Let's talk cold water gear

[SirGeorgeKillian]

What are things you wouldn't go without? Does this change with what body of water you are fishing in? I'm looking to fish and duck hunt out of my yak this winter. Ready, go!

[ronbo613]

It's cold around here much of the time and conditions change quickly so I have quite the kayaking wardrobe:

http://www.watermanatwork.com/KayakF...shingWear.html

The only thing not covered there is for extreme cold, especially in the ocean or large rivers, is a dry suit.

[SirGeorgeKillian]

Early morning it can be cold. Like teens, had the oil in my gun freeze cold. Other times it is like 40-50 degree cold.

[YakMedic]

For hunting I use multiple layers and these: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...lar/749461.uts

The coldest fishing I do is the mid 20's and breathable waders with proper layering works fine. I have used the camo waders to fish with but I prefer my breathable's because of the relief zipper.

[makoslayer]

Anyone know of some cold weather gloves that still give enough manipulation to tie knots?

[SirGeorgeKillian]

Fishing knots? I sure don't. I work the FD and I can tell you first hand that even wearing light gloves and using easy to manipulate rope, unless you practice it often, it will be awkward.

Now I have thought hard about heated under garments. I have some old army gortex rain wear. Not insulated, but it is water tight. I was thinking about multiple layers under that. Also thinking about water wicking material, because of the threat of getting wet....

[MrPatrick]

I've seen gloves where the finger tips of the glove fold back to expose your fingers. Sorry don't remember where I saw them.

[alanw]

Originally Posted by MrPatrick

I've seen gloves where the finger tips of the glove fold back to expose your fingers. Sorry don't remember where I saw them.

I just bought a few pair at Kmart, on sale, and if you go to one of the closing stores then they're even cheaper.

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_046VA69559912P
http://www.kmart.com/athletech-men-s...84212P?prdNo=6

Best thing I ever bought for cold weather water sports
http://hyperflexusa.com/product/play...oprene-jacket/
2mm neoprene hoodie - it's so damn toasty.

I took a dunk launching on a very cold early winter morning. It was gray and overcast all day and my under shirts were soaking wet. I stripped down to just the Playa hoody and stayed toasty all day without anything underneath it. Another bonus is WSB slime hoses right off the neoprene

[ronbo613]

Anyone know of some cold weather gloves that still give enough manipulation to tie knots?

I don't believe there is such a thing. I have pretty flexible, mostly waterproof gloves, but casting and reeling is about as good as you can do with them. Sometimes I wear nitrile gloves underneath them. Some guys use those fingerless gloves.

Neoprene is OK to a certain temperature, about 40° in my opinion. Also, it does not breathe so eventually you'll sweat and get cold. I use 5mm waders in the winter, my feet get cold because they sweat and wet = cold. I wear polarfleece long johns under the waders. I've surfed in 50° water in a 4/3 mm wetsuit, but surfing wetsuits work because there is a layer of water, warmed by body heat, between your skin and the rubber.

A base layer of polypropylene or polarfleece is important because they breathe and are relatively warm even when wet. Layering is a no brainer; poly-something underwear and waterproof shell, additional items depending on temperature.

Sometimes, it doesn't matter what you wear. I got up to go fishing this morning and the temperature is 15°, most of the fishing time would be in the low 20's. I really want to go fishing, but that is just too cold. Fly fishing is out and casting is difficult due to iced up rod guides. Rocks that are already very slippery now have ice on them, very dangerous. Plus, it's kind of miserable. I can handle wet, I can handle cold; wet and cold is where it starts to suck. Sometimes, Mother Nature calls the shots.

[beef78]

Tank top and board shorts for the launch. Dry off faster after dunking at the launch and put on synthetic, water resistant clothes from your dry bag afterwards. Never wear cotton underwear. Holds that water right up against your boys and keeps them nice and soggy.

[jbaker]

Kokatat supernova angler paddling suit. I'm in love with mine. Just spent the day on the lake doing rescues and re-entry training with Sean Morley from Jackson kayaks. The water temp was around 49* and I spent a good amount of the day in it. I've been using Kokatat suits for the last 2 years and they can't be beat. I know it might be over kill down there but it's the ultimate in cold weather gear

[Fiskadoro]

Originally Posted by jbaker

Kokatat supernova angler paddling suit....... it's the ultimate in cold weather gear

No doubt !! I have a Kokatat Meridian goretex full suit I use for hooping and I agree it's the ultimate cold water protection.

They use these things on arctic expeditions for a reason.


I also own a Navy Seal Kokatat Goretex assault suit.


That's my suit a medium. It's pretty much the same thing except it's actually a little better made, has slightly thinner material, and has added padding at the knees. Great gear. I'll give it up to Kokatat they have to be the only manufacturer on earth to actually give the government a better product then they sell retail.

[ronbo613]

I've been using Kokatat suits for the last 2 years and they can't be beat. I know it might be over kill down there but it's the ultimate in cold weather gear

I like that Navy Seal suit.

Kokatat dry suits are the number one choice here in the PacNW. They would be to warm for the SD conditions, but when the water is in the 40's and the air is below 30°, it's the only way to go.

[tacmik]

Originally Posted by makoslayer

Anyone know of some cold weather gloves that still give enough manipulation to tie knots?

Check L. L. Bean. I think I saw some gloves that have like a mitton that covers the fingers that fold back when you need to tie knots.

[kaya_one]

Originally Posted by makoslayer

Anyone know of some cold weather gloves that still give enough manipulation to tie knots?

Originally Posted by MrPatrick

I've seen gloves where the finger tips of the glove fold back to expose your fingers. Sorry don't remember where I saw them.

Check these water proof gloves out. I would buy but can't tie knots with them. Maybe cut the finger tips off and they are semi-waterproof.
http://www.sealskinz.com/UK/gloves/k...ves-black.html