Cold-Weather Fishing Gear Guide
Cold and wet weather doesn't have to ruin your fishing trip. We compiled a list of the best cold-weather fishing gear in our industry to keep you warm and dry in all outdoor scenarios.
Finding reliable and durable cold-weather fishing gear is difficult to come by because our sport is demanding on our bodies and equipment. Whether you’re reeling in stocked trout in early March, surf fishing for stripers during a Noreaster, or ice fishing for largemouth bass on a cold winter day, wearing the right gear to stay warm and dry is essential for an extended day of fishing. From base layers to boots, jackets, and bibs, we’ve highlighted some of the best men’s and women’s cold-weather fishing apparel to keep you comfortable, mobile, warm, and dry in the harshest outdoor conditions.
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Best Men’s Cold-Weather Fishing Gear
Bibs
The Buoy X Gore-Tex Bib is waterproof, made with 3-layers of fabric, and will keep your lower extremities and torso warm in the harshest fishing conditions. It features adjustable suspenders, a removable belt, cargo pockets, and hand warmer pockets. It doesn’t matter if you’re a commercial fisherman, Charter Captain, or recreational boat angler, the Buoy X Bib will provide mobility, comfort, and protection from the elements.
Grundens Buoy X Gore-Tex Bib, $449
Since 2013, Stormr has kept anglers comfortable and warm with Neoprene Core Technology. The STRYKR Bib is no different. It features abrasion-resistant knee fabric, splash-proof pockets, adjustable shoulder straps, and chest warmer rests. Made with a water repellent outer fabric and an interior wicking fleece, this Bib is ideal for boats and ice fishing.
The StrikeMaster Pro Bib was specifically designed with ice fishing in mind. Created with a safety-first approach using flotation technology, the StrikeMaster Pro Bib floats for 2-hours when worn in tandem with the Pro Jacket. It features chest hand warming pockets, foam knee padding, reflect trim, and a water repellent outer shell to keep you warm, dry, and safe on the ice for hours.
Boots
The Grundens ankle deck boot provides fishermen with comfort and performance for the long days on the water. It features a natural gum rubber outsole, a thick insole, and an anti-microbial liner to leave behind pungent odors.
Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boots, $99
Created with a certified steel safety toe, the Grundens Deck-Boss Safety Toe Boot provides protection and comfort for long days on a boat. The sole is made with the highest level of slip resistance testing on the market for traction in all environments.
Grundens Deck-Boss Boot Safety Toe, $154
The Bristol Bay is a stylish Chukka boot featuring saltwater resistant leather, a slip-resistant outsole, and memory foam for all-day comfort.
XTRATUF Men’s Bristol Bay Leather Canvas Boot, $180
The Insulated Legacy Lace Boot by XTRATUF was designed for harsh commercial-grade conditions and is rated to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s designed with a slip-resistant outsole, cushioned insoles with arch support, and is insulated for warmth and all-day comfort.
XTRATUF 8-Inch Insulated Legacy Lace Boot, $175
Gloves
Made with built-in hand warming pockets, the Simms Warming Hut Glove will keep you warm in low digit temperatures.
The Stormr Rally Mesh Skin Gloves are made with a 5-mm neoprene and a fleece inner lining for surf fishermen.
Stormr Rally Mesh Skin Gloves, $50
The digits on your hand are first to go numb. The StrikeMaster Heavyweight Gloves are suited for fishing in poor weather conditions; wind, wintry mixes, and cold rain.
StrikeMaster Heavyweight Gloves, $49
Hats
A timeless beanie winter fishing hat made with a blend of lambswool and stretchy nylon.
Simms Dockwear Wool Beanie, $39
A vintage unisex beanie cold-weather hat with a classic winter look.
XTRATUF Vintage Pom Beanie, $39
Hooded Sweatshirts
Designed with thermal fabric, the AFTCO Hexatron Performance Hoodie is made for cool spring and fall days, or it can be worn beneath a winter jacket. Made with AFGUARD stain release technology, this hoodie won the Lifestyle Apparel category at ICAST in 2018.
AFTCO Hexatron Performance Hoodie, $79
The AFTCO Reaper Sweatshirt is special because it’s made with a face mask and neck warmer for the coldest days of fishing. It features microfleece fabric, AFGUARD stain release technology, and a shock cord for a snug fit on your face.
AFTCO Reaper Technical Sweatshirt, $69
Jackets
A 2-layer jacket, the Hydronaut by AFTCO was created with a special hood design to alleviate neck strain while traveling at high speeds on boats. It features a unique camera mount for quick on and off video record, and a double dry cuff system to prevent water from seeping up your arm.
AFTCO Hydronaut Insulated Jacket, $269
An ideal jacket for boat and fly fishermen, the Columbia Force XII Puffer provides lasting warmth for anglers without causing moisture irritation.
Columbia Force XII Omni-Heat Heat Seal Puffer, $150
The Tamiami Hurricane Jacket is waterproof and features UPF 50 sun protection for spring and fall fishing.
Columbia PFG Tamiami Hurricane Jacket, $54
The Grundens Buoy X Jacket was created for the toughest conditions. Designed with 3-layers, the Buoy X Jacket is made with Gore-Tex technology, making it breathable and waterproof in harsh weather. It features zippered hand warmer pockets, neoprene cuffs, dual chest pockets, and an adjustable hood.
Grundens Buoy X Gore-Tex Jacket, $479
If staying warm and dry in the worst conditions is important to you, the STRYKR Jacket is meant for you. Made with Neoprene Core Technology, an interior wicking fleece, and wrist seals, the STRYKR Jacket garnered a positive reputation in the northeast surf fishing community because of its reliability in poor weather.
Waders
The Simms Freestone Waders handle cold and inclement weather while offering mobility on trails, sand, and in the water. The Freestone Waders feature a gravel guard, an elastic waist belt, anti-microbial neoprene stockingfeet, a top access chest zipper pocket, and micro-fleece lined hand warming pockets.
Simms Freestone Waders – Stockingfoot, $299
The G4Z Waders by Simms provide maximum comfort and durability for long days on the water. They feature a waterproof zipper, new stockingfeet construction, 4-layers of Gore-Tex fabric, gravel guards, two zippered chest pockets, and a micro-fleece lined hand warmer pocket.
Simms G4Z Waders – Stockingfoot, $849
Wading Boots
The Simms G4 Pro Wading Boots provide durability, agility, and an ergonomic fit for all fishermen. This boot is designed and molded with 10 threads to allow fishermen to add or remove cleats, providing maximum traction.
Simms G4 Pro Wading Boot, $299
A lightweight and low profile boot, the Simms Flyweight weighs 40-ounces, offering comfort for long days on the water.
Simms Flyweight Wading Boot – Vibram Sole, $199
Best Women’s Cold-Weather Fishing Gear
Bibs
Designed by women and for women, the Sedna Bib Trousers provide mobility, comfort, and protection for women who fish for a living.
Grundens Women’s Sedna 510 Commercial Fishing Bib Trousers, $154
The StrikeMaster Women’s Allie Bib was designed specifically for women who enjoy ice fishing. The Allie Bib features foam knee padding, an adjustable waistband, a water repellent outer shell, and chest fleece hand warming pockets. Created with a safety-first approach using flotation technology, the StrikeMaster Pro Bib floats for 2-hours when worn in tandem with the Pro Jacket.
StrikeMaster Women’s ‘Allie’ Bib, $159
Boots
Grundens designed a Women’s Deck-Boss Ankle Boot featuring a thick insole for all-day comfort on boats.
These boots provide constant traction with a natural gum rubber outsole. They also feature an anti-microbial cooling liner to fend off pungent odors.
Grundens Women’s Deck-Boss Ankle Boots, $70
The Women’s Insulated Legacy Lace Boot by XTRATUF was designed for harsh commercial-grade conditions and is rated to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
They’re made with a slip-resistant outsole, cushioned insoles with arch support, and are insulated for continuous warmth and all-day comfort.
XTRATUF Women’s 6-Inch Legacy Lace Boot, $150
Hats
The Grundens Windchop Beanie will keep you ultra-warm on and off the water during the cold-weather months.
The StrikeMaster Ladies Pom Beanie is made with 100-percent polyester fleece to keep your head warm while ice fishing.
StrikeMaster Ladies Pom Beanie, $17
Hooded Sweatshirts
Designed with thermal fabric, the AFTCO Women’s Hexatron Performance Hoodie is made for cool days, or it can be worn beneath a winter jacket on cold days.
Made with AFGUARD stain release technology, this hoodie will insulate your natural body heat.
AFTCO Women’s Hexatron Performance Fleece Hoodie, $79
The AFTCO Women’s Reaper Sweatshirt is unique because it’s made with a face mask and neck warmer for the coldest days of fishing.
It features microfleece fabric, AFGUARD stain release technology, and a shock cord for a snug fit on your face.
AFTCO Women’s Reaper Technical Sweatshirt, $69
Jackets
The Columbia Women’s PFG Tamiami Hurricane Jacket is waterproof, breathable, and provides UPF 50 sun protection for cool weather or rainy days.
Columbia Women’s PFG Tamiami Hurricane Jacket, $90
Tailored and designed for women who fish, the Stormr Typhoon jacket is built with high stretch materials, and a fleece lining to keep you warm and dry in any conditions.
Stormr Women’s Typhoon Jacket, $208
Designed by “Allie” from StrikeMaster, this cold-weather gear item is tailored for women who want to be comfortable and warm while ice fishing.
A 3-in-1 interchangeable jacket, the Women’s Allie Jacket is lined with fleece, has a removable fur hood, and is built with flotation technology to keep you safe on the ice.
StrikeMaster Women’s Allie Jacket, $159
Waders
The Women’s Freestone Waders were designed with input from the top female fishing guides at Simms. They feature an elastic waist belt, a gravel guard, anti-microbial neoprene stockingfeet, a top access chest zipper pocket, and micro-fleece lined hand warming pockets. The Freestone Waders can handle cold and inclement weather while offering mobility on trails, sand, and in the water.
Simms Women’s Freestone Waders – Stockingfoot, $299
The G3 Guide Z Stockingfoot Waders by Simms provide maximum comfort and durability for long days on the water. They feature a Gore-Tex Pro Shell design, a ‘TIZIP’ side-zipper for easy entry and exit, gravel guards, a zippered chest pocket, and a micro-fleece lined hand warmer pocket. Simms tailored these form-fitting waders to women who fish by creating dual suspender anchor points and a scalloped top.
Simms Women’s G3 Guide Z Waders – Stockingfoot, $649
Wading Boots
A lightweight and low profile boot, the Simms Women’s Flyweight sheds weight, provides traction, offering comfort for long days on the water.
Simms Women’s Flyweight Wading Boot, $199
The Women’s Freestone Wading Boots by Simms provide comfort, support, durability, and value, for all day-stability and traction on trails, sandy beaches, or slick river bottoms.
Simms Women’s Freestone Wading Boot, $169
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2 on “Cold-Weather Fishing Gear Guide”
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vinny fraumeni thank you
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Sarah What do you think about heated jackets?
heatedgadget.com
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