As temps drop we enter hoodie season, and AFTCO's Reaper is the company's more technical option

Impressions: AFTCO has become a powerhouse in fishing apparel. Known initially for saltwater gear, they’ve successfully expanded into freshwater quickly, offering high-performance clothing to keep anglers comfortable and protected in the toughest conditions. Founded in 1958, AFTCO specializes in apparel designed to shield against the elements, with input directly from their pro team to ensure that both fit and comfort remain a top priority. From their popular Samurai sunshirts to the durable Hydronaught foul weather gear, each piece is crafted with real-world functionality in mind.

The reason this garment is called the Reaper? The integrated facemask and neck warmer.

Originally launched in 2018, the AFTCO Reaper is officially a sweatshirt, though it packs the versatility and functionality of technical outerwear. With its built-in face mask, neck warmer, and hood anchoring system, the Reaper is designed specifically for fishing and boating applications. It features 100% poly-bonded microfleece construction and comes in both solid and camo options—all made with AFTCO's AFTECH fabrics, which are quick-drying, sun-protective, and stain-resistant.

AFTCO has branded their technical material "AFTECH"

Real-World Testing: I wore the Reaper late in the season, targeting both largemouth and stripers in the California Delta and surrounding areas. I also took it along on travels to test its packability and performance in non-fishing settings, assessing its overall versatility.

The Reaper's built in face mask and neck warmer are a very welcome feature on cold morning runs

Operation: The AFTCO Reaper was designed by Dino Sakelliou with the vision of creating a functional yet innovative garment that would feel 'familiar but new' to anglers. This design philosophy is apparent: at first glance, the Reaper resembles a classic hoodie, but a closer look reveals technical upgrades like an integrated facemask and neck warmer that enhance its functionality without sacrificing style. In fact, the Reaper looks more sophisticated than most fishing sweatshirts, and each time I put it on, I felt ready to tackle the elements.

The Reaper is essentially two garments in one. The built-in face mask and neck warmer eliminate the need for a separate gaiter, though this design does limit versatility in warmer conditions where the neck warmer can’t be removed. On the water, I found the Reaper very comfortable, providing a full range of motion for both boat and bank fishing.

The Reaper's facemask deploys quickly and comfortably. Sometimes I feel gaiters are too tight or impact breathing. This is not the case with the Reaper

Casting was unhindered, and the microfleece material felt warm and cozy from the moment I put it on. The face mask’s quick deployment was especially useful whenever the wind picked up or during early morning boat runs. In the California Delta, those chilly runs while targeting stripers were made far more comfortable with the Reaper.

Full Reaper mode. This garment is very warm and does not negatively impact movement at all

When traveling at higher speeds, the hood's anchoring system helped seal out the elements, keeping me comfortable on most days. However, the Reaper is not waterproof and performs best as a warm, wind-resistant layer. In cold and rainy conditions, it works well as a mid-layer under a waterproof shell or rainsuit equipped with Gore-Tex or Toray membranes to ensure full protection.

The cinch down hood uses adjustable shock cords and helps keep the hood fitted in higher wind conditions

100% polyester microfleece is comfortable and warm

The Reaper’s microfleece insulation makes it ideal as a standalone layer in mild to cool conditions, though it’s not ultra-packable due to its thicker construction. Its durability and stain resistance are also excellent. Reinforced seams held up well, with no loose threads, and fish slime and blood washed off easily. While the darker camo colors are especially forgiving, the Reaper is low-maintenance overall—just rinse off any grime and toss it in the wash.

Overall, the AFTCO Reaper is a well-designed piece of gear that provides anglers with comfort and functionality. It’s an excellent standalone hoodie for mild days and a great layering option for harsher conditions.

One thing I really liked about the Reaper was the cuff design which keeps sleeves in place but still can be rolled up when you need to dip your hands

Paired with rain bibs and a shell jacket, the Reaper prepares anglers for nearly anything nature throws their way. For those fishing in sub-zero temperatures, like ice anglers, the Reaper remains a versatile layering option.

The Reaper is stain resistant but not waterproof