How to Choose the Right Outerwear

Stay prepared for the outdoors with outerwear designed to protect you from the elements. Whether you're facing wind, rain, or snow, the right gear keeps you comfortable. The weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you're equipped with outerwear you can depend on when you're out on the water.

What Makes Clothing Warm?

Fabric is what determines how warm clothing keeps you. Starting by comparing fabrics, fleece and polyester are commonly used to make outerwear because they both trap heat. Fleece has a raised surface that locks in your natural body heat while keeping cold air out. Polyester is another common outerwear fabric because it has tightly woven fibers that trap heat inside and block moisture. Traditionally, the heavier a jacket, the warmer, but with technology and innovation, jackets today are warm and lightweight.

Soft shells offer warmth without the bulk, shielding anglers from wind and insulating body heat. With a DWR coating, they repel water, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Another characteristic that keeps jackets warm is the fill. Fill comes into play with down jackets. Down jackets have soft goose or duck feathers inside as insulation. With jackets, the higher the fill rating, the more warmth it provides. For example, a down jacket with a 700+ fill rating provides excellent warmth, while one with a 400 fill rating offers only moderate insulation.

For anglers, outerwear with natural down insulation (feathers) is not a good option because it’s not waterproof. Instead, anglers should opt for outerwear with synthetic insulation. Synthetic insulation is feather-free and has polyester fibers. The polyester dries quickly and keeps anglers warm in wet and cold conditions. An example of a synthetic down jacket is the Crosswind Puff Jacket. It's made from 100% recycled polyester, features a DWR fabric treatment for water repellency, and includes a drawcord hood for an adjustable fit.

Different Types of Outerwear

From hitting the water to tackling everyday activities, AFTCO has outerwear designed to protect you both on and off the water. The AFTCO Coastal Layer is a great example. This lightweight performance fleece, available in both a quarter zip and hoodie, is perfect for a casual day at the office, watching a game, or going out to dinner. It also works well as a layering piece with other AFTCO outerwear.

Fleece vs. Softshell

Fleece is popular for its soft, cozy feel. The Fish Camp Hood offers that signature softness with a kangaroo-style pocket, while the Sundown, Ahoy, and Shadow are classic quarter zips that layer well under vests or jackets. While fleece provides warmth and comfort, it doesn’t offer protection from wind or rain.

Softshell jackets, like windproof jackets, block wind and often feature a DWR coating to repel rain and snow. They're also breathable, making them great for movement. While fishing isn’t a high-intensity workout, repeated casting and reeling can still build up heat. Most softshells are made from durable, breathable polyester that wicks moisture away. For added warmth on cool, windy, or rainy fall days, layer a softshell over a fleece.

Softshell vs. Windbreaker

Softshell jackets offer anglers versatility as mid or outer layers, depending on the conditions. AFTCO softshells, like the Reaper Windproof Jacket and Reaper Windproof Pullover, provide durability, comfort, and breathability. They feature a DWR finish, laser-cut vented underarms for airflow, and adjustable shock cord hoods. The Hexatron fleece lining locks in warmth for added comfort. Designed to protect against the elements, these softshells are perfect for mild conditions, whether on or off the water.

As the name suggests, windbreakers are designed to block wind and are best suited for mild conditions. While they don't offer much beyond wind protection, layering a fleece or sweatshirt underneath can add warmth. AFTCO’s Transformer windbreaker goes a step further. It's a 2.5-layer jacket with DWR water repellent, providing protection from light rain. Plus, it packs into its own pocket, making it ideal for travel or stowing in a boat compartment.

Lightweight Shell vs. Heavy Shell

For anglers facing light winds and rain in mild climates, the Transformer or Hydro Jacket are solid choices. Transformer earns its name for its ability to pack into its right-hand pocket and can be paired with the matching Transformer Pants, creating a lightweight rain suit that packs down easily for quick storage. This jacket is 10K waterproof, making it ideal for light rain. With two-way stretch, it moves with you and features adjustable cuffs and a shock cord hood for added comfort.

The Hydro Jacket is our most affordable fishing rain jacket. While it isn't packable like the Transformer, it features a durable two-layer nylon shell with a 30K waterproof membrane, making it effective against both drizzles and downpours. Double cuffs help prevent water from seeping up your arms, while the SpeedVent™ Hood stays securely in place at high speeds. The Hydro also includes a kill switch safety D-ring attachment. For anglers facing more than mild conditions, check out our cold weather fishing gear checklist. 

When strong winds and heavy rain are forecasted, anglers should opt for a heavy shell with a waterproof rating of 20K or higher to effectively shield against rain and snow. Without this rating, you risk becoming soaked and uncomfortable in just a few hours. The Barricade Jacket is a three-layer heavy rain jacket with a DWR water-repellent finish and several adjustable features, including its hood, double dry cuff system, and hem cinch. For complete protection, pair the Barricade Jacket with its matching bib set.

For all-day wind and heavy rain, reach for the Fortress Jacket. It features a 30K waterproof, 7K breathable Toray® nylon membrane, along with a SpeedVent™ hood and double cuffs to keep water from seeping up your sleeves. With Fortress, you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. To learn more about waterproofing, check out our Waterproof Rundown, and ensure you're always prepared.

Insulated Suits

When frigid conditions hit, it's time to rely on your insulated gear. The Hydronaut Insulated Jacket is built for tough weather, featuring a two-layer nylon shell with 30K waterproofing to keep you warm in sleet and snow. Its adjustable double cuffs, waist, and hem provide a customizable fit. The 140g synthetic insulation traps heat and dries quickly when wet. Pair it with the Hydronaut Bib, complete with hand warmer pockets and a relief zipper. Remember, insulated gear is designed to trap your body heat, so if you tend to warm up quickly, skip the extra layers underneath. For more layering tips, check out our cold-weather fishing blog.

How to Choose: Rain Jackets

With rain in the forecast, anglers need gear they can count on to keep them dry in a light sprinkle to a torrential downpour. Cutting through the clutter is challenging with so much variety on the market. AFTCO makes rain jackets for all the conditions anglers may face. Check out our Waterproof Rundown to learn more about rain gear and how it's rated. 

Light Rain: Transformer & Hydro

For light wind and rain, gear up with the Transformer or Hydro. The Transformer is a 2.5-layer jacket that’s fully packable, 10K waterproof, and great for traveling anglers. It’s perfect for quick, spotty showers and moderate temperatures.

For steady light rains, Hydro is your go-to. It’s our most affordable 2-layer rain suit that has 30K waterproofing and is DWR water repellent. Hydro also has a SpeedVent™ hood that stays in place at high speeds on the water and a dry cuff system to prevent water from seeping down your sleeves. Whether you prefer the packable Transformer or the feature-rich Hydro, both will keep you dry when light rain or stray showers hit.

Commercial Fishing & Foul Weather: Seafarer & Bering

Built for saltwater, the new Seafarer Jacket and Seafarer Bib keep commercial anglers comfortable and dry as they work the deck. These fishing slickers are made with a PU-coated waterproof fabric to repel water. The Seafarer Jacket is lightweight with a two-way adjustable hood and a cinch cord hem. The bibs have adjustable elastic shoulder straps with a swivel buckle to relieve pressure on the shoulders and back. For foul weather, this lightweight saltwater slicker has you covered.

 

 

Bering is a commercial-grade PVC rain suit with welded seams for 100% waterproof protection. It is built to perform in the harshest conditions and easily withstands fish blood, grime, and rough swells. Bering has a classic fit and reflective screenprint logos for finishing details. For foul weather, these lightweight saltwater slickers have anglers covered as they take on the sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medium to Heavy Rain: Barricade

For all-day steady rain, anglers should choose the Barricade Jacket. This three-layer jacket features a DWR water-repellent finish, making it an excellent year-round rain suit. It's breathable enough to keep you cool during summer showers. Barricade also includes a two-way adjustable hood, a double dry cuff system, and an internal hem cinch for easy fit adjustments. These features make it ideal for layering during winter months.

Heavy Rain: Fortress

Built to withstand the rough channel crossings in Southern California, Fortress defends anglers from the elements when all-day rain is in the forecast. It’s a step up from the Barricade because it’s made with Toray®, 30K waterproofing, and 7K breathability. With a day of heavy rain ahead, anglers should pair their Fortress jacket with its matching bib. The Fortress bib has hand warmer pockets, a 300D plier pocket, and knee-high side YKK® AquaGuard® zippers for easy on and off.  The adjustable shoulder straps and an internal waist adjustment make it easy for anglers to customize their rain suit fit. With gear built for the most challenging conditions, you can enjoy your time on the water fully protected

Rain Plus Cold: Hydronaut & Hydro Bib

In freezing temperatures and rain, anglers need a rain suit that keeps them warm and dry. Hydronaut is designed for harsh conditions, featuring a two-layer jacket with 30K waterproofing and a DWR water-repellent finish. When paired with the matching bibs, anglers receive complete protection from the elements. The Hydronaut Bib includes hand warmer pockets, a relief zipper, and knee-high side zippers for added convenience.

 

 

An alternative is the Hydro Bib, a two-layer Oxford nylon shell with 30K waterproofing. Nylon Oxford fabric combines the best of both worlds for fishing outerwear. It’s durable, strong, quick-drying, and lightweight. It adapts to the conditions while keeping anglers comfortable. The Hydro Bib features adjustable elastic shoulder straps with a swivel buckle and knee-high side zippers, making it easy to pull over your boots. The Hydro Jacket and Bib have all the features anglers need to take on the water comfortably.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snow: Insulated Hydronaut

For ice fishing, equip yourself with the Insulated Hydronaut suit to stay warm all day. It features 140g synthetic insulation to trap body heat and easily adjusts to accommodate various layering options. Custom fit is ensured with hood, waist, and hem cinch adjustments. When snow falls and ice covers the ground, choose the Insulated Hydronaut.

Anglers are always at the mercy of Mother Nature on the water. From gusting winds to blowing snow, AFTCO has you covered. Choose the right outerwear for comfort this season. Good luck out there!

Anglers are at the mercy of Mother Nature on the water. From gusting winds to blowing snow, AFTCO has you covered. To make the most of every season on the water, choose the right outerwear to stay comfortable.