Dressed For Success

[mic]

I hope to go out for my first winter trip with fly rods and waders. The question I have is with waders on...how should I dress for 38-40 degree days. I went out in 48-50 degree weather overdressed for the waders and the walk up Blue Springs and was sweating all day. Any suggestions/thoughts.

[eric1978]

In the winter I like wearing two layers of synthetic underlayers, a thin wicking one first, and over that something a little thicker like a lightweight fleece. Do not wear cotton. If you get too hot, just get up on the gravel and shed the second layer. I prefer the Patagonia Capilene stuff, but something like Underarmor will work too. Breathable waders are also critical to prevent the build-up of rottencrotch.

[Trout Commander]

On new years day I wore a pair of thermal underwear (the traditional "waffle knit" kind you can still get for $7) and a pair of current style ACU pants. I don't have a pair of the fleece wading pants and the ACU's don't seem to bunch up like jeans under waders and have drawstrings at the bottom that you can tie off to keep the pant legs from riding up. I also wore a pair of heavy hunting socks. I have breathable waders and I believe it topped out around 27 on New Years day and my feet were cold, but I was still comfortable. Up top I layered two fleece jackets underneath a very lightweight waterproof jacket with no lining. My torso and arms stayed very toasty.

Hope this helps.

[Trout Commander]

In the winter I like wearing two layers of synthetic underlayers, a thin wicking one first, and over that something a little thicker like a lightweight fleece. Do not wear cotton.

I opened the tread before Eric made his reply, and submitted my post after his reply, but I do agree with this statement, my actions are only contradictory due to the cost factor. If you can afford synthetics they are hands down better performers and won't soak up and hold the moisture as cotton will.

[ColdWaterFshr]

What Eric and Trout Cmdr said. Good warm hat. 38-40 isn't cold at all. If you stay moving and it isn't too windy, you shouldn't ever get cold. Wool fingerless gloves and those chemical handwarmer packs thrown in on the palms will keep you plenty warm.

[Stoneroller]

you can get 'underarmor' equivilent clothing at target for 1/4th the price of the underarmor brand. I got a couple of mock turtlenecks and some pants that I wear under whatever i'd normally wear. they keep you warm and wick the sweat away from your body to prevent chills and that sweaty,wet feeling.

i'll also toss a handwarmer pack in each coat pocket. that alone is worth it's weight in gold. a shamwow is also good for drying hands. definately stay away from cotton. modern performance fabrics are where it's at. they may cost more but are well worth it.

[jdmidwest]

The others hit the nail on the head, cotton is the worst thing you can wear in cold weather, it soaks up moisture and gets cold. You can find poly base layers cheaply in lots of places, Wally World is good this time of year when they start clearance on the hunting stuff. They have been carrying Rocky lately which is pretty good stuff.

Wool is great, it absorbs moisture and retains heat when wet, but it does get heavy. I have a base layer which is wool/poly blend I duck hunt in and I can set on the ice all day in uninsulated goretex waders without getting cold. Next layers are usually fleece and goretex for wind stopper. Nylon sucks in cold weather, it does not breath and retains moisture. A good hat is a must, neck gaiter that can be pulled up over ears and cheeks to block the wind.

I have learned to pay a little more and shop for deals on higher end clothing to be more comfy outdoors and you will stay out longer.

[NoLuck]

The miltary surplus stores sell their ECWS long underwear and they are really warm. The shirt has a zip up turtle neck to seal out cold and keep heat from escaping around your neck. I wear these when it is extremely cold. But, I wear Cabelas silk base layer under that. It is real thin stuff and it does not get all bunched up on you. Some people just overdress and wear their clothes too tight and that can be a major reason that they get cold. Outside of the ECWS wear a good windblocking layer to stop wind penetrating your insulating layers and you will be very comfortable.

[FishinCricket]

Confucius say:

It's not being tightly bundled in layers that keeps you warm, it's having dead space between layers that locks in warmth...