Posted by Jim E (24.116.99.140) on December 18, 2003 at 14:10:14:
Fighting the winter cold
This is about layering your clothing in order to stay warm. Breathable waders are considered by most as being the best innovation since the advent of graphite rods. But, these waders offer little warmth to the wearer. As with all outdoor winter activity, layering your clothes is the best way to keep "old man winter" at bay.
There are two things to consider when dealing with this subject, staying warm and not getting too warm. Getting too warm will cause you to
perspire, which will lead to your being cold. So, with this in mind, your first layer of clothes should be ones that will wick or absorb any
moisture away from your skin.
There are several different fabrics that will do this. I prefer polypropylene. Polypropylene will still retain body heat, even if it is soaking wet. It also dries out quickly, making it a perfect first layer choice. Fleece would be the next layer of warmth after the polypropylene.
Fleece fabric generally has a pile to it that is real good for retaining heat and it is also breathable, which will aid your first layers
moisture management. Fleece is available in different fabric weights, equating to more or less warmth, so choose one that will best suit your needs. One thing to remember with fleece is that it is not wind proof by itself. Because of this, using it as an outer layer will greatly reduce its heat retaining ability. An exemption to this is that some companies offer fleece garments that have a windproof membrane built in but this, of course, will stop the fabric from breathing also. I just use a jacket shell (a jacket without a liner) as my outer most layer. It stops the wind and also keeps my arms dry from splashing fish that are being released.
Notice that cotton fabrics have not been mentioned. They will work as a layer but are definitely not the best choice of fabric to have next to your skin. Cotton is not conducive to moisture management. Wet cotton garments will actually make you colder than you would be if you were totally naked.
Now if it is just really cold out, I will be donning neoprene waders. They, unlike breathables, do offer insulation and warmth. I also love having the attached hand warmer on the front. True, neoprenes are a little more restrictive, but it’s a small price to pay for more warmth, which equates to more time being comfortable on the water.
Socks are something I am still struggling with. My problem is that my feet get too warm and start to perspire. Then the cold sets in. So far the wicking material socks that I have tried haven’t worked. My search continues.
I would be amiss not to mention being careful not to have clothes that are too tight. Tight cloths can/will restrict blood flow therefore, causing you to get cold no matter what kind of or how many cloths you are wearing.
I’m sure there are many varied opinions on this subject so please interject yours.
Stay warm,
Jim Enns <*;)))))))><