5 Best Waterproof Jackets for Fishing: Neoprene Wrist-Cuffs and More
There’s nothing worse than fishing in the cold and not being adequately prepared for the conditions. Waterproof jackets are an essential item when it comes to fishing, whether your surf fishing, offshore fishing, flyfishing, lake fishing, or whatever type of fishing you’re doing, a good waterproof jacket for fishing is a game changer. Below is a list of the 5 best waterproof jackets for fishing.
NRS Riptide Waterproof Splash Jacket
The NRS Riptide Waterproof Splash Jacket is my current go-to waterproof jacket for fishing. The neoprene wrist seals are a God-send. These are easily my favorite part about this jacket. When my wrists get splashed from oncoming waves, no water enters my wrist holes. The material is very durable and high quality and obviously, it’s 100% waterproof. The velcro waist band is clearly a feature of the jacket’s intended use (paddling), but consider it a bonus. It’d be ideal if it had the velcro strap at the true bottom of the jacket, but just consider it a bonus feature. The waist drawcord works perfectly for keeping splashes and waves from getting under the jacket.
My one complaint would be that if you’re wearing a hoodie underneath it, it’s tough to get on and off. That said, I’ve never stayed dryer in any other waterproof jacket and I can’t speak highly enough about the neoprene wrist cuffs.
Features:
- 100% waterproof via HyproTex™ 2.5 fabric and factory-taped seams
- Breathable fabric wicks excess heat and moisture
- Punch-through neoprene wrist seals
- Half-zip collar
- Interior adjustable urethane neck closure
- Two splashproof, zippered sleeve pockets
- Reflective accents
Frogg Toggs Toadz Kikker II Waterproof Jacket
If the punch through neoprene wrist cuffs appeal to you, but you aren’t willing to fork out the money for the NRS Riptide, this is the jacket for you. The Frogg Toggs Toadz Kikker II might just be the best waterproof fishing jacket out there for under $100. I would rate this jacket’s wrist cuffs as number 2 on this list (second only to the NRS Riptide) and everything else it offers is more than enough for surf fishing and fishing in general.
It’s also worth mentioning that if ease with on and off is important to you, the High Tide is relatively easier to take off and put on than the Riptide. That will be the case with all of the jackets on this list (apart from the Riptide) due to the lesser seal in wrists and waist.
Features:
- Full-zip design
- Reflective technology
- Breathable and 100% waterproof
- Adjustable tuck-away and removable hood
- Adjustable neoprene wrist cuffs
- Shock cord with a barrel lock adjustable waist cinche
- Hand warmer pockets
NRS High Tide Waterproof Splash Jacket
The NRS High Tide Waterproof Splash Jacket is more of a “standard” waterproof fishing jacket. While it doesn’t have the punch through neoprene wrist cuffs, it’s velcro wrist seals are still better than most. Other than the wrist seals, it’s still 100% waterproof and it has the traditional drawcord for the waist “seal”. All in all, a great “standard” waterproof fishing jacket.
Features:
- Lightweight HyproTex™ material for 100% waterproof, breathable protection
- Half-zip hoodie design
- Room to layer underneath
- Hook-and-loop sleeve cuffs
- Drawcord waist
- 1 splashproof pocket on the sleeve and 1 additional zippered chest pocket
Simms Challenger Waterproof Fishing Jacket
If you don’t know Simms… well, you probably should. Simms is most well known for it’s top-tier waders, but they make much more than waders. Waterproof jackets are an easy crossover and they’ve certainly done a good job in their Challenger waterproof fishing jacket. The Challenger has everything you’ll need in a waterproof jacket for fishing. Again, nothing I’ve seen has the same quality of wrist seals as the NRS Riptide, but if that’s not a deal breaker for you, then the Challenger is a good option.
The only downside is the price. The Riptide warrants the relatively high price for it’s water sealing technology. Simms warrants it for the brand and the quality as well, but it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a waterproof fishing jacket.
Features:
- 100% waterproof
- Reflective technology
- Toray fabric technology
- YKK water-resistant zippers
- Dual draw-cord adjustable bottom
- 3-point adjustable Storm Hood
- Center-front zipper Storm Flap
- Zippered chest pocket
- Hand Wash Only
Frogg Toggs Men’s II Guide Waterproof Rain Jacket
Frogg Toggs has proven it’s name and reputation in the waterproof wearables industry, and their Guide jacket is no different. If you already trust Frogg Toggs and you’re looking for something a bit less flashy and reflective, this jacket might be the right one for you. The wrist seals aren’t up to the NRS Riptide standards, but they’re quality, and they’ll do the job. Nice waist cord and all around quality option for a waterproof fishing jacket.
Features:
- 100% Polyester
- Full-zip design
- Vented, removable hood with cord locks
- Chest/hand-warming pockets
- Splash-resistant zippers
- Shock cord/barrel lock adjustable waist
- 100% waterproof, wind-resistant, and lightweight, breathable material
- Vented, removable hood with cord locks
- Adjustable waist with cord lock
- Zippered chest and hand warmer pockets
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Perfect timing. I was looking for a waterproof jacket as I don’t have one. Of all the jackets you posted, I like the Simms jacket the best. Do you have any experience with any of the jacket brands you posted? Can you share your thoughts on the waterproof jacket you use outdoors? I like personal reviews of jackets and trust your opinion.
Hey Christian. I use the first one mentioned, the NRS Riptide (as of the last month or so). I had been looking for a waterproof jacket that sealed off your wrists and waist completely so that no water would get in through waves and unexpected splashes. The NRS Riptide is literally perfect for what I was looking for in a waterproof jacket. I’ve never used the NRS High Tide, but I have a contact at the company and the High Tide is much easier to get on and off than the Riptide, but not as “sealed” in terms of the wrist cuffs. They still do the job, but the Riptide is like 100% sealed.
The Simms one, I have not used, but it’s a popular one that I’ve seen people use often (both clients and friends). That first Frogg Toggs one (Kikker) is probably what I would have settled on if I hadn’t come across NRS. I know a handful of buddies who use Frogg Toggs for their waders and I’ve heard nothing but good things on that brand.
Long story short, I personally use and love the NRS Riptide, but the other two brands are brands that have proven themselves to me via second-hand exposure. And again, if you go with the NRS Riptide, full disclosure, it is easily the most sealed jacket on this list, but it’s difficult on and off because of that, so know that going in.
I wear a Large and I’m 6’1″ 175lb and it fits perfectly when on. If the difficulty on and off really bothered me, I might get the XL as the seals wouldn’t be affected, but it might be a bit baggy all around in appearance. If you plan on layering underneath (as it isn’t “warm” material on the inside), maybe you want to size up but like I said, I layer underneath and it fits me well in Large once I get her on.
Hopes this helps – Nick