When Whitewater Fishing rolled out the Beacon Technical Hoodie in 2024, it didn’t take long for it to earn a loyal following. Designed to be a rugged, midweight performance layer, the hoodie quickly found its way into gear bags across North America. With a steady stream of five-star reviews, anglers made it clear: this shirt was a winner.
Still, there was one consistent request.
Anglers loved the Beacon’s performance, but many wanted a version without a hood, especially for days when layering under bibs and rain jackets meant doubling up on fabric around the neck.
Enter the Beacon ¼ Zip Shirt.
The Details

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The Beacon ¼ Zip Shirt has all the best features of the hoodie version. There is the fleece-lined interior to keep anglers cozy. All the surfaces that touch skin are soft and purposefully built with comfort in mind. The collar is Lycra-bound. The fleece lining is soft to the touch.
One of the most convienent features is the shirt’s handy zippered chest pocket, which is made to be accessible with waders on.
The shirt’s built-in UPF 50+ sun protection makes so much sense, because sun protection shouldn’t stop being important when temperatures drop.
The ¼ zipper feature lets the user regulate their temperature by allowing heat to escape when unzippered and holding it close when zippered. Plus, it slides easily on and off over the top of the head. Easy, peasy, and warm.
This shirt is so versatile. It can be worn as a standalone midweight outer layer or an insulating piece beneath heavier gear. It is a sensible piece that provides flexibility and comfort throughout variable conditons.
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The Inspo
The Beacon 1/4 came to life based on the feedback developers recieved from pro staff and general anglers. This matters, because it means Whitewater cares about the customer. Instead of throwing anything on the wall to see what sticks, they are developing products based on specific needs.
Beacon ¼ Zip Shirt Features:
- 288g smooth polyester face for easy layering and a warm fleece interior
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- 1/4 zip design allows for quickly dumping excess heat
- 2 inch collar for added coverage
- Lycra-bound collar and cuffs for next-to-skin comfort
- Zip-closure chest pocket is accessible when worn under a bib
- Smooth flatlock seams for comfort and easy layering
- Ideal for wearing as midweight outerwear or layering up when the weather starts getting dicey
- Sizing from xs – 3xl
- Comes in colors Storm and dropoff
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