While many think of Alaska and understandably visualize snowy conditions, did you realize that rain is also quite common in this state? It rains throughout the Alaskan summer in many places, with months like September and October actually serving as some of the most rain-heavy based on the way the ecosystem works here.
For our all inclusive alaska vacations at Pybus Point Lodge, which include everything from the best fishing on the continent to beautiful wildlife tours and more, we may advise that you bring rain gear just in case the weather goes in that direction while you're here -- depending on the time of year for your trip, of course. If you're looking for new rain gear for any condition, what are some of the important factors to consider? Here are a few basics.
Breathability
When it comes to choosing ideal rain gear for any fishing trip, a key element to consider is breathability of the jacket, pants and shoes -- or any other kind of footwear you choose. After all, if water is seeping through your clothes even more than it naturally would with the outside elements because they lack breathability, then what's the purpose?
You'll want to look for gear that allows perspiration to escape easily so you don't stay "inside" your clothing, causing you to feel even more uncomfortable. It's also important that this gear be lightweight enough that it won't take away from how mobile and dexterous you are, which can sometimes happen if the gear is bulky or heavy.
A popular option for this sort of gear in the fishing world is GORE-TEX, a well-known industry leader in waterproof membranes and other technology. Make sure to always read the fine print before you make any major purchases, though; some GORE-TEX gear is more for casual use, like enjoying time in the rain with family or surfing. If this will be your most important source of protection on a fishing trip, then look for "GORE-TEX Pro" gear, which is generally considered the most reliable for fishing purposes.
Cross-Functional Gear
Many of today's best pieces of fishing rain gear are designed for several purposes, not just for fishing -- for example, gear that doubles as a ski jacket or hiking outerwear. While this is a great feature, it can sometimes be difficult to find a good balance between the different functions of these pieces and the price tag associated with them.
Seam Construction
One potential weak point in rain gear: Seams, which should be durable enough to prevent water from seeping in at all, even when they're stressed or stretched. Seams can often be the source of accidental leaks if they aren't high-quality enough -- but luckily there are ways you can ensure your seams are built to last.
For seams that are exposed to a lot of potential wear and tear, you'll want to look for triple stitching. If you can find gear with this type of construction, it should be built to handle the elements well. For seams that are covered by other fabrics, double stitching is usually a good option because it's sturdy enough to keep water out no matter what conditions arise.
Zipper Tips
Another possible weak point on jackets and pants here are zipper tips, and for good reason -- because they're so often the source of leaks. One way to combat this is by making sure that the zipper has a draft flap or that there are other ways to seal off the zipper when it isn't in use, protecting your skin from any wetness along its track.
Two-way zippers are also ideal for the fronts of jackets and bib pants. While they can typically be annoying when you need to get in and out of your gear on a busy day on the fishing grounds, there are times where having this type of zipper really comes in handy. A two-way zipper on pants or bibs, for example, allows you to choose from different levels of ventilation so you can adapt to changing conditions or to how active you're being.
Another good way to ensure your zippers are staying sturdy is by opting for longer-lasting zippers, like those made from brass. They may cost a bit more initially, but they last longer and function better than other types that corrode easily because of saltwater exposure or other environmental factors.
Pockets
You will definitely need at least some quantity of pockets for your outerwear, not only because it's convenient to stash things like your wallet and phone in them, but because they're sometimes critical for staying dry. Ideally, you'll want pockets that have a flap closure or ones with a waterproof zipper.
This is a good way to ensure that any gear that needs to stay dry stays dry, especially if you need to reach for something in your pocket quickly.
Fishing-Specific Features
Finally, while we noted above that many pieces of rain gear are cross-functional, you still want to ensure that you have all your required fishing features first and foremost. For instance, many such products will come with fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets, ideal for cold-weather fishing trips.
Other great features for fishing purposes include built-in gloves -- often with the same fleece lining as hand-warmer pockets to trap heat closer to your body -- and reinforced backs of knees that are designed to allow you to move without restriction while sitting on a fishing deck.
For more on selecting the ideal rain gear to be prepared in case you need it on your Alaskan fishing trip, or to learn about any of our fishing packages or other services, speak to the staff at ybus Point LodgeP today.
While many think of Alaska and understandably visualize snowy conditions, did you realize that rain is also quite common in this state? It rains throughout the Alaskan summer in many places, with months like September and October actually serving as some of the most rain-heavy based on the way the ecosystem works here.
For our all-inclusive Alaskan vacation packages at Pybus Point Lodge, which include everything from the best fishing on the continent to beautiful wildlife tours and more, we may advise that you bring rain gear just in case the weather goes in that direction while you're here -- depending on the time of year for your trip, of course. If you're looking for new rain gear for any condition, what are some of the important factors to consider? Here are a few basics.
Breathability
When it comes to choosing ideal rain gear for any fishing trip, a key element to consider is breathability of the jacket, pants and shoes -- or any other kind of footwear you choose. After all, if water is seeping through your clothes even more than it naturally would with the outside elements because they lack breathability, then what's the purpose?
You'll want to look for gear that allows perspiration to escape easily so you don't stay "inside" your clothing, causing you to feel even more uncomfortable. It's also important that this gear be lightweight enough that it won't take away from how mobile and dexterous you are, which can sometimes happen if the gear is bulky or heavy.
A popular option for this sort of gear in the fishing world is GORE-TEX, a well-known industry leader in waterproof membranes and other technology. Make sure to always read the fine print before you make any major purchases, though; some GORE-TEX gear is more for casual use, like enjoying time in the rain with family or surfing. If this will be your most important source of protection on a fishing trip, then look for "GORE-TEX Pro" gear, which is generally considered the most reliable for fishing purposes.
Cross-Functional Gear
Many of today's best pieces of fishing rain gear are designed for several purposes, not just for fishing -- for example, gear that doubles as a ski jacket or hiking outerwear. While this is a great feature, it can sometimes be difficult to find a good balance between the different functions of these pieces and the price tag associated with them.
Seam Construction
One potential weak point in rain gear: Seams, which should be durable enough to prevent water from seeping in at all, even when they're stressed or stretched. Seams can often be the source of accidental leaks if they aren't high-quality enough -- but luckily there are ways you can ensure your seams are built to last.
For seams that are exposed to a lot of potential wear and tear, you'll want to look for triple stitching. If you can find gear with this type of construction, it should be built to handle the elements well. For seams that are covered by other fabrics, double stitching is usually a good option because it's sturdy enough to keep water out no matter what conditions arise.
Zipper Tips
Another possible weak point on jackets and pants here are zipper tips, and for good reason -- because they're so often the source of leaks. One way to combat this is by making sure that the zipper has a draft flap or that there are other ways to seal off the zipper when it isn't in use, protecting your skin from any wetness along its track.
Two-way zippers are also ideal for the fronts of jackets and bib pants. While they can typically be annoying when you need to get in and out of your gear on a busy day on the fishing grounds, there are times where having this type of zipper really comes in handy. A two-way zipper on pants or bibs, for example, allows you to choose from different levels of ventilation so you can adapt to changing conditions or to how active you're being.
Another good way to ensure your zippers are staying sturdy is by opting for longer-lasting zippers, like those made from brass. They may cost a bit more initially, but they last longer and function better than other types that corrode easily because of saltwater exposure or other environmental factors.
Pockets
You will definitely need at least some quantity of pockets for your outerwear, not only because it's convenient to stash things like your wallet and phone in them, but because they're sometimes critical for staying dry. Ideally, you'll want pockets that have a flap closure or ones with a waterproof zipper.
This is a good way to ensure that any gear that needs to stay dry stays dry, especially if you need to reach for something in your pocket quickly.
Fishing-Specific Features
Finally, while we noted above that many pieces of rain gear are cross-functional, you still want to ensure that you have all your required fishing features first and foremost. For instance, many such products will come with fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets, ideal for cold-weather fishing trips.
Other great features for fishing purposes include built-in gloves -- often with the same fleece lining as hand-warmer pockets to trap heat closer to your body -- and reinforced backs of knees that are designed to allow you to move without restriction while sitting on a fishing deck.
For more on selecting the ideal rain gear to be prepared in case you need it on your Alaskan fishing trip, or to learn about any of our fishing packages or other services, speak to the staff at ybus Point LodgeP today.
