There was a time when you had little choice but to wear a bulky thermal suit to carp fish in winter. They were good at keeping you warm, but not so great at being comfortable enough to fish effectively.
Times have changed and now we have many companies manufacturing fishing-specific winter clothing, which means us anglers now have some great options fll of thermal material tech.
But it also means we are spoilt for choice and find the best carp fishing jacket has gotten a bit more confusing.
Of course, you can’t try every jacket out and it takes a long time to go hunting through buyer reviews for each one. So I’ve done the research for you.
In this article, I’ve listed what I feel are the best carp fishing jackets around along with a mini review of each and some suggestions to make your decision as easy as possible.
TOP PICK FOR BEST FOR BEST OVERALL CARP FISHING JACKET!
1. Prologic Thermo Armour Max 5
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT FISHING JACKET
2. Fox Green & SIlver Soft Shell Hoodie
3. Trakker Summit XP Jacket
MOST COMFORTABLE JACKET FOR FISHING
4. Snugpak SJ9 Soft Jacket
BEST BUDGET CARP FISHING JACKET
5. Trakker Downpour+ Jacket
Features
Polyamide, polyester mix
5,000mm hydrostatic head water-resistance
Velcro storm flap
Read More
Rating
4.3
Best Carp Fishing Jacket - Product Reviews
TOP PICK FOR BEST FOR BEST OVERALL CARP FISHING JACKET!
#1
Prologic Thermo Armour Max 5 Jacket
PROS
- Flexible, soft and warm
- Provides good insulation and is waterproof
- Camouflage pattern makes it versatile
- Detachable inner fleece jacket
- Fold-away fleece-lined hood
- Fleece inner collar and a chin protector
CONS
- Higher priced than many jackets
The first thing to mention about the Prologic Thermo Armour is its 100% polyester tricot construction. The dense construction of this fabric makes it ideal for fishing, hunting and other outdoor sports. It repels moisture and is sturdy and stretchy at the same time.
The best thing about this fabric is that it remains soft and breathable even with the high level of durability.
What makes it even better for winter fishing is its outer polyurethane lamination, which makes it not just water-resistant but 100% waterproof.
Visually, the most striking thing about the coat is its camouflage pattern. This is the Realtree Max 5 pattern, which blends well with the surroundings on the bank to keep you invisible to carp. This Realtree pattern makes it well-suited to hunting as well.
In terms of physical features, this jacket comes with an inner detachable quilt-lined fleece jacket so you have some adaptability to changing conditions. It is nice, warm, and supple making it perfect to wear on its own for less cold days.
I am very impressed with the ProLogic’s attention to detail with what may seam like insignificant features but end up adding a lot to the feel of the jacket.
For example, you get taped seams and pockets, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets and tight adjustable Velcro cuffs which also act as wind blockers.
In addition to those features, the jacket has a fleece inner collar and a chin protector. The hood is fold-away, fleece-lined, and has a wired peak.
For storage, you have two chest box pockets, two lower pockets and there are two inner zip-pockets. So, you have plenty of options to keep your gadgets like phones, tackle accessories and wallets.
For me, what stood out the most about the Thermo Armour is its flexible fabric which feels nice and is soft and warm. It is unlike those plastic suits that feel stiff to move in and cold.
The only thing that is likely to put some people off is the price. However, the quality does justify the price tag and the inclusion of a removable fleece makes this a 2-in-1 purchase. If you have the budget, this jacket comes in highly recommended!
RATING: 4.8 OUT OF 5
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT FISHING JACKET
#2
FOX GREEN & SILVER SOFT SHELL HOODIE
PROS
- Durable construction with polyester and elastane
- Water-resistance and insulated
- Microfleece lining adds comfort and warmth
- Zipped pockets
- Well-priced
CONS
- A lighter, hoodie style jacket. Might not be suitable as a standalone winter jacket.
The Fox soft shell hoodie isn’t supposed to be a full-on winter jacket like the others on the list so it does seem a bit unfair to compare it to those. However, it will be an option for slightly warmer weather or for those who don’t wish to wear a bigger, bulkier jacket.
The hoodie is made from a combination of 95% polyester and 5% elastane. We know polyester provides some decent water-resistance. However, elastane also has a low moisture absorption rate making this jacket perfect for colder outdoor sports and carp fishing.
These materials make this jacket not only durable but also warm and comfortable in cold weather.
As you can guess by its name, the outer shell of the jacket is soft to touch for additional comfort. If that isn’t enough, there’s a microfleece lining in the hood and body for an even cosier feeling.
The water-resistance ability of this jacket may not be as good as others but this is a soft hoodie after all. The 5000 level of water-resistance would just get you out of most fishing days un-drenched.
Breathability is one area I would have liked it to be a bit better. At the 3000 g/m2 level, it may be good enough for lighter activity but if you are an active angler you might find it a bit low.
Among other features, there are ribbed cuffs and waist for a more snug fit. There is a chest pocket where you can keep your mobile phone or keys. Plus, there are two zip-up hand pockets.
This jacket also has a fold-away hood with drawstrings for adjustability.
In conclusion, this modestly-priced Fox soft shell hoodie has a very nice feel to it. The quality is there as you would expect from Fox. It isn’t a jacket for freezing days on the bank or downpours. I think it might be perfect for late autumn and for anglers who don’t feel the cold so much and want something a bit more lightweight.
RATING: 4.3 OUT OF 5
#3
Trakker Summit XP Jacket
PROS
- Good levels of both water-resistance and breathability
- Quality construction with 100% polyester
- Can be used simultaneously with Base XP for more warmth
- Heavy-duty zip with double storm baffle and press studs
- Snug-fitting hood with drawstrings
CONS
- May not be the best solution on harsher days unless additional XP base jacket is bought
- I’ve seen some complaints of the elasticated hem becoming loose with time
In 2017, Trakker released their XP jacket in two configurations, Summit and Base. These two jackets are excellent jackets on their own but you can use them simultaneously for enhanced protection from the elements.
The Trakker Summit XP featured here goes on the top and has an internal zip that allows Base XP to be zipped inside. Both together are the ideal but the Summit is what I’ve picked for this list of top jackets.
The first feature of the Summit to impress me is the excellent water-resistance and breathability. With a 10,000mm hydrostatic head rating of water-resistance and 5000 g/m2 of breathability, it is a class apart in its price-range.
This jacket gets these attributes from its 100% polyester construction, which also adds to the overall durability.
Among other features, there’s a fully adjustable hood with a stiffened peak, which produces a nice, snug fit around the head and neck.
There are adjustable cuffs and waist hem. The cuffs make use of Velcro strips while we have a drawstring at the waist area. Having some levels of adjustment makes a big difference to comfort on cold days so I like to see this.
On the pocket-front, we have two of them and both are waterproof and zipped for extra security.
To close it up, The jacket has a heavy-duty main zip which goes all the way up to chin guard. This zip is protected by a double storm baffle and a press stud at each end.
As always, I try to look out for some potential downsides and there are two main points where I can’t help but dock points. Firstly, the jacket might not be enough for very cold days. Of course, this is where you would purchase and integrate the XP Base jacket.
Ideally, they would already come together like with the Prologic jacket above but I can see the reasoning for keeping them separate.
Secondly, the hem is elasticated. Elastic tends to loosen over time and I have see some complaints of this happening. On the other hand elastic does tend to be more comfortable so there’s a trade-off to be had.
Other than these two potential drawbacks, there is a lot to admire about the Trakker Summit XP Jacket.
They have covered most bases you’d like from a fishing jacket. From durable construction to great water resistance/breathability and some great quality-of-life feature, this is a very nice jacket and isn’t overpriced either.
RATING: 4.6 OUT OF 5
MOST COMFORTABLE JACKET FOR FISHING
#4
Snugpak SJ9 Insulated Soft Jacket
PROS
- Quality three-layer construction
- Great insulation with synthetic fabrics
- The insulated hood keeps the head warm
- Large zipped pockets
- Soft, comfortable and easy to move in
- Stuff sack included for easy carrying and storage
CONS
- Can be quite a costly jacket
Snugpak is a well-known brand in cold sleeping bags and they have employed much of their insulation knowledge in their Softie Jacket 9 (SJ9).
It is a high-end jacket that keeps the wearer comfortable at temperatures as low as -10°C. It achieves this with solid construction which utilizes an outer layer of Paratex Micro and an inner layer of Paratex Light.
These materials are extremely lightweight, highly windproof and water repellent. Paratex Micro is a durable material but still remains soft for added comfort. Paratex Light, on the other hand, provides high levels of breathability.
Between these two layers, there is a third layer of polyester and that provides the insulation this jacket is so good at.
However, all of these layers do not make this jacket heavy and it is still lightweight at around 1 kg.
In addition to the above, this jacket also has an equally insulated hood that is elasticated and also has a drawcord for adjustability. On the back there is a button that allows the hood to be rolled away and secured.
There are two large side zip-pockets and an inside pocket that is also zipped.
Among other features, we see elasticated cuffs with thumb loops to help keep your sleeves in place.
On top of all this, there’s still much more to talk about this jacket including the two-way YKK zip, which is among the world’s leading brands in zips. It closes perfectly and shouldn’t let any water or wind through it.
To be honest, if you are looking for a high-end, efficient, comfortable and lightweight carp fishing jacket then you don’t really need to look much further than the Snugpak SJ9.
Its high-quality construction with synthetic fabrics makes it extremely durable and also great at weather protection. In essence, it can keep you comfortable at temperatures as low as -10°C and even more with layering.
The price may be on the higher side but the features make it worth the investment if you have the money.
RATING: 4.8 OUT OF 5
BEST BUDGET CARP FISHING JACKET
#5
trakker Downpour Jacket
PROS
- Very reasonable price for a quality jacket
- Lightweight and stretchy
- Water-resistant and breathable
- Adjustable hood which can be stowed away when not in use
- Adjustable cuffs and hem
- Comes with a stuff sack
CONS
- Not as thick and insulated as other jackets
- Material prone to pilling
Our best carp fishing jackets list concludes with the Trakker Downpour jacket which has recently undergone some improvements is now called Downpour +.
It has a 65% polyamide, 35% polyester construction. Both of these materials are tear-proof, abrasion-resistant, and absorb little moisture. Moreover, they are also stretchy and you will find this jacket crease-free.
However, these materials are prone to pilling and could be seen on this jacket over time.
Polyester makes this jacket waterproof and we see a 5000mm water-resistance rating, which is a good amount of resistance.
Additionally, this jacket has a high breathability rating of 5000 and is further helped by integrated mesh vents that run across the chest and back.
On to the jacket anatomy. Starting from the top, there is a hood with adjustable toggles and it can be stowed away when not in use.
This jacket also has a heavy-duty zip, which is covered by a Velcro storm flap to prevent water from getting inside.
Next, there are two zipped hand-pockets. Ideal for keeping phones or keys.
In addition, there are part-elasticated Velcro cuffs to keep the water at bay.
The adjustable waist hem is also elasticated and it is longer in the back in order to keep wind out when you’re bending over or sitting.
The Trakker Downpour jacket, as the name hints, is great at water-resistance, but not so much at cold protection so you might need to resort to layering on colder days.
Other than that, it has quality construction, is lightweight, and offers adequate breathability with its mesh vents. To top it all off, it is available for a bargain price.
RATING: 4.3 OUT OF 5
Subscribe To The Carp Hideout Blog
Stay in touch with me by adding yourself to my newsletter list!
You’ll be the first to hear about any new articles, including tackle reviews, tips & tricks, competitions and website news.
Everybody who signs up will receive access to my exclusive FREE carp tackle checklist – so you never forget anything again on your next fishing trip!
(I promise there will be NO spam whatsoever, just pure, wholesome, carp related goodies!)
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API