A deep dive into two of Whitewater Fishing’s most popular hoodies
Sibling rivalry is real. Harboring what are essentially the same genetic codes, two brothers or sisters can seem like they’re from entirely different families, even planets. Yet, they’re intrinsically bonded and will always share many key traits.
Might be a stretch, but Whitewater Fishing’s hoodie collection is similar – all members of the same family, but unique in their fishing and boating performances and applications. Time to enter the octagon. It’s Beacon vs. Buoy.

Whitewater has been on a roll bringing functional fishing hoodies to market. Over the past few seasons, the apparel artisans have introduced the Lightweight Tech Hoodie, Buoy HD Fishing Hoodie, Rays Performance Hoodie, and most recently, the Spindrift Merino Fishing Hoodie. Each has its time and place and purpose for hanging in your mud room. Whitewater recently broadened its hoodie assortment with the Beacon Technical Hoodie.
This robust and purposeful garment was conceived as both an outer-layer for moderate temperatures and midlayer beneath raingear and winterwear. Maintaining the “fabric first” mantra, Whitewater began the design process with an ultra-soft, breathable, and hearty 288g polyester fabric. The premium material features finer and more uniform fibers than comparable hoodies, resulting in a smoother, softer, and more comfortable wearing fabric. The premium grade polyester also boasts excellent colorfastness and resistance to wear, tear, and abrasion. Internally, the Beacon Technical Hoodie is fleece lined to deliver warmth and a superior feel against your skin.
Features-galore earn the garment its technical fishing grade. From the topside, it begins with a credible and comfortable three panel hood. By marrying three individual fabric panels, Whitewater can better fit the hood to the actual shape of your head and keep it in place while turning. And a completely personalized fit is achieved via shock cord hood adjusters, which are ingeniously located out of sight for a super-clean look.
To that, the hood boasts a pass-through vent in the rear to let wind escape, anchoring the covering while you zip across the lake or saltwater marsh.
Next, the Beacon Technical Hoodie features a built-in neck gaiter, which is supremely functional while in play, but also easily tucked away when not in use. Laser-cut holes provide breathability, while the gaiter blocks harmful sunrays and provides an element of warmth in chillier conditions.
Down below, you’ll greatly appreciate the zip-closure kangaroo pocket. The convenient pouch yields instant access for hand warming. And when zipped, it’s purposed for stowing items without risk of them tumbling out. Construction-wise, hemmed cuffs guarantee a secure fit at the wrists. And the right amount of elasticity keeps them from overstretching and getting floppy. The same is true for the hemmed waistband.

Beacon Technical Hoodie FEATURES:
- 288g smooth polyester face for easy layering
- Warm fleece interior
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Built-in gaiter for weather protection
- Laser-cut ventilation holes for breathing
- Invisible shock cord hood adjusters
- Zip closure kangaroo pouch pocket
- Fitted three-panel hood
- Rear hood pass-through allows wind to escape
- Ideal for layering or midweight standalone
- COLORS: Black, Dark Grey Heather, and Open Water Grey
- SIZES: SM – 3XL
MSRP $79.99
If fishing were a branch of the military, the hoodie would be standard issue battledress. It’s cornerstone to the look and field performance for everyday anglers and competitive professionals alike. And being so foundational to angling apparel, subpar hoodie’s need not apply.
Whitewater Fishing advances the design, construction, and performance of the hoodie to new heights with the Buoy™ HD Fishing Hoodie.

It begins with the Buoy™ HD Fishing Hoodie’s substantial heft and feel that exudes warmth and durability via its comfortable, heavy-duty cotton-poly blend. This perfect mixture of materials yields the comfort and warmth of cotton with the shape-keeping fit of poly. And, unlike the average hoodie that slurps up water, the Buoy HD Fishing Hoodie is DWR (Durable Water Repellant) treated to repel moisture. External features are headlined by a zip closure kangaroo pouch – keep open for quick hand warming and zip shut to securely store your keys, wallet, or smartphone. Rib knit construction at the cuffs and waist yields a secure fit while preventing drafts and heat loss. And reflective tape at the front and back of the shoulders promotes angler visibility in foggy, low-light, and nighttime conditions. Lastly, an adjustable hood shock cord locks to customize fit, with or without a hat.

Buoy™ HD Fishing Hoodie FEATURES:
- Comfortable, durable cotton/poly blend
- DWR treated to repel moisture
- Adjustable shock cord & locks for hood adjustments
- Front & back shoulder reflective tape for visibility
- Zip closure kangaroo pouch pocket
- Rib knit cuff and waist for a secure fit
- COLORS: Open Water Grey, Charcoal, Breaker Blue, and Buoy Red
- SIZES: SM – 3XL
MSRP $99.99