Your email address will not be published. Proven on the mountain, our performance hunting gear is waterproof, lightweight, breathable, and durable. The "layer method" of dressing is more effective than a single bulky garment. Thick rubber gloves, on the other hand, are waterproof and slide easily over slimy fish skin. WOOL: I have sensitive skin so I don’t use much wool but it’s a great layering and baselayer material with many innate benefits. For your feet, try to avoid the temptation to wear multiple layers of socks. Cold-Water Layering. If there’s a wet snow falling, you may want a waterproof outer layer instead. I pretty much only dawn a hardshell  when I want the ultimate barrier –  rainy/snowy days or the windiest and/or coldest of days. Here’s the breakdown. Easily the best fishing jacket for cold weather there is. The most common materials for base layers are wool, silk, and synthetics such as spandex, nylon, and polyester. I’m somewhat of a gear whore but a big part of that is I like having the right pieces of clothing for each situation. Finding the best clothing for cold weather fishing will make staying warm and dry much easier while making your day of winter fly fishing more enjoyable and productive. Waders are a must-have during the winter. This is important since body temperature  varies when you’re out on the water. We design all our pieces as part of a comprehensive layering system. Cold days out on the water can be awesome – the trick is just making sure that you’re not cold! Here’s what you need to … How do you layer up for winter fly fishing? Each has the pluses and minuses but I’ll elaborate on those below. Additional Tips for Kayaking in Cold Weather When the snow starts falling, many anglers pack up their gear and wait out the cold months, anticipating the return of long days and warm afternoons. Selecting the right base layer can be as important as choosing the right sock for those brand … A quality balaclava not only will protect your skin from the bitter cold, but can also serve as a layer of protection against harmful UV rays that are present even during the coldest of winter days. This is a great base layer for hunting, fishing, hiking, or camping. Thanks for dropping by, Mike! View all posts by AvidMax Guests. There are millions of options out there and many proprietary names for each of the technologies. Even better, you probably won’t have to compete for your favorite runs, and can often go all day without seeing another fly fisherman. SYNTHETIC: This type of layer is probably my favorite for cold weather fishing. Check out our guest blogger section, here. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Now I spend my time in Colorado fly fishing, hunting, backpacking, and skiing. Each layer serves a distinct purpose. You’ll want all layers to be convenient and quiet, yet durable for tricky terrain and bushwhacking. The best material that is in use for base layers today is, by far, merino wool. A good poly-fill jacket’s warmth to weight ratio nearly as warm as down. The Top 5 Base Layers For Cold Weather Getting thrust into any adventure can be thrilling. At KUIU, we aim to keep you going no matter what. Keep in mind that layers can be added and subtracted. The result is a jacket that can be worn as a midlayer for winter sports or as an outer layer during the shoulder season or warm winter days. The bottom line is this: if you want to stay warm in the winter then make sure you’re wearing a good baselayer! Down is  obviously a great insulator as well. Select the winter clothing layers you need for conditions. They manufacture some of the best base layer clothing for cold weather. This is the layer closest to your skin. While fly and water selection are important for catching fish, arguably the most important factor in the winter is what you wear. If you have something you are passionate about, you can write for us too and get $50 in rewards for your effort! HARD SHELLS: Stick with breathable hard shells like gore-tex or similar technology. Blogs. Rather than think of layering in 3 distinct layers, I would recommend thinking of the 3 layers more in principal. It’s incredibly soft and warm, although some people with highly sensitive skin can find it irritating, although not as vexing as wool. Thanks for the feedback, Alex! When dressing for cold or wet weather fishing; dress from the inside out. 1) Don’t fall in – I guess this is pretty obvious, but especially important in sub-freezing temps, even more so if you fish by yourself and are any distance from your car. in Wading Gear. Got a kick watching these guys for awhile. For some, there is literally nothing better than the moment our blood gets pumping in our veins and our adrenaline starts flowing. Discover the best time of day to catch bass, trout, catfish, panfish, walleye, carp, and many more depending on the season, moon phases, and weather. Layering is important for any outdoor winter activity. These systems essentially replicate cold-weather hiking clothes with an additional beefed-up insulation layer for when you need to remain still. You can layer as best you can to keep your core warm, but cold extremities can be one of the most uncomfortable situations you will find yourself in when hunting in cold weather. (you still play any soccer? HELP. Winter time is some of the best fishing around, especially when it is FREEZING out. Feet—An important thing to remember is that the neoprene booties on your breathable waders don’t breathe at all, and feet usually sweat a lot. Those are good suggestions! The most important thing a hunter can do in this weather is use one of the best base layers for cold weather hunting. (The three rules Alex mentioned started out as a joke when we first started fishing during the winter, but actually are pretty important) I hope all is well with you and your fam. Anti-odor technology. #OSFvids, A video posted by OutsmartingFish.com (@outsmartingfish) on Nov 11, 2014 at 11:16am PST, Fly Tying Instructions | Fly Tying Videos, Layering: Keeping Warm While Winter Fishing, Entomology Continued: the Concept of Drift, Mega Muskie Roundup Extravaganza Spectacular. Quick dry, light and comfortable. For those willing to brave the cold, though, winter fly fishing can be a rewarding time. The best way to protect yourself from the elements is to wear three separate layers: a base, mid and outer. #brooktrout are the coolest. While it seems counterintuitive, a single pair of socks is usually warmer due to better circulation. I’ll go with lighter on cool-cold days and break out the heavy weight baselayer on the coldest of days. Thermal underwear is the most important base layer for winter outings. The right hats, gloves, and socks are vital to staying warm and cozy while fly fishing in the winter. View 117883731229035888671/117883731229035888671’s profile on Google+, Redington Palix River Wading Boot Product Review Winner, How To Tie The Mysis Crystal Shrimp: Fly Tying Video, Fall Streamer Tactics | Fly Fishing & Floating in Colorado, 7399 S. Tucson Way Ste A3 Centennial, CO 80112. Totally forgot about #3 – that is money money advice. Perhaps the best of all are wool/synthetic blends which are becoming more and more popular because they have the quick-dry ability of synthetics, with the warmth and ant-stink talents of wool. Really great and informative post guys. The Indera Military Issue Top might look like basic hunting apparel, but this 100% cotton shirt brings a lot to the table. Layering clothes for use during cold weather isn’t a new or fresh tactic at all, but the ways you layer and clothes that you use for this style of survival does change rather frequently. THE way to dress warmly is to layer effectively. Not only do you want to be safe in the cold weather, but being comfortable while you fish will let you stay on the water longer. In dressing for cold weather, choose a quality, lightweight cotton or Dri-fit crew or V-neck garment for your first layer. Layering System. Typically offer little to no insulation and act only as a barrier. I’ve been loving that LOOP baselayer but otherwise have been a longtime user of Patagonia Capilene. 888-235-9763 888-235-9763; Live Chat Live Chat available every day, 6 AM - 12 AM (midnight) ET; Find a Store. Hunters must endure conditions that would send others home. It makes a great layering piece. In this post I break these layers down to help you decide with options are best for you and the weather conditions you plan to face so you will learn how to layer clothes for cold weather and summer conditions. On colder days, though, switching to a beanie or pulling your hood up to cover your ears (or both) can make a big difference. Cold days: I’ll throw a fleece on without a shell. Pros. You’re still alive?! Long Underwear I’m tempted to add it to the post. That’s essential because it helps to keep you from becoming chilled or worse—hypothermic. Whether we’re taking up hiking or skiing on I like it cause it’s a light layer that provides some warmth but also cuts wind. Once you get out of the water, your soles will become ice blocks. 3) Avoid felt soles – I know there has been a big push recently to go away from felt altogether, but I personally think it is much better on any river with large slippery rocks–except in the winter. Written by Eric Matechak. I’m going to do my best not to drone on and get straight to the skinny. I think that there are a lot of people out there that don’t know how to properly layer. On the pricey side. Too bad Nate missed the hookset on the big dog as he ambushed from his lair in tight quarters! Staying warm is essential to maintaining your level of concentration when … Rubber boots won’t collect snow, so they are preferable for winter fly fishing. Fully taped seams. What that means is your first layer should be ultra-thin or ultralightweight, followed by lightweight, middleweight, and finally heavyweight for rough conditions. Many brands include this now, since it’s such a handy feature. If you want to stay warm, dry, and protected as you fish well into the winter – then accept no substitute. get away from the crowds. Lightweight Crew Socks; Guide Midweight Socks The layer next to your skin is what you will feel all day. Storing hand warmers in this pocket will make it even cozier! Size it big enough so it fits over everything else. Layer 2 Next comes a thin midlayer—either wool, polyester, or a blend of the two. Nothing is worse than spending your day shivering out on the water. Without the proper cold weather clothing and gear, fly fishing in the winter months can be an exercise in futility. A friend of mine and I first started winter fishing a few years back and developed a few rules to live by that might be helpful to any winter-fishing virgins out there. First, they get wet easily and are no longer warm once they’re soaked. FLEECE: Fleece is a very popular fabric and with good reason. Let’s hear some of your thoughts in the comments! The heavy Raschel knit traps and retains body heat and was designed for very cold weather and moderate activity. Layer 3 A puffy, zippered jacket with a hood. Merino wool or synthetics is where you want to be. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Due to the longer periods of time that you will spend fishing for cold weather cats, proper layering is essential. Without it, perspiration doesn’t have anywhere to go and stays inside your shell. Machine washable and can also be tumble … I’ll typically plan my insulation on the weather. Once the moisture is further away from your skin it’s able to evaporate. Breathability is important in a shell layer. Winter fishing requires a couple careful considerations. Traditionally the shell is a hard shell but softshells and most down/synthetic jackets are windproof and water resistant so also serve as a shell layer. It’s a really warm synthetic jacket and a barrier from the wind. Good stuff, and timely. This is the layer that really protects your skin, and keeps you dry and warm. For your upper body, a good layering option for winter fly fishing is a merino wool base, an insulated mid-layer (synthetic or down, but make sure you don’t get the down wet), and a windproof outer layer. While rubber rain jackets and similar barriers are effective at keeping you dry – they’re not breathable. The Patagonia Nano-Air is special: it’s a super-soft, stretchy, and breathable synthetic midlayer that feels like a combination of a performance down puffy (minus the down) and your favorite sweatshirt. They typically offer a little insulation and they obviously offer a barrier from the wind. Cold hands and feet are often the first things to drive people off the water when it’s cold. SYNTHETIC: This type of layer is probably my favorite for cold weather fishing. The lined pocket gives you a place to warm your hands when they start to freeze, especially after reaching into the frigid water. Name to trust. They are so comfortable that you can wear them under your hiking pants and not feel any pressure. Ha! For any cold-weather fishing or water that’s constantly below 45 to 50 degrees, we recommend the Guide Thermal OTC Socks. 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