Best Kid’s Fishing Gear for Fishing
in Alaska in 2016
Oakiwear Trail Fleece Lined Jacket
www.oakiwear.com
Our young field-tester said he loves this jacket because it keeps him warm and dry. He also liked the softness of the fleece, making this his preferred jacket of the year. The elasticized cuffs keeps the rain out of the sleeves, and the pockets are handy for storing valuable items collected in the woods.
Icebreaker Kids Tech LS Hood Five
www.icebreaker.com
This hoody is made from 100% New Zealand wool, which is a warm and natural fiber that is not itchy. It features a print on the front listing the five highest mountain peaks in the world. It’s easy to care for; wash it and hang to dry.
Muck Boots Kid’s Hale
www.muckbootcompany.com
Our tester wore these in the snow, rain and mud and proclaimed that these are now his favorite boots. The 10-inch tall boots are insulated with 4mm neoprene that keeps kids’ feet warm and dry. Boots incorporate a stretch-fit top line binding to keep out cold air.
Tuffo Muddy Buddy
www.tuffo.com
These one-piece waterproof coveralls are well-suited to keeping your youngsters dry when playing in the rain and mud. New for fall 2015 was a camouflage print, which we appreciated in addition to the other colors including yellow, pink, blue and red.
Bogs Footwear Baby Bogs Classic Flower Stripes Waterproof Boots
www.bogsfootwear.com
These 6-inch-tall waterproof boots were just the ticket, ensuring the little ones stayed warm and dry, even when puddles beckoned. Made from 3mm Neo-Tech insulation with a cozy, plush lining, these boots allowed even the youngest Fish Alaska testers to spend more time in the outdoors in 2015.
Helly Hansen Kids Shelter Jacket and Pants
www.hellyhansen.com
Our young tester loves this jacket and pants from Helly Hansen. They are warm, waterproof and comfortable. We like that the junior angler can stay out on the water longer because he is dry and toasty. Additionally, he’s highly visible with the bright color and reflective elements on the jacket.
MyMayu Explorer Boots
www.mymayu.com
These boots are super-lightweight, packable, and cover the entire lower leg. They feature comfortable rubber soles and a removable fleece insert. The waterproof polyester upper is seam-sealed and adjustable at the knee and ankle. Seven sizes are available to cover kids from about 18 months to 10 years-old. The breathable upper helps make sure your kids don’t overheat in warm weather.
Patagonia Baby Nano Puff Jacket
www.patagonia.com
The Fish Alaska family has been bolstered with several new additions over the past couple of years, and not wanting to leave the little ones at home is a prerequisite for working here—enter the Baby Nano Puff Jacket from Patagonia, which got little Maizie Norris into the field last year, keeping her warm and comfortable even when there was more than a little chill in the air.
Oakiwear New Dry Tyke Rain Suit
www.oakiwear.com
Updated for this year, this new rain suit kept the kids dry and free of complaint, making it a huge hit with parents as well. Incorporating a tough 90-denier nylon suit body (which is the same fabric that’s used in Oakiwear breathable waders), the suit also offers ever-popular neoprene wrist and ankle cuffs with adjustable Velcro straps.
The North Face Boys ThermoBall Full Zip Jacket
www.thenorthface.com
The small, round synthetic fiber clusters in this jacket were developed to mimic goose down, which traps heat in small air pockets. The insulation, coined ThermoBall, offers the warmth of 600-fill goose down in a lightweight package. Great, packable, mid-layer to go under the waders or raincoat for your young anglers. Available in six sizes from XXS to XL.
Molehill Mountain Down Bunting Suit
www.molehillmtn.com
The little ones stayed comfy and warm this season when tagging along for fall and winter outings on the lake, and a big reason why was the Down Bunting Suit from Molehill Mountain. The 80/20 fill of goose down and feathers provided perfect insulation while the shell stayed dry due to water-repellent down-proof recycled polyester. The zippered front with reinforced zipper flap sealed out our infamous Alaska wind as well.
Molehill Mountain Booties & Liners
www.molehillmtn.com
We found these lightweight cold-weather booties perfect for infants and toddlers. Booties feature fur linings, Thinsulate fill for extra warmth and Velcro closures that really help keep them on. We recommend adding the fleece liners for extra warmth on those winter days outside.
Stearns Infant Classic Series Life Vest
www.stearnsflotation.com
Safety comes first, particularly when we’re talking about our youngest, most precious cargo, and the Infant Classic Series Life Vests from Stearns offered mom and dad the freedom from concern they needed to enjoy a day on the water this past season. Coast Guard-approved and specially fitted for children under 30 pounds, these life vests also offer an extra-contoured float about the neck to encourage face-up flotation and a rescue handle to help adults easily move the child from the water to the boat.