Materials
Oddly enough, the clothes used are not natural materials, but synthetic ones. It is their qualities that allow them not to absorb moisture . They are durable and do not require any special care or storage conditions. In order to choose the right clothes, you just need to read on the label what the set consists of.
Outer suit
Polartek - almost all winter equipment can be made from this material. This is a replacement for woolen clothing. Lightweight material with good thermal insulation properties and removes moisture. Polartec, if this name is on the label, know that clothes made from this material will dry quickly when wet. She is not an allergen. The disadvantage of this material is that it is blown by the wind, so it is not used for upper sets.
If you add lycra to thin Polartek, then it is Power Stretch material. It has antibacterial properties and is also used for outer suits and overalls.
“Windblock” is a type of fleece, a very soft and pleasant material. We read – Windbloc, which means that clothes made from this material can be in a fisherman’s wardrobe. It is not blown by the wind, repels water and allows steam to pass through.
Outlast. Material with good thermoregulating properties. It preserves and accumulates the heat that the body gives off, and when physical activity decreases, it returns it.
High-quality filler - Thinsulate. Its properties are not inferior to down, but unlike it it is easier to use. Another analogue insulation is Hollofil.
Membrane fabrics - Gore-Tex, SympaTex, Vapor-Tec, Sofitex, as well as others.
Thermal underwear
How to dress properly for winter fishing? The first layer should be put on thermal underwear directly on the naked body. Thermal underwear for winter fishing should remove moisture and sweat, which is formed during active movements while moving on ice or while drilling holes. Then comes the phase of inactive actions, and if there is no such underwear, then the wet body will quickly freeze. Thermal underwear should fit snugly to the body, then it will retain heat well. In warmer weather, one set of thermal underwear is enough, but in frosty weather, it is better to wear another thick one over thin underwear, which will not allow body heat to escape. Polyester is mainly used to make thermal underwear.
Thermal underwear
Materials for thermal underwear
The material from which thermal underwear is made has a cell-shaped structure. It works like this: those cells that come into contact with the body have the ability to remove moisture. Those facing outward distribute it evenly over the entire surface. Due to the capillary effect, this moisture quickly evaporates. In addition, these cells contain air. This contributes to increased thermal insulation of the thermal blanket.
Here's what to wear for ice fishing
Photo: Andrey Yanshevsky.
First of all – clothes. You can, of course, run out onto the ice for one or two hours in casual or walking clothes, but this will not be fishing, but a visit to a reservoir.
This happens when you don’t have time for serious fishing, but you want to.
Fishermen who live or work near a reservoir check in this way on the eve of fishing whether it is worth going out fishing tomorrow or not.
For normal fishing, special clothing is required.
A recognized modern option is a warm overall, which consists of two parts - pants and a jacket.
Now there are a lot of models of overalls on sale, both imported and domestically produced.
The first ones are more expensive, but the main thing is that they must be measured before purchasing. The most difficult thing is with the sizes of clothes presented under Japanese brands. Either the sleeves are short or the pants are too loose.
Read the material “Ready for winter!”
Domestic manufacturers have adapted their products to our constitution, but the quality is not yet the highest.
Before settling on a specific model, you need to answer the most important, and as practice shows, difficult question: in what real conditions is fishing expected.
For fishing in the Moscow region, there is no point in purchasing clothes that are designed for working or fishing in very low temperatures. In such a jumpsuit you will be hot and uncomfortable.
The main mistake when choosing overalls is that some anglers look for overalls made of waterproof fabric. If you are not going to fish while swimming in an ice hole, then your clothes should be “breathable”. If the material does not remove evaporation from the body, then the moisture condenses and begins to freeze on the inner surface of the jacket and the angler gradually freezes.
Therefore, when choosing, pay attention to both the limit of resistance to rain and the volume of vapor removal from the body. If you plan to fish in one place with a float rod or jig on baited holes, then, as practice shows, it is comfortable to wear insulated clothing with a fabric permeability to external moisture (rain, wet snow) of approximately 6000 mm, and with the ability to remove moisture and evaporation of 6000 g. per square meter in 24 hours.
But, if you run all over the pond with a spoon or jigs, or even worse, after trout with a spinning rod at the aerator, then it is better to take overalls with fabric 10,000 mm/8,000 g/sq.m in 24 hours. And maybe with an even higher capacity for steam removal.
| Photo: Andrey Yanshevsky. |
Some anglers prefer one-piece suits. They have their pros and cons. The advantages are that the heat inside is better retained, they are lighter and more comfortable to move. There are more disadvantages. A one-piece jumpsuit cannot be made from non-breathable fabric under any circumstances. There is no ventilation inside the overalls and you will quickly freeze, even in warm weather (-5 degrees).
Read the material “Clothing for hunting”
In a person, the hottest part of the body is the head. Therefore, it has the largest specific heat losses. This means that even if you have a warm hood on your jacket, you need to have a hat.
Under overalls, most fishermen wear everything, from training suits to woolen sweaters, whatever they like. But it is best to wear special underwear on the body itself, which is incorrectly called thermal underwear. In terms of meaning, it is correct to call it functional.
It is very important, without listening to advertising praises, to carefully choose the underwear that is optimal for prolonged exposure to the cold.
For those who constantly sit in one place, one underwear is optimal, and for those who are constantly on the move with a spinner, another.
The point of functional underwear and socks is to quickly wick sweat away from the body. Dry skin will not freeze. The basis of functional underwear is polyacrylonitrile, which also does not allow bacteria to multiply.
The more wool and cotton in the laundry composition in relation to polyacrylic, the more passive rest it is intended for. I advise you to stock up on two different sets, then you can always choose the right one. A fleece suit is ideal to pair with functional underwear. There is no point in saving, since good fishing clothes last for many years.
Read the material “Choosing thermal underwear for fishing”
No less important is the issue of shoes.
First of all, you should pay attention to the thickness of the sole. Feet get cold from contact of the sole with snow, ice and water on ice and from condensation inside the shoes.
| Photo: Andrey Yanshevsky. |
Nowadays, boots made of polyethylvinyl acetate (EVA) are widely represented on the market. Depending on the manufacturer, the quality can vary greatly, which is mainly determined by the quality of the EVA.
When purchasing, take out the liner or insole and see if there are indentations in the sole on the inside. These are niches for collecting condensate, in case the moisture capacity of the liner is not enough during active movement. I advise you to buy shoes two sizes larger for fishing.
I should note that boots for winter fishing are only needed if there is water on the ice. In all other cases, high boots made of the same EVA are better. Condensation and heat do not accumulate in them at all.
Read the material “Socks for hiking”
As for mittens or gloves, I don’t wear them, but keep them in a drawer. Just in case.
Andrey Yanshevsky. November 27, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Outerwear
A jumpsuit or suit is worn on top. It is very good if outerwear is made of membrane fabric. Just remember that when washed, membrane fabric loses its properties.
Now stores sell liquid for washing membrane fabric. She needs to do her laundry.
It is better to use pants with straps. They cover the back well, the most vulnerable part of the body for fishermen. In general, a winter suit can consist of several elements, including winter overalls for fishing, a jacket, a vest, etc.
A winter fishing jacket can have a removable hood with or without fur and a detachable lining. This allows you to use one jacket at different temperatures.
Thus, winter fishing equipment can consist of three sets that will save you from the cold, even if you sit still.
Gloves
Gloves for winter fishing are also an important component of equipment. Many different operations are performed by hand in the cold. Some people wear two types of gloves - thin ones so that they can be easily manipulated and thicker ones, even fur ones. The gloves use Thinsulate insulation.
Currently, transformable gloves are used. The design of these gloves is special; the fingers open up. Good - Norfin, Mil - Tec. Electrically heated gloves are available.
Ice fishing gloves
It is not necessary to collect a set of clothes from different manufacturers. For example, there is a trademark “Norfin”, under which clothing for winter fishing is produced. You can purchase all the equipment at once, and it will meet the highest requirements.
Norfin winter fishing clothing has long been known on the Russian market. Her collection contains all types of underwear, outerwear and shoes. So you can't go wrong if you buy this equipment. You won’t have to worry about the question: “How to dress for winter fishing?”
Other good companies that produce clothes for fishing are Sundridge, good and inexpensive suits and jackets, Shimano - all clothes and shoes, Nexus, very expensive but high-quality clothes.
Choosing clothes for a fisherman
There are a huge number of fishing spots in our country. When going there, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the region, as well as the specifics of the entire process. If we consider winter fishing in Astrakhan, where a huge number of visitors to this picturesque corner gather annually, you should take into account temperature fluctuations and stock up on a good supply of warm clothes. Fortunately for guests, there is a recreation center “Uglyanskoye” in this area, where you can warm up and relax.
Regarding the specifics of fishing, you need to consider whether you will sit with a float rod or have to constantly move with a jig and a balancer. But in any case, clothing should protect from cold, wind, frost, but not hinder movement or create discomfort for the body.
Read: Fishing shoes, what they should be
When deciding how to dress for winter fishing, give preference to wardrobe items that will meet the following characteristics:
- lightness and naturalness of materials;
- strength;
- moisture resistance;
- functionality (presence of pockets, fasteners, hood, which are characteristic of clothing items for this purpose).
A jacket or down jacket should be easy to take off and put on. This will allow you to quickly undress, make holes in the surface of the reservoir and get dressed. Don't forget that the sitting position does not allow you to move and stay warm. This means that you need to take care of the multi-layered “uniform”.
Attention! Experienced fishermen purchase wardrobe items specialized for winter fishing, which are characterized by durability, high quality workmanship, and the use of “breathable” fabrics and materials. If you intend to make fishing a permanent hobby, it is advisable to buy such products in tourist stores.
Knee pads
Also, fishermen and lovers of active jig fishing use such a piece of clothing as knee pads for winter fishing. The advantages of fishing from the knee are obvious. The fisherman is closer to the hole, so the nod is less affected by the wind. It is much easier to take fish from the hole and you don’t have to constantly bend over. They also protect knee joints from hypothermia. Knee pads for winter fishing are produced taking into account the anatomical characteristics of a person.
Knee pads
Backpack
Clothes for winter fishing are complemented by a backpack. It is necessary to select a model so that there is enough space in it. An ice fishing backpack is usually made of waterproof materials. Capacity ranges from 50 to 120 liters. Weight is up to 0.7 to 3 kilograms.
This backpack is equipped with numerous pockets, ranging from the smallest to pockets for large items of equipment. A backpack with a chair is popular. The design of this backpack includes a lightweight metal frame, which, if necessary, folds out into a seating area.
Folk sign: It is better to wear proven, “lucky” clothes when fishing, and in no case new ones!
Choosing the right shoes for winter fishing
Shoes. It must be waterproof! On large rivers, even in frosty conditions, you can find a puddle under the snow, especially near the shore. Water flows out of holes drilled by fishermen, or from cracks when ice breaks when the water level in the river rises. Choose shoes trimmed with fur on the inside and a size larger so that your feet are slightly loose. This will come in handy for the insole and wool sock. You can also walk in felt boots, but be sure to wear shoe covers made of waterproof fabric on top; you must not allow the felt boots to get wet.
I don’t recommend going ice fishing in ordinary, fashionable winter boots. At a minimum, you need felt boots, or even better, buy special fishing shoe covers. More expensive models have better quality materials. Cheap shoe models are fine in mild frosts, but they don’t last long. Over time, cheap material cracks. I was lucky, the cheap shoe covers lasted for 5 seasons, while for others it only lasted one winter.
