Gage Storm Surge 2.5 Hooded Jacket and Pant
MSRP: $116.40 (jacket); $105.60 (pant)
Storm Surge rainwear is built for maximum protection and certainly lived up to that billing. These garments are engineered for superior breathability, keeping wearers cool and comfortable during the most strenuous outdoor activities. We especially liked the two hand-warmer pockets and the Gage Halo Hood System, which protected our heads and faces.
Drift Creek Outdoors Tundra Tech PU Hooded Rain Jacket and Pant
MSRP: $69.95 (jacket); $54.95 (pants)
Can you imagine totally waterproof rain gear that will hold up in the worst storms, yet is soft and comfortable to wear? It is also relatively breathable compared to some of the heaviest rain gear. It is built oversized to fit over anything you would layer and the smooth rubbery material is easy to clean free of fish guts and slime.
Mountain Hardwear Nilas Jacket
MSRP: $500
Perfect for extreme temperatures ice fishing or hunting. This is the warmest coat in our gear room.
MontBell Men’s EX Light Down Jacket
MSRP: $199
This jacket proved to be one of the more versatile items of the year, working exceptionally well as an inner layer on colder days and as outerwear on cool mornings on the water.
Helly Hansen Women’s Odin Isolator Jacket
MSRP: $280
Warm like the puffy coats on the market, but with a sleeker look, this water-shedding jacket is rip-resistant, highly compressible, extremely warm and offers extra wind protection and lined pockets.
MontBell USU.L. Women’s Down Vest
MSRP: $125
This stylish vest packs a bunch of warmth with 800-fill power goose down, while just taking up a tiny bit of space. It’s a quality product and still in as good shape as the day we got it, despite heading into the field on numerous occasions.
Frogg Toggs ToadSkinz Bibs and Pants
MSRP: $69.95 (bib); $59.95 (pant)
Built from the all-new ToadSkinz fabric, these pants (or bibs) are waterproof, windproof and breathable, and we found them to be the perfect companion piece to a high-end rain jacket for excursions during Alaska’s fall months.
Drift Creek Outdoors Tundra Tech Rugged Rain Jacket and Pants
MSRP: $89.95 (jacket); $69.95 (pants)
A 500-denier 100% nylon shell wicks water and snow and is suitable as outerwear for a variety of outdoor adventures in Alaska. Roomy and comfortable, wear it over a lightweight bottom layer, or if it’s colder, over a couple of layers.
Frogg Toggs ToadRage Camouflage Rain Jacket
MSRP: $69.95
This jacket kept us warm, dry and comfortable this fall on the water and in the field, making it a must for any trip in Alaska. The jacket is constructed with Frogg Toggs’ trademarked DriPore waterproof, breathable, microporous film combined with a nonwoven inner layer.
66° North Odin Seaman’s Jacket and Bib
MSRP: $64.99 (jacket), $69.99 (bibs)
Heavy-duty rain gear that stands up to Alaska weather. Reinforced seams and a reinforced hem with concealed snaps are some of the features of the jacket, while the reversible bibs are also reinforced on the legs.
Gage Midway Hooded Softshell
MSRP: $97.90-$111.70
Water-resistant and windproof, this soft-shell hoodie features four-way stretch fabric, two hand-warmer pockets and the Gage Halo Hood System.
REI Men’s Revelcloud Hoodie Jacket
MSRP: $159
Light, packable and definitely cozy, this was one of our favorite jackets of the year, performing perfectly as a layer on cooler days. The jacket also worked as an outer layer, offering enough wind- and water-resistance to withstand moderate days on the water, even in September.
Woolrich Women’s Arctic Down Parka
MSRP: $349
Suitable for a day on the ice or running about town in frigid temperatures, the authentic coyote ruff on the hood is attractive and functional. We suggest sizing up on this coat if you want to layer, though it is extremely warm on its own.
Sierra Designs Women’s Savage Jacket
MSRP: $189
This lightweight jacket proved comfortable and waterproof due to the light fleece lining that helped keep you cozy. A flattering cut and superior breathability made sure it was a favorite.
Sierra Designs Storm Poncho
MSRP: $40
Fits over anything you are wearing, so this OSFA poncho is a top item that should be stowed in a dry compartment on a boat or permanently in the gear bag.
Red Ledge Boy’s Guardian Jacket
MSRP: $69.99
Keep your younger angler warm and cozy with this fleece jacket, which proved durable enough to take all the abuse youngsters can throw at it.