Hey all - I'm headed out to Bristol Bay for my first season, and feeling pretty well prepared with personal gear but wanted to crowdsource ideas for what I might be missing. What is some personal gear that you wouldn't get on a boat without? Whats you're favorite water proof apparel? What's the best brand for bibs, or wicking socks? etc. etc. etc. THANKS!
We're not Bristol Bay guys, but here's some advice anyway. I hate Nike as a company, but I am forced to continue to buy their white half-cushion athletic socks called "Dri-Fit" because they keep my feet the coolest and driest. Bristol Bay may demand some warmer socks as well. Depends on your feet, but I have followed advice here and gotten away from cotton socks. Wool is good, but I have been using more polypropylene as well.
I don't know what to tell you about boots since Xtratuf whored themselves out to China.
You can still find some Grundens rain gear that is made in Portugal, I don't know if there is a problem with their Chinese stuff.
I guess what makes me more comfortable than anything is very light long underwear. I don't understand the tight fitting concept of the Body Armour, and get looser fitting polypropylene instead.
Hoodies are fishing fashion, but I don't get it - they're mostly cotton. I recommend one wool shirt for warm performance in damp weather, with the disadvantage that you can't wash out fish gurry easily.