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Under Waders?

S

SlickFlyFisher

FlatBrook Forever!!
Hey folks,

I'm going to be hitting a bunch of rivers this winter, I was wondering what you guys wore under your waders to keep warm. I've noticed that some tackleshop goodies are made to catch more fisherman than fish, so I figured that I'd ask the experts again. I'm in the process of purchasing the Orvis Pro Guide 3 waders and using them regularly. I'm trying to get an idea of kind of layering system you guys use. I'm not sure if this is relevant to the way you all work the rivers, but I like to do ALOT of hiking. If you can, please list the pieces you wear and what purpose they serve in different scenarios. Any and all feedback is welcome, as usual.

Tight Lines,
Slick
 
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1st layer is a pair of wicking longjohns. They keep the body heat near my skin, but keep any sweat off. This is important for me because I too like to hike. Problem with these is they are not thick enough on their own so if I don't wear another layer, the coldness of the water will radiate through my waders and cool down my core temp too much, so I wear another layer.

2nd layer is a pair of heavy sweat pants. This violates one of the cardinal rules of outdoorsmen everywhere, avoid cotton. Cotton sucks once it gets wet, provides no warmth and actually pulls heat out of your body. Very bad if you sweat and/or fall in. The thermal base layer makes this less of a problem since these pants aren't providing insulation. Their only purpose is to provide a buffer between my skin and the cold wader material. Regardless, I will be getting fleece pants soon for winter fishing. Fleece or wool is the way to go, avoid cotton.

I don't know how those Orvis waders are, I use lightweight Patagonia waders and they're way too light not to wear something underneath. I hope this helps.
 
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Wool or polypropylene "long johns", and wool socks. Wool will still keep you warm when wet....
But that's not my point.....

Boot Foot waders, at least one size "too big" will let you put on several extra pairs of socks, and will not squeeze out the trapped air as much as a tightly laced pair of wading shoes. The trapped air is what provides the insulation.

I've speculated about putting a sticky-back, chemical heating pad (like Bodi Heat or Heat Treat) on my socks, but was concerned that they might get too hot, or damage the waders. Has anyone tried this?
 
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Pete said:
I've speculated about putting a sticky-back, chemical heating pad (like Bodi Heat or Heat Treat) on my socks, but was concerned that they might get too hot, or damage the waders. Has anyone tried this?
Click to expand...

I tried the sticky-backed toe warmers last winter. They do heat up, but it's an annoying heat that's a little painful. I might try putting them on the top of my toes instead of the bottom this time around and see what happens.

They don't do any damage to the waders as far as I can see.
 
Thanks boys, I knew I could count on you guys.
I've heard that cotton is a killer in the woods, but
sometimes wool is TOO warm. I'll have to check out
polypropylene next time I head up to Ramsey Outdoors.

Thanks again,
TL,
Mikey
 
I use a pair of insulated jeans from LL Bean tucked into a pair of heavy (preferably wool) socks. Works well for me even under my lightweight Simms.

Now my hands are a different issue...:crap:
 
Instead of sweatpants try fleece pants. They are hydrophobic. They are pretty comfy too. I also wear neoprene waders in the winter when it's really cold. I even wear them in april when the water is really cold.

Jeremy
 
In my humble opinion, neoprene boot-foot waders are the way to go for winter steelheading. Two more important things: they should be large enough around the chest so you can comfortably wear a warm insulated jacket (I wear down) and they should have rubber lug soles as felts will pick up accumulations of snow. Strap-on sandals such as Korkers complete the outside. I agree with all the under-waders layering already mentioned. If I must walk a distance, I do so slowly and without a lot of effort so as not to work up too much of a sweat.:)
 
Salmon and steelhead fly fishing in cold weather clothing and preparations.
<O:p
First up waders, there are two schools of thought here, neoprene v. breathable. I have worn both and after standing for 8-10 hours in frigid waters with breathable with 300 fleece pants underneath , I have switched back over to LL Bean neoprene 5.5 mm thickness waders. This time of year on the SR the water temperatures are in the 50's so breathable are fine with light weight fleece wading pants.
<O:p
Boots, in the dead of winter steelhead fishing only boot foot waders will keep you really warm for hours of standing in 30 something aters.Stocking feet are too tight and your feet will get cold quickly.

I wear good quality sox, smart wool sox, or rag sox, I have tried those Hodgeman breathable and didn’t like them. Inside my boot I will place Gabber Mycoal foot warmers (they also make hand warmers) that Jessie wrote about, that has lasted up to 7 hours and never got a chill. If you wear thick woolen socks you shouldn't get too "hot" with them inside your boot. Remember, in winter your boots should be at least two sizes larger for air and warmth to circulate around your foot.
<O:p
Layered clothing including a Carthart turtle neck, polypro underwear, fleece under jacket, light weight poly shell, and a breathable outer jacket. Key is layering.
<O:p
I have more types of gloves, for extreme cold weather I use Polar gloves, they are tight fitting and not as warm as a fleece or wool glove, but if I am on the fish and have my hands in the water retrieving hooks from the fish, then I sacrifice a little warmth for keeping dry. Otherwise, I like wool fingerless gloves or the wool fingerless with the mitten covering are also good.

As stated below, wook even when wet will still keep you warm.

<O:p
Head gear, a few years ago at the fly fishing show I bought one of those fleece pull over hat that is tight fitting, and I have never worn anything that keeps your head as warm as tha from Fleece Corner. You can use it as a neck warmer, completely cover your head and a pull up section to cover your lower face to your nose. The only "problem" you may encounter.. it gets too hot wearing it sometimes.

This weekend talking with Broadheadscreek he pointed out that in winter fishing it always a good idea to being along an extra change of clothing in case you decided to go for a swim.

Some streams that you may wish to fish and to reach certain sections will require walking through deep snow, you should consider purchasing a pair of snow shoes. Depending upon your weight, the average cost for pair will run you just over $100. But when the snow is knee deep... it will be the best hundred you ever spent.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
 
I hunt & fish all fall & winter. I NEVER use cotton, at all, to layer with in the winter.
For my breathable waders I layer with:

1st layer= Medium weight long johns (polypro synthetic or "Smartwool" brand)

2nd layer= Polar weight fleece pants/leggings with stirrups. On milder days and if I'm not planning on wading much at all I will forego the second layer.

I also use ONLY either wool or polypro socks (not bulky heavyweight socks either.) I wear only one pair, when it's really cold I will sometimes put on a very thin, synthetic liner sock and then the polypro or wool sock. I try not layer socks much, it can often do much more harm than good as far as warmth and feeling. Also, DO NOT tie your boots up too tight! Leave a little breathing room so you don't cut circulation to your feet & toes, that helps keeps you warmer too. I usually pack along an extra pair of socks and will change socks sometimes after lunch, or at least after the fishing is done (feels good after a long day in cold water.)

I'm a big fan of Smartwool products for two reasons: quality and no itch! I've worn their Smartwool long underwear top & bottoms with no complainst of itiching. It's as comfortable as cotton but with all the warmth & wicking benefits of wool. Their socks are really great too, comfortable and warm. More expensive than even the best polypro, but worth it if you "play outside" all day in winter like I usually do.
 
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I discovered Fox River socks a few years ago and found I like them better than smartwool for wearing under waders. They have more wool and they're a little cheaper, plus they're very comfy and have a less bulky profile. Unfortunately, my toes get cold no matter what socks I'm wearing, as do my fingers, nose, etc. And that's just heading into late October! I don't know why - I am just weird that way. I can tolerate fishing in anything down to about 38-40 degrees. I believe that's my limit.

My boots are a little loose in the summer when I am not wearing the thicker hiking socks (sometimes I go barefoot), so I take up the space with a pair of gel insoles. In the winter, they come out to make room for the woolies.
 
Fox River socks, I've seen them before. Thanks for the tip Jess, I'll pick up a pair or two.
 
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