much colder than the ambient temperature. This one earned an award because it’s comfortable, packable, fits well, and remains warm even when wet. It features Columbia’s Omni-Heat technology, and in this case, that means their Infinity advanced thermal reflective as well as recycled synthetic down. Women have a choice of four colors and six sizes.
