Cold Weather Gear

[MaxDrown]

I'm looking for some suggestion on gear that helps make cold weather fishing more enjoyable. Obviously, boots and waders, but what are some of the other items that someone new to winter fishing may not think of?

[Dutch]

Insulated bibs and a good gortex parka.

[Snow Fly]

Hand warmers you can buy at Wally World really come in handy................man they warm the fingers when you know longer can move them. Also what works is to have some flies you plan to use already tied to the size tippet you plan to use. Have a loop on the other end and have a loop on the leader, then all you have to do is the Loop to Loop.....(kinda sounds like an oldie from the late 50's). It does work well when the fingers have no feeling.........

[Middle TN Lee]

coffee thermos

fingerless gloves

bandana for face (i know im gangsta)

firestarters

small hatchet for firewood

small pans to cook over fire

small bag to carry all your new equipment

and don't forget to place a bottle of red wine or fine whiskey in your bag for emergencies...it can save your life.

[mosouthpaw]

waterproof fingerless gloves (such as glacier gloves)

Good sock liners and wool socks. (the liners wick moisture away from your foot too keep em dry.)

good insulated hat.

waterproof bag with emergency change of clothes.

I fail to see how whiskey or wine can be a life saver. Alcohol may give you the idea that your warm but its the opposite. It can actually speed up hypothermia. Alcohol and the cold dont mix if youre trying to stay warm.

[Wayne SW/MO]

You have to layer, light to heavy. I like lightweight poly long underwear to start. Pants and shirt depend on the the weather, but fleece has a good range for wading or temperatures you know won't top about 45F. I like flannel, then wool, then fleece on top depending on temperatures and how much movement I'll be making.

I worked outside most of the time in temperatures from 100+ to -20F and much of what I do is based on many hours outside, comfortable and not so comfortable.

Its hard to be too specific without knowing what a person intends to be doing, sitting in a duck blind, walking in the woods or wading in cold water al change the game plan a little. The one thing that never changes is in layer lighter to heavy.

[techo]

We actually have taken a sunflower heater with us and a small tarp. When Mrs. techo was cold (it was really me as she is tougher than I) we start it up for a few minutes and hold the tarp up. It only took a few minutes to get warmed up again.

If it isn't fun then there isnt much reason to call it a hobby in my mind.

Of course we do the layer thing, coffee thermos and all of that too.

[Leonard]

Check out Under Armor!

and on cool day.. not cold...

Check out the Simm wader wicks

[Middle TN Lee]

I was actually joking about the wine/whiskey being a "life saver," maybe i should have put haha at the end the response.

[vanven]

A good hat and gloves make a significant difference. I have some Simms fingerless gloves with the pull over mittens. The mitten piece is nice when my fingertips get a chill and i need to warm them up. You lose something like 40% of your heat through your head so a good hat is important. A combination baklava and hat will use some of that heat to keep your face warm. Layer your clothes and avoid sweating as much as possible. A good undergarmet is important to wick away moisture and still provide insulation. Avoid some of the cheepy stuff that is out there because it may hold in moisture and actually make you colder.

-Jerod