Two Friends, One Wild Alaska Adventure, and the Gear That Showed Up for Us

We were invited to Alaska through a connection with FisheWear and its founder, Linda Leary. What unfolded was more than a fishing trip. It was glacier-fed rivers, wildlife around every bend, a behind-the-scenes tour of FisheWear headquarters, and the kind of bonding that only happens when you’re standing thigh-deep in cold, clear water cheering each other on.

Traveling with your favorite fishy friend makes everything better -splitting desserts, ordering different dishes so you can try more menu items, swapping tips, and celebrating every hook-up like it’s your own. But in Alaska, fishing took center stage.

And one day in particular delivered.

A Full Send Day: On the Water with Explore Kenai

One of the highlights of the trip was a full day on the river with Dallas Voss of Explore Kenai. It’s not every day you get to fish with a female guide who absolutely knows her stuff and owns her space on the water. We were beyond excited.

The plan was ambitious: sockeye salmon in the morning, trout in the afternoon. A true “let’s do it all” Alaska day. We were ready.

Traveling from the East Coast, we packed light. Waders and boots are bulky and not airline-friendly, so we relied on what Dallas provided and that’s where we were introduced to the Dryft brand.

Kelley’s First Impression: Dryft Session Wading Pant - $299.00

Kelley had heard of Dryft, but had never worn the brand and had never tried women’s wading pants before.

First impression? Immediate love.

The style. The color. The vibrant logo and zipper details. They were lightweight, easy to slip on, and within minutes we were wading in and flossing for salmon like we’d been doing it our whole lives.

The front zip pockets were deep and functional, holding essentials while keeping everything completely dry. But what really stood out was the fit. We have completely different body types, yet the pants worked beautifully for both of us- a true testament to thoughtful design specifically for women.

For reference, Kelley is 5 feet 2 inches tall with a 32-inch inseam and a curvier build. She typically wears a medium in most wader brands, but in Dryft, a small, long fit best. If you’re between sizes, sizing down is worth trying.

For summer fishing especially, these pants are a dream. Breathable. Comfortable. Easy to hike in. When full waders feel hot or restrictive, or when you just need protection on a longer walk to the river, these are hard to beat. They’ve officially earned a permanent place in our fishing lineup.

Angelica’s Take: The S14 Wader - $429.00

Now let’s talk about the women’s S14 waders because these are not your average women’s waders.

At 5 feet 7 inches tall with a 32-inch inseam — and let’s just say I’m above average in both height and curves — fit actually matters. And these? They get it.

The upgraded belt system is genius. Additional buckles allow you to swap out the standard belt for your favorite wading belt (yes, even your cutest FisheWear belt), giving you both function and personality on the water.

The fleece-lined kangaroo pocket is magic on chilly mornings -like built-in hand warmers while you’re waiting for that next bite. Storage is intentional and well thought out: two zippered pockets in the bib, a quick-access drop-in pocket, and a roomy flip-out pouch higher on the chest for tools.

Performance-wise, they’re beautifully engineered. Heavier, protective fabric along the lower legs for durability and warmth. Lighter, breathable material up top so you don’t overheat when the sun comes out. The adjustable drawcord eliminates awkward gaping, and the shoulder straps are stretchy and comfortable with zero digging or pulling.

And the longer neoprene gravel guards? They clip securely and stay put - a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re moving around on the river.

These waders are functional, flattering, and built for women who want to feel confident and capable on the water.

More Than Just Gear

One Alaska trip down. More species checked off the list. More stories added to the vault and new gear we genuinely trust.

We’re grateful to Fishewear for hosting us and to Dallas for introducing us to Dryft in such an epic way. But more than that, we’re reminded that when women support women in business, in friendship, and on the river powerful things happen.

Whether you’re slipping into Dryft Session Wading Pants for a summer float or gearing up in full Dryft S14 Waders for a cold morning adventure, this gear was made with women in mind.

And we are absolutely here for it.