Thermal underwear for fishing and hunting

What is special about thermal underwear for hunting or fishing?

So, you have decided not to buy a universal set of thermal underwear and approach the choice of thermal underwear consciously, taking into account its further use. It’s worth noting here that there are many offers on the market that are targeted at a specific group of consumers: only for hunters, only for fishermen, or for sports. Do not fall for such a pseudo classification, because it was invented solely for the convenience of promoting a particular product. Any such advice should be taken solely as recommendations, and in order to successfully navigate this sea of information, we will try to answer the most popular questions related to the choice of thermal underwear.

So, we have already written about the general functions of thermal underwear or “base layer” in an article about the principles of “layering” in clothing. However, for our purposes, we will need a kit that not only performs the basic functions of protection against moisture and overheating, but also has additional characteristics.

Thermal underwear that combines the properties of sets for sports and everyday wear is called “hybrid”.

What are the additional characteristics of thermal underwear that a hunter or fisherman should pay attention to? There are several of them, but the most important are the following:

Increased wear resistance. This is ensured by an optimal combination of properties such as elasticity and strength of the material.
Light texture. Thermal underwear for hunting and fishing does not restrict a person's movements and does not create discomfort during prolonged wear.
Providing reliable hydro- and thermal protection. Even when the fisherman sweats, thermal underwear wicks moisture away from the skin, leaving the body dry and warm
Easy to care for. When going fishing or hunting for several days, this is an important factor.
Special fabric composition and cut, minimum seams.

How to choose reliable and inexpensive binoculars for hunting and fishing - practical advice

As can be seen from the list of desired characteristics, the main emphasis when choosing thermal underwear should be placed on the type of fabric.

Classification of thermal underwear for winter fishing

Warmth-saving underwear is available in several versions, depending on the structure of the fabric.

Single layer option

Thermal underwear, consisting of one layer, should be worn at not very low temperatures, when it is not cold outside, but cool. It can be worn even in summer on cool days. Linen is made from thin artificial or natural fabrics.

Two-layer option

This type of thermal underwear is intended for the cold season and is made from specially designed fabrics that have a special structure, which helps remove moisture and retain heat. In this regard, such a set of underwear is considered hybrid due to the fact that it performs two functions.

Three-layer option

Three-layer thermal underwear has, in addition to the usual two layers, also a third layer. This is the bottom layer, which is treated with an anti-allergic compound. The remaining two layers are the same as in the two-layer version.

Dimensions

Global manufacturers use the most famous table used for labeling clothing. As a rule, the following symbols are used: XS, M, L, XL, XX. Despite this, some manufacturers have their own marking and sizing tables. All retail outlets should have such information. If such information is not available, then sellers must have such information and must always provide comprehensive answers to all buyer questions.

Choosing the right size

Thermal underwear is purchased in such a size that it fits tightly to the human body, but is not tight. If it is too large, as they say “hanging” on the body, then it will not be able to perform its functions. This is a very important point that should always be remembered.

Materials used

Only soft and elastic materials are suitable for the manufacture of thermal underwear. Only they can stretch and thereby ensure a tight fit to the body. Basically, these are specially designed fabrics that are of artificial origin, although they contain a small proportion of natural materials.

Wool and cotton

These materials, due to their characteristics, are not suitable for the production of thermal underwear. And that's why:
These materials wear out quickly when worn.
They actively absorb moisture and release it with difficulty.
These materials are not elastic.
During operation, they are significantly deformed.

If we talk about clothes made of wool, it is not advisable to wear them on a naked body, since this can cause various allergic reactions. This is due to the fact that wool clothing is quite scratchy and can only be worn over underwear. In addition, wool clothing has a significant weight compared to what is needed. As for cotton clothing, it requires special care during use, despite the fact that it does not cause any allergic reactions compared to woolen clothing. In addition, after washing these fabrics may change in size, which is not desirable.

Bamboo and eucalyptus

When making fabrics, eucalyptus or bamboo fibers are added to them. Their technical characteristics are similar, but eucalyptus has antibacterial properties, therefore, the use of fabrics with eucalyptus fibers creates a healing effect.

Thermal underwear containing bamboo fibers has no worse characteristics.

Linen using such materials has a number of advantages. For example:

The material has a large margin of safety.
Has good hygroscopic characteristics.
The material does not cause allergies.

Polypropylene and polyester

These artificial materials have no equal in the thermal underwear manufacturing process. It is these materials that are most suitable in their characteristics for the production of this type of linen.

Thermal underwear made using polypropylene or polyester has a number of positive characteristics:

Due to the enviable elasticity of the materials, the underwear fits the body perfectly.
At the same time, the material does not retain moisture.
It does not undergo deformation during wear.
Does not cause allergies when worn for a long time.

Unlike other materials, these synthetic materials are quite pleasant to the touch and create a certain level of comfort.

Polartek

Technologies do not stand still, but are constantly improving. Based on this, many manufacturers are working to improve thermal underwear, developing more and more new materials. Progressive and modern technologies make it possible to obtain completely different materials that differ in their characteristics due to:

Changes in the percentage of various, both synthetic and natural components.
Changes in the shape and methods of weaving fabrics.
The use of more modern, specially developed dyes.

It should be noted that the American company Malden Mills produces up to 150 types of artificial fabrics under the general name “Polartek”. These types of materials perfectly retain heat and remove moisture under any operating conditions. In addition, the material is impregnated with a special antibacterial composition.

What fabrics are included in thermal underwear?

Despite the positive connotation of the concept of “natural fabrics” and the disdainful attitude towards “all synthetics”, in the case of clothing for active pastimes, it is synthetic impurities that provide such characteristics as wear resistance and moisture wicking*.

So, the main types of fabric used in the production of thermal underwear sets:

Cotton
Nylon (Synthetic polyamide)
Polyester
Merino wool

A set of thermal underwear, as a rule, contains several types of fabric. To better understand the composition of the kit, it will be useful to learn about the individual properties of each material.

Characteristics

Thermal underwear for fishing differs in both functionality and principle of operation; it can be divided into three conditional classes:

1. Warming, heat-saving thermal underwear is suitable for low levels of physical activity, and the ambient temperature can even be very low. But you can use it at any time of the year, not necessarily only in cold weather, it helps to warm up and maintain a comfortable temperature. The principle of operation of such thermal underwear comes down to the following - the fabric has a layer of air, which, in contact with the body, heats up. That is, a certain layer of protection is created, and the larger it is, the warmer the person is. However, if it is too tight, there is a chance that a person will start to sweat, which, firstly, causes discomfort, and secondly, reduces the temperature created by thermal underwear, promoting freezing. It is recommended to wear windproof clothing over thermal underwear. Linen of this type is able to “breathe”, that is, loss of the heat-protective layer is inevitable.

2. Moisture-wicking thermal underwear. It is made from synthetic materials that help remove moisture (sweat) from under human clothing. Moreover, for this type of underwear, the air temperature does not matter; even in cold weather, the human body remains in comfortable dry conditions, and in the summer it does not overheat. Underwear acts as follows: due to the increased pressure that is created between the body and underwear, air escapes through the pores of the fabric to the outside, taking with it particles of sweat. And since thermal underwear for fishing is made from synthetic fabric, moisture is not absorbed and the clothes remain dry.

3. Hybrid thermal underwear, combining the functions of heat-saving and moisture-wicking, which allows you to retain body heat while simultaneously removing sweat. The whole trick is that this type of underwear combines 2 types of fabric, and the thickness of the moisture-wicking fabric increases, and the heat-saving one decreases. That is, the underwear becomes two-layered. The moisture-wicking synthetic layer is in direct contact with the skin, which allows it to effectively perform its functions of removing sweat, but the outer layer is a heat-saving material made of cotton or wool, and sometimes a mixture of these types of fabrics. The outer layer takes on the responsibility of not only retaining heat, but also absorbing moisture. Different combinations of the percentage of layers in such underwear provide different thermal protection and moisture wicking properties. It is believed that additional comfort is created when using thermal underwear for fishing with separate zones, where appropriate comfort is provided for all parts of the body.

To make thermal underwear for winter fishing comfortable, many of its developers add third-party impurities to the composition. In addition, this makes the fabric more durable, stronger and more elastic.

Thermal underwear for hunting or fishing: optimal fabric composition

Having learned the properties of various fabrics, we can confidently make a choice in favor of a suitable set. However, we still have to decide on priorities, because the most common sets made of synthetics, cotton or wool have their adherents and opponents.

Synthetics

Plus – effective removal of moisture from the fisherman’s (hunter’s) body. The downside is that it doesn’t retain heat well (as they say, it “gets cold”).

Synthetic set - most suitable for “active” fishing or running hunting. In this case, physical activity allows you to warm the body, and thermal underwear serves only as additional insulation. Its main purpose is to remove sweat from the skin.

Cotton, wool

Plus - low thermal conductivity. That is, these are excellent thermal insulators. The cotton set is also suitable for people with allergies to synthetics. The downside is increased moisture absorption, which leads to heavier thermal underwear. In addition, it will take quite a long time to dry, which will create additional problems during a multi-day trip to nature.

Cotton or wool - it is better to choose such thermal underwear for “passive” methods of hunting (from ambush) and fishing (winter). Or as a set for the base layer, if synthetic products are worn on top.

Choosing survival knives - review and video of the best options

So, what do you need to know to choose the right thermal underwear for fishing?

As already mentioned, the main and only function of thermal underwear is to remove moisture from the body. Therefore, when choosing thermal underwear the fisherman will experience during the fishing process. Often, when fishing, a person experiences stress in a “ragged” mode. Those. active movements, drilling holes, landing fish alternate with breaks and the fishing process itself. Consequently, the fisherman’s body periodically heats up, releasing sweat, and then cools down. In such conditions, it is not so important what kind of thermal underwear will be (this means the bottom layer, which is in direct contact with the body), and the first role comes to the functional features of the subsequent clothing, which is worn over the thermal underwear. It is foolish to expect any positive effect from functional clothing if you are wearing a woolen sweater or padded jacket over it. Rather, the effect will be the opposite. Moisture removed from the body using thermal underwear will not come out, but will be absorbed into subsequent layers of clothing. Soon these clothes will become wet and will no longer retain heat. At first the fisherman will feel chilly, and then he will completely freeze. Therefore, it is very important that the outer layers of clothing also remove moisture and retain heat. fleece clothing removes moisture well and retains heat Also, for winter fishing and fishing in late autumn and early spring, many manufacturers produce special membrane suits , which also effectively cope with moisture and retain heat, keeping the angler warm in any fishing conditions. In addition, such suits are very light, practically do not get wet and provide maximum comfort during fishing.

The main thing is that the suit fits: we select the size of thermal underwear

When going outdoors for a long time, it is advisable to take a spare set of underwear with you. You can always figure out where to change clothes, how to dry your removed clothes. One, lighter, is put on immediately, while still at home. It is convenient to move along a route, look for a place to drill holes, and so on. But a replaceable set of thermal underwear is for relaxation, it should be “more serious” and not allow a person to freeze when activity decreases.

Nowadays, more and more purchases are made online and there is a high probability of not getting your size when buying thermal underwear. Here it’s worth playing it safe and first trying on a similar model from the same manufacturer or ordering a couple of sizes “to try on.” After all, the peculiarity of such equipment for fisherman and hunters is that it is most effective only if it is selected exactly according to height and build. Believe me, a scrupulous approach to choosing the size of thermal underwear will pay off in full, because even the most expensive set will not realize its functions if it hangs, squeezes or rubs.

To find your bearings in sizes, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the table of the most common sizes in international and European formats.

Thermal underwear size chart for men

Choosing good thermal underwear is a rather complicated procedure that requires a professional approach. It is useless to evaluate all its pros and cons simply by eye. This is why many trust reputable manufacturers. In this case, the likelihood of running into a product of dubious quality or that does not meet the stated characteristics is minimal. Of course, a set of thermal underwear from a popular manufacturer will be more expensive, but excessive savings in this matter will remind you of itself when it’s far from home, and there’s nowhere to change clothes or get additional equipment.

Read about how to choose the right shoes for hunting and fishing here.

Types of thermal underwear

All thermal underwear is made from synthetic modern materials. The most common thermal underwear is made of polyester. This material is inexpensive, practically does not absorb moisture, and is quite durable. Less commonly, functional underwear is made of polypropylene, which is very durable, completely waterproof and does not retain an unpleasant odor. However, polypropylene is much more expensive than polyester, so there are few manufacturers on the modern market that use this material in the manufacture of thermal underwear. Thermal underwear can also be made from other synthetic materials, such as polyamide and Polartek. In order to expand the functions of thermal underwear and, therefore, the scope of its application, manufacturers add other materials such as wool Coolmax fibers , etc.

Based on the above, all thermal underwear can be divided into several types, which are best used under different loads and weather conditions.

Thermal underwear , made entirely of synthetics

.
Such functional clothing only provides moisture wicking. Therefore, it is better to use such thermal underwear under constant active loads at any time of the year. This clothing is suitable for many winter and summer sports and for outdoor activities.
In relation to fishing, such thermal underwear is best used in competitions or during active winter fishing. For example, synthetic thermal underwear is well suited for actively searching for fish in large areas when trolling from ice. Winter fishermen who are engaged in vertical fishing for perch or pike perch using lures often experience such a load. Also, such functional clothing is suitable for spinning fishing at temperatures around zero degrees. Thermal underwear with added wool or cotton

.
Such thermal underwear not only removes moisture from the body, but also retains heat. In addition, such functional clothing is very pleasant to the body. This thermal underwear can be used even for everyday wear. As for fishing, it can be used for all types of winter fishing, as well as for fishing in autumn and spring at temperatures from zero and below zero. Such thermal underwear in combination with correctly selected outer layers of clothing can provide maximum comfort when fishing under “torn” load conditions. Those. it will prevent you from sweating when moving and will keep you warm when the angler is at rest.
Functional underwear with added Coolmax

.
This thermal underwear is designed to remove moisture from the body and maintain optimal body temperature under any load in any weather. A special feature of such thermal underwear is its ability to provide a warming or cooling effect depending on the ambient temperature. It is advisable to use this functional clothing mainly in cyclic sports, for example in alpine skiing, cycling, cross-country skiing, and athletics. The clothing is suitable for use all year round, both on hot summer days and in the frosty winter.
Functional underwear with Windstopper

Popular thermal underwear manufacturers

The range of thermal underwear is very wide, and often in stores you can find not only sets, but also individual elements of equipment. Therefore, the choice can be made for every taste and season. Including for various types of active recreation, taking into account the specifics of hunting or fishing.

When choosing individual elements or a set, it is advisable to purchase combined fabric options. Thermal underwear made from just one material has limited use. Since fishing and hunting are carried out by the same person in different ways (from a stand, in the fields, and so on), it is advisable to choose universal products, the fabric of which is made from natural fibers in combination with synthetic ones.

In this regard, there are many laudatory reviews about thermal underwear based on Coolmax threads. The highest quality and unsurpassed moisture wicking are the main reasons for choosing this type of thermal underwear. The only downside is, perhaps, the price (for example, a kit from the Polish manufacturer Viking will cost 6,300 rubles) - it, as many fishermen and hunters believe, “bites”. What you need to take with you on a camping trip - a complete list of things

Here is a small list of brands popular in our circle with examples of prices per set (in rubles, by region: Moscow)

“Norveg” (5,480) - these products from Germany are considered universal in use;
“Norfin Nord” (3,580) – fleece thermal underwear, just right for winter hunting;
“Janus” (5800) – natural fabric, well suited for use in autumn;
“Craft Active” (2,260) is an artificial fabric, but provides good insulation. It is advisable to choose for hunting from ambush or ice fishing;
“Nova Tour” (set – from 2,890). This is a whole line of products in the “thermal underwear” category from a Russian manufacturer. This includes sets of products worn on the naked body (the same T-shirts + long johns), various suits.

Merino wool set from Norveg

This list of manufacturers is compiled as an example, based on reviews from hunters and fishermen. It’s easy to get acquainted with them by going to any of the thematic forums. In reality, the list of thermal underwear manufacturers is much wider.

For example, the products of “Aclima”, “Bola”, “Fjällräven”, “Devold”, “RedFox”, “Termoswed”, “Ultramax”, “Guahoo”, “Shimano”, “Marmot”, “Odlo”, “ Laplandic", "Craft", "Gratex", "X-bionic". Therefore, in reality there is a choice, and quite a large one, at any price.

TOP manufacturers of thermal underwear for winter fishing

“MJ Sport” (Finland)

It is quite natural that the Finns are considered the best manufacturers of winter clothing. This is due to the fact that Finland is located closer to the north and it is very important that citizens wear warm clothes. Therefore, they are constantly working on improving both warm outerwear and thermal underwear.

Clothes from the MJ Sport company are in great demand and popularity. Its distinctive feature is quality and functionality. And this is all thanks to innovative solutions using modern technologies, both in the production of fabrics and in their processing.

The main raw material for the production of materials is polypropylene, which can effectively retain heat. In addition, all the company’s products are characterized by a modern design, which makes them very attractive to potential customers.

VAUDE (Germany)

Thermal underwear of this famous German company is no less in demand among fishermen, athletes and tourists.

VAUDE product developments are different:

High quality products.
Modern design.
Fits the body perfectly.
Excellent heat retention.
Characterized by the highest level of comfort.
Attractive appearance.

Manufacturers of the German company VAUDE offer their customers thermal underwear:

Two-layer options for serious cold weather.
Single-layer options for cool periods.
Underwear for various categories of athletes.

Marmot, MILLET (France)

Products from French manufacturers also have their customers who are involved in sports or fishing. As a rule, this thermal underwear is of excellent quality and attractive appearance. In addition, French products are more affordable in price than German products.

Many of our fishermen use Marmot clothing and the reviews about it are wonderful. In addition to fishermen, famous athletes also use underwear. As the experience of using thermal underwear from well-known French companies shows, the quality of their underwear is no worse than other well-known companies, but it is more affordable.

LOWE ALPINE (USA)

This is a legendary American company, whose products are worth talking about separately. The LOWE ALPINE company produces equipment for mountain sports. Clothing from this company is capable of warming the human body in the most extreme conditions.

These conditions include:

Presence of snow storms.
Presence of cold, pouring rain.
Presence of strong gusts of wind.
Presence of low temperatures.

LOWE ALPINE employees are convinced that their products must meet the most modern requirements, regardless of operating conditions, and provide a high level of comfort and reliability. The underwear of this legendary company, capable of effectively retaining heat, is the most sought-after branded product among professional athletes and fishermen.

In the process of creating a new collection of underwear, the company relies on:

To achieve new technologies.
To meet the requirements of modern design.
To use the best materials.
To use high-quality dyes.

Sivera (Russia)

Russian companies are trying to keep up with their foreign competitors by creating underwear for extreme natural conditions. It is believed that Siver brand thermal underwear does not differ in quality from either French or American.

Bask (Russia)

According to some experts, as well as fishermen and hunters, some models of domestic underwear are not only not inferior to foreign models, but even superior to them. Similar products include samples from Bask (Russia).

Red Fox (Russia)

Products from a Russian company such as Red Fox are in wide demand and popularity.

This popularity is achieved due to:

Practicality.
Comfort.
Efficiency.

Thermal underwear. How to choose thermal underwear. Thermal underwear for fishing.

Advantages and disadvantages of thermal underwear

Advantages:

This type of underwear does not cause skin problems. The underwear does not accumulate sweat inside, but brings it out. Therefore, the underwear is suitable for children, as well as for people with sensitive skin;
does not cause discomfort while wearing;
ease of use. The clothes weigh a little and do not restrict movement. Due to the fact that the underwear fits tightly to the body, it can be used in any situation. You can easily wear any necessary clothing with thermal underwear;
thermal underwear performs the function of preserving the heat produced by the human body. Thanks to this, body temperature is maintained at a normal level;
protection from windy and wet weather. The fabric will prevent raindrops and snow from penetrating inside. This helps avoid hypothermia.

Flaws:

high price. Compared to other warm wardrobe items, thermal underwear costs several times more. Not everyone can afford to purchase the entire set, and purchasing one element is often ineffective;
not practical appearance. If in winter such clothes can be hidden, then in summer you will have to work out only in them. Not everyone likes to see themselves in completely tight clothes;
care requires compliance with certain rules. Wash only on a delicate cycle; do not use bleaches or powders with chlorine. Also, thermal underwear cannot be ironed;
For each sport you need to buy a separate type of underwear, which in turn is expensive.