What Fishing Guides Wear in Alaska

 

The list of items to bring when traveling to Alaska is surprisingly short, primarily made up of personal clothing items. Although the list isn’t long, bringing the right items can make your trip much more comfortable & enjoyable!  I’ve found that the best way to tell travelers what to bring is to simply list what the local Alaskans and guides wear on a daily basis. Below are some items that our guides wear, and you are welcome to copy-cat :)

 

Base Layer

Your base layer is one of the most vital parts of your wardrobe when spending time outdoors. You can simply wear sweatpants and get away with it, but high-quality fabrics will help keep you warm and dry in all conditions. Here are a couple good options to consider:

Pro LT Underwader Pants – designed to wear under breathable waders

Strata Base Layer Crew – Any merino wool base layer will work well

Strata Base Layer Bottoms – any merino wool base layer will work well

 

Outer Layer

There’s a saying in the outdoor world that says, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.” I use to roll my eyes at that notion, that was until I invested in the right jacket. You’ll definitely need something waterproof, so you can choose to go with rain gear over multiple laters, or go with a jacket that is both warmth and waterproof.

Bulkley Jacket – the best jacket I’ve ever owned. It’s waterproof, warm, and comfy.

Dreadnought Jacket – a solid waterproof rain jacket you can wear over warm layers.

Clearwater Jacket – a nice mid-level wading/rain jacket

 

Warm Socks

An underrated and often overlooked part of an Alaskan fishing wardrobe, good warm socks are important whether you’re wearing waders and spending time in the water, or staying in the boat. Our guides wear high quality cold weather socks every day, and you definitely should too.

Smartwool Socks

OTC Wader Socks

Merino OTC Socks

 

Sunglasses

I’ve gone through hundreds of different brands of sunglasses from the most fancy & expensive to the cheapest  version you can find on a rack in your local grocery store or gas station. I’ve gone away from the most expensive versions because if I lose them overboard it’s a major heartbreak. I’ve gone away from the cheapest versions because while they may seem to fit well in the store, they inevitably become very uncomfortable on your face once you’ve worn them for a while. I’ve settled on the middle-range glasses. nice enough to feel good but not so nice that you shed a tear if they’re lost. But sunglasses are a personal choice, so choose the ones that fit and feel best on you…and definitely go with polarized!

Madison Polarized – My personal favorites…I love the way they fit and the lens color is great for all conditions.

 

Footwear

While you can get away with wearing your regular tennis shoes, for trips that stay in the boat (halibut fishing, silver salmon fishing, etc.) it’s a great idea to have some waterproof footwear. Combine waterproof footwear with high quality socks and your feet will be happy happy happy!

Xtratuf Deck Boots – I wear these nearly every day all summer long, both in the boat and around town.

Sierra – you’ll find lots of affordable options by searching “waterproof shoes”

 

Waders

We provide waders to guests that want to borrow, but having your own waders isn’t a bad idea at all. You certainly don’t have to get anything expensive if you’re only using them for your Alaskan trip. I’m including a pair of cheap waders/boots that’d definitely get the job done, and also a set more like the ones our guides wear each day on/in the water. Just remember, felt soled boots are not allowed in Alaska.

Primo Zip Waders – they fit well, look great, great customer service, and the zipper is $$$

Pro Wading Boots – Orvis has the wading boot game absolutely dialed right now.

Hellbender Waders – a good example of budget waders that will definitely get the job done!

Sierra – You’ll find some affordable options here when searching for wading boots and/or waders.

 

One bag should be enough to fit everything you need! If you have more questions about specific items don’t hesitate to reach out as we’re always happy to help!

 

Email: [email protected]

Phone/Text: 907-394-8378