A quality layering system makes all the difference for staying warm outside in Alaska. Find out what our Editors choose for this year’s best layering apparel for Alaska. Legging, pullovers, button downs, an assortment of fabrics of different weights and more—find out what our experts recommend as the best layering apparel for Alaska.
FisheWear Hoodie Dress
www.fishewear.com
Our female tester loved the warmth and length of the hoodie. She appreciated the thumbhole sleeves. The attractive fish design and double-string hoodie are unique features. Alaskan owned FisheWear ehas been a favorite to wear while fishing and for multiple other activities.
Filson Twin Lakes Sports Shirt
www.filson.com
This ultra-lightweight, quick-drying shirt features a vented mesh back yoke for breathable comfort and is an ideal top for the hottest days of the year in Alaska. It offers UPF50+ protection from the sun, with embroidered underarm eyelets for additional breathability.
White Sierra Women’s Bug Free Trail Hoody
www.whitesierra.com
There were nothing but glowing reports on the Bug Free Trail Hoody, which features built-in Insect Shield protection, while also wicking moisture and being packable—making it travel-friendly.
FisheWear Merino Wool Top and Skirted Wool Leggings
www.fishewear.com
Our tester loves the wool top and bottoms that FisheWear makes. They are beautiful and well-made, cute and look great. They are a joy to wear around town, fishing, adventuring, etc. This clothing line is fantastic year-round, for layering or on its own.
Salmon Sisters Small Fins Half-Zip
www.aksalmonsisters.com
Utilizing brushed bamboo fleece that is so soft and cozy, this has become one of our essential tops for crisp weather outings in Alaska. A perfect fishing layer under your rain gear, its superior breathability and moisture-wicking qualities help regulate body temperature and provide warm insulation in the face of the elements. An Alaskan brand by two fisherwomen from Homer, Alaska, the Salmon Sisters offer stylish performance active wear for the outdoors, sea-themed home decor and gifts and Wild Alaska Seafood.
Salmon Sisters Make Waves Leggings
www.aksalmonsisters.com
Featuring a smooth next-to-skin fit, these leggings were designed to be a fabulous fishing layer, perfect for under rain gear and look great with your Salmon Sisters Xtratuf boots. Made of bamboo technical 4-way stretch fabric that supports without the squeeze, some other highlights are moisture-wicking and anti-odor properties, superior breathability and natural UPF 50+ protection. The hidden waistband inner key pocket is a nice addition.
Grundéns Maris Hoodie & Leggings
www.grundens.com
The women’s Maris is an insulating layer designed to be worn under bibs and rain gear and also works great under waders. Constructed with breathable poly fleece, the four-way stretch fabric provides comfort and warmth all day long, both in the hoodie and the leggings. This is one of her all-time favorite layering sets for female anglers according to Publisher Melissa Norris.
Grundéns Hooksetter Longsleeve Shirt
www.grundens.com
This stylish shirt is water-resistant, provides UPF50 protection from the sun, has several pockets, as well as convertible sleeve tabs, shoulder blade vents and snap cuffs. We like the fit and function of the shirt and the lightweight feel.
Duckworth Women’s Comet Tunnel Hood
www.duckworthco.com
Zipper less and offering cozy high-neck comfort with a semi-fitted hood, our tester loved the dual-layer Hydro-ply fabric, remarking that it was soft to the touch. Moisture-wicking and warm, this piece of apparel was a hit all season long as an ideal layering piece.
Duluth Trading Company Men’s Short Sleeve Armachillo Crew Shirt
www.duluthtrading.com
This shirt is definitely more than meets the eye. Microscopic jade in the fabric works to actually lower skin temperature, which results in a refreshing and definitely welcomed chilling effect. This shirt was a great addition to our summer outdoor attire.
Smartwool Women’s Horizon Line Skirt
www.smartwool.com
The Horizon Line Skirt is for all those outdoorswomen who prefer coverage over leggings before and after wearing waders for a day on the water. Its textured exterior creates subtle striping while the smooth interior rests comfortably against your skin.
Ibex Essential V-Neck Tee
www.ibex.com
This V-neck shirt is extremely comfortable to wear, stylish and is made from a merino wool/silk blend, which means it dries quickly, stays warm when wet, is strong and supple and does not stockpile odor.
Carhartt Force Utility Knit Legging
www.carhartt.com
These fast-drying, odor-fighting pants were super popular with our female testers this year, doubling as a comfortable utility pant and stylish work pant.