Tips For Keeping Warm

[Preytorien]

Here in Indiana it's starting to get cold. Some of you have had cold weather for several weeks now, some of you never see truly cold weather. I'm new to river/stream smallmouth fishing, I have a great pair of Orvis Silver Sonic waders. I still haven't gotten out when it's cold to see how they do in cold water.

 

What are some tips for wading cold water that those of you that are wading veterans could give me?

 

Under my waders I plan on using military issue fleece-lined propylene baselayer, some wicking Swiftwick socks with normal cotton socks over that. Up top I'll probably use some kind of fleece jacket with a hoodie over that. Probably a balaclava and knit hat over that for my head. I'm planning on wading Saturday morning, for which the forecast calls for low 30's air temps that day. I'm not sure what the water temps are, definitely less than 60, probably in the mid-low 50's. The wading won't get any deeper than waist deep, with most of it being mid-thigh level water.

 

Any warmth tips?

[gulfcaptain]

Keep your neck and head covered, ladies nylon's under your fleece will also help.  Yes it sounds strange but it works...(it's a bit oldschool) and not really a warmth tip, but keep the belt snug incase you happen to slip.  May not keep you totally dry but will slow down the amount of water flowing in if it's snung.  And as the water cools even more, think about a possible PFD just incase you end up slipping in waters 50 degrees and below.  More of a safety thought.

[A-Jay]

Sounds like you already have a good idea on the importance of layering and keeping moisture off your skin.

 

I've done a ton of wading in cold water (both fresh water and in the ocean/surf).

 

Under Armour cold gear was the way to go until recently.  Now it's Columbia's Omni-Heat line.

 

It's lighter, more comfortable (no compression) and most importantly WARMER.  Makes a great base layer. 

 

The coats, vest, pants. shirts, gloves, hats and boots are also very good. (I guess you can tell I'm a fan).

 

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.columbia.com/search?q=omni-heat%20base%20layer#prefn1=genderGroup&q=omni-heat%20base%20layer&prefv1=Men%27s

[Felix77]

I do a few things to keep warm fishing in cold temperatures.

 

Besides the suggestions above ...

 

1 - Fishing gloves & toe warmers.  There are a few out there.  I was able to get Abu Garcia ones for $8 on eBay.  I buy the toe warmers because they have an adhesive backing.  I stick them to the back of my hand.  The warmth spreads through the glove and lasts for hours.  Obviously works well for your feet too.  

 

2 - Waterproof socks - Over regular athletic socks this keeps water out and warmth in.  Works better to me than thick socks.

 

3 - Rain gear.  Not just for rain IMO.  My bib and jacket when added to a good layering of clothing keeps me real warm.

 

4 - Ninja mask ... LOL ... I don't recall what these are called but they are coverings for the head which covers your face including your nose.  Very warm.  Kids called me a ninja when I put it on and that is why it sticks.

 

5 - Can't take credit for this one but don't recall who posted it.  Back warmers put on your back before the layers.  Keeps you warm for hours.  I don't do this one often but it does work.

[A-Jay]

Additionally, any item from the Polar Fleece Buff collection up around the neck & face is a toasty addition to the cold weather ensemble.

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.buffwear.com/new-angler-14-15-collection

[Chris S]

This may sound simple because it is, I use a wrist sweat band and put one on each wrist and stick a hand warmer in each one, the heat from the hand warmer circulates the blood flow from the veins under my wrist keeping me nice and toasty! Besides that

 

Head Wear

Good Socks

Layered Gloves (I buy $1 store and cut off the finger tips) Ski gloves for driving 

Layers upon Layers of warm clothes and a water proof outer wear. 

[Preytorien]

I have a lot of cold weather cycling gear I'll be using as my base layer. Similar to UnderArmour, but it's made by various cycling manufacturers. It's specifically designed to wick moisture away from the body, which is what I hear I want to accomplish with the base.

 

Felix, that headgear is called a balaclava. I use one faithfully in the Oct-Nov and March-Apr months of cycling. They keep you WARM believe me. I'm going to use one of those, with a knit cap on top.

 

For my hands I'm using neoprene diving gloves. I like the two-finger ones from Orvis, but I think I might be getting those for Xmas from the wife, so I better not buy em' yet.

 

My only issue I think I'll find is that for my cold/snow jacket all I have is the big tan Carhart jacket, which would probably be very heavy and bulky under these otherwise well-fitting waders. So I will have to layer a base-fleece-hoodie combo on top to keep warm.

 

Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it.

[bassguytom]

This may sound simple because it is, I use a wrist sweat band and put one on each wrist and stick a hand warmer in each one, the heat from the hand warmer circulates the blood flow from the veins under my wrist keeping me nice and toasty! Besides that

 

Head Wear

Good Socks

Layered Gloves (I buy $1 store and cut off the finger tips) Ski gloves for driving 

Layers upon Layers of warm clothes and a water proof outer wear.

Brilliant! I will be doing this when it get cold around here. Thanks for the tip.

[OkobojiEagle]

Fishing is fun, but... don't become a statistic.

 

 

oe

[Choporoz]

What's everybody's favorite winter socks for fishing?

 

I've always gone the ULTRA-cheap route that mom used when I was in kindergarten in the '60's -- wool socks with bread bags over them; warm AND dry.  But I've been looking into getting better socks and the interwebs have done little other than confuse me......I'm still cheap, however and that may be part of my 'problem' with this search...

[F14A-B]

To the OP, I would skip cotton altogether, wool is the way to go, just ensure to obtain a high quality wool sock, woolrich is my fave. Wool offers heat retaining insulation even if damp/wet... Cotton does not. I used pantyhose in the 70's to run walker, bluetick, & redbone coon dogs, they work well.. ( geez, did I really admit that ) stay safe!

[ClackerBuzz]

^yup i'm all about sheep and ducks.  i use all the layers mentioned but wool is a must..along with a down jacket.  I'm always running cold but my down jacket has me sweating in no time. last year i became a huge fan of flannel lined jeans. i can't believe how that extra layer of flannel takes the sting off the cold wind when walking in the city let alone when bundled up fishing.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If you want a layer between your skin and wool socks, try microfiber dress socks. They are thin and moisture wicking. We have an Alpaca farm nearby that sells wool socks etc. in their little shop. The wool is super soft and durable. 

[OkobojiEagle]

I wouldn't depend on down when wading... not much good when soaked.

 

 

oe

[J Francho]

http://www.orvis.com/news/fly-fishing/Layering-for-Comfort/

[Lucky Craft Man]

http://www.orvis.com/news/fly-fishing/Layering-for-Comfort/

 

I do exactly what they say for my feet (i.e., thin "wicking" sock, thicker wool sock, and a size larger wading boot), but I take it one step further and add a foot warmer between the sock layers.  Even when standing in 33 degree water, my feet are feeling fine!

[Driftb]

Hand warmers are a luxury.  I prefer to dress correctly for the weather.  Remember this:  COTTON KILLS!  Wet cotton will give you hypothermia faster than no clothes at all.  This does not have to be expensive.  Waly world sells "fleece" zip neck  shirts  that are great for cold weather wear.  If they get wet, wring them out and then put them back on. They will keep you warm better than wet wool or cotton. They also carry a knockoff of "underarmor" that is very warm and light.  It makes a great base layer.  Just make sure you keep it clean.  It will pick up a smell. In really cold weather, I'll wear a few of those shirts under a wading jacket ( raincoat) and a few pair of sweat pants made from a similar fleece material.  Bass pro sells a great pair of wool socks with a lifetime guarantee for about ten bucks a pair.   They are about the thickest, warmest cushiest socks I have ever seen .Forget about trying to put a layer of cotton in there.  You are better off haviing a little space.  I haven't had much success with the wet suit type neoprene gloves. I usually go without until it's really cold, then II  wear a pair of fllip-up "glommits"  I have also seem some guys wearing  surgical type gloves which they claimed helped to keep their hands dry, and therefore warmer. 

 

Make sure you keep a belt cinched snug around your waders.  It would help keep water out if you should fall in.

[Choporoz]

Spent Fri, Sat and Sun on the water last weekend. 30's in the mornings - highs in mid 40-s.  Layered like crazy with regular sweats and stuff.  Liner socks and wool over-socks and my feet were fine.   Wool cap that covered ears was probably perfect.  Tried a couple - the one that sealed around sunglasses arms without 'binding' was far and away the best.

 

I did take some liner gloves that double as outer gloves - fairly dextrous; I could cast and reel -- but couldn't stand the lost sensitivity and ditched them quickly.

 

I did find that the single biggest factor for not feeling cold: catch fish.  When the bite was on, I had no idea whether it was 70 degrees or 20....and didn't care.

[SHaugh]

_{If your fishing includes sitting on a boat, You can't go wrong with these...   I sat for 5 hours in 38 degrees last weekend on my little boat...   no gloves...  keeping your core overly warm is the key to lasting a long time outdoors.... insulated coveralls are how it's done in the working world...  no polypropylene wonder shorts will do it as well...}

 

_{http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/carharttreg%3B-mens-quilt-lined-duck-bib-overall-600934599--1}

[desmobob]

What's everybody's favorite winter socks for fishing?

 

I've always gone the ULTRA-cheap route that mom used when I was in kindergarten in the '60's -- wool socks with bread bags over them; warm AND dry.  But I've been looking into getting better socks and the interwebs have done little other than confuse me......I'm still cheap, however and that may be part of my 'problem' with this search...

 

I use thin polypropylene liner socks under a pair of Smartwool heavy Merino wool socks.  I have two different thicknesses of polypro liner socks and sometimes use both at once along with wool outer socks.  Just like with outer wear, layering socks is effective and moisture management is important.

 

One thing that helps keep you warm is to wear a jacket with a hood.  With a polypro Balaclava, a wool hat and a hood cinched up snug, you can keep your melon nice and toasty, and that helps keep the rest of you feeling

warm, too.

 

Having hand and foot-warmer packets can make the difference between being miserable and being comfortable. I second the advice about keeping the hand-warmer packets against the inside of your wrist.  

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[Darren.]

When I go out yak-fishin' in the cold I'll

wear sweats under jeans, fishing gloves,

and put those hand-warmer bags in my 

feet, in the arch area. Hours of warmth

and toastiness.

 

Then again, I'm not wading, and I'm not

getting wet except for water drippings from

the hawgs I catch!

[JeziHogg]

The army taught me this abbreviation to stay warmish during winter exercise.

COLD.

Clean, stay clean.

Overheat, dont overheat.

Layers, dress in layers.

Dry, stay dry.