JackM
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- Joined
- Sep 9, 2006
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My winter fishing experience is limited. But, I find this the best way to go outdoors in frigid weather:
Against all of your skin, wear wicking materials. If you can spring for Underarmour, go right ahead, but nylon and polyester both resist absorbing or retaining moisture, the bane of staying warm. Wool on the other hand, does retain moisture, it just continues to insulate despite that. Polypropelene is probably best against the skin, but as noted, polyester and nylon are good second choices.
I bought two par of polypropelene long underwear from army-navy. They are thick, but "puffy," and I wear them as my first layer. On my feet I wear thin black polyester socks, topped with a thick 100% wool sock, also from army-navy. Since the top of the poly long underwear can zip to my chin, my body is totally protected and able to sweat without discomfort against my skin.
From the socks up I use a variety of materials, including occasional cotton, but not directly over the poly. Against the poly, I would recommend either wool or acrylic and other synthetics. I layer intelligently so that peeling off layers if it warms, can be done while maintaining overall comfort and warmth. Finally, except for my gear vest, I usually have a wind-break light jacket as my outermost layer, either my breathable raincoat or a run of the mill windbreaker. If not breatable, I use the front zipper to regulate wind protection versus evaporation of my perspiration.
Adding:
While proper dress is important but so is heat generation, and general circulation. Try not to restrict the extremities-- as for instance the good advice to be careful of heavily layered feet and the use of bootfoot waders during winter. If special waders for winter is not in the budget, then tie your wading boots loosely.
Against all of your skin, wear wicking materials. If you can spring for Underarmour, go right ahead, but nylon and polyester both resist absorbing or retaining moisture, the bane of staying warm. Wool on the other hand, does retain moisture, it just continues to insulate despite that. Polypropelene is probably best against the skin, but as noted, polyester and nylon are good second choices.
I bought two par of polypropelene long underwear from army-navy. They are thick, but "puffy," and I wear them as my first layer. On my feet I wear thin black polyester socks, topped with a thick 100% wool sock, also from army-navy. Since the top of the poly long underwear can zip to my chin, my body is totally protected and able to sweat without discomfort against my skin.
From the socks up I use a variety of materials, including occasional cotton, but not directly over the poly. Against the poly, I would recommend either wool or acrylic and other synthetics. I layer intelligently so that peeling off layers if it warms, can be done while maintaining overall comfort and warmth. Finally, except for my gear vest, I usually have a wind-break light jacket as my outermost layer, either my breathable raincoat or a run of the mill windbreaker. If not breatable, I use the front zipper to regulate wind protection versus evaporation of my perspiration.
Adding:
While proper dress is important but so is heat generation, and general circulation. Try not to restrict the extremities-- as for instance the good advice to be careful of heavily layered feet and the use of bootfoot waders during winter. If special waders for winter is not in the budget, then tie your wading boots loosely.
