If you have ever fished in the depths of winter, you will know how cold it can get and If you fish overnight, a bivvy is often the only thing that keeps you protected from the elements. Unfortunately, every year we hear about anglers losing their lives due to the use of gas-heated equipment—whether it be a stove, cooker, or heater—to warm their bivvy.
This is an absolutely tragic loss for their family and the angling community and one that can be so easily avoided. There are much more efficient and far safer ways to stay warm when venturing out in cold conditions. Please, please never be tempted to use any gas/coal-powered equipment to heat a bivvy as the carbon monoxide it produces is fatal, and the danger can escalate very quickly.
Overwraps and winter skins
One of the easiest ways to improve the conditions in a bivvy is to add an overwrap. Most manufacturers produce bespoke wraps designed to fit their models, but if yours doesn’t, you can usually find a universal option that works. The overwrap traps a layer of air between the bivvy walls and the outside air, helping to increase the temperature while reducing condensation, which can drip on you as you sleep.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING ONE OF THE BEST FISHING BIVVIES TO KEEP WARM THIS WINTER!
Sleeping bags
A good quality, 5-season sleeping bag is essential when fishing in the winter. These bags are designed to be used in the coldest conditions imaginable, and trust us when we say that a quality sleeping bag can truly save lives.
They not only warm up quickly but also retain heat incredibly well. So, if you have to leave the bag for any reason during the night, you can return to a warm environment and quickly shake off the cold. You can even purchase heated sleeping bags now that run off a USB and are powered effectively through power packs.
IF YOU NEED A QUALITY SLEEPING BAG, CHECK OUT OUR BUYER'S GUIDE TO THE BEST AVAILABLE.
Bedchairs
While many believe layering up on top is sufficient, a significant amount of heat is lost underneath your body. This makes a good quality, well-insulated bedchair or mattress essential for keeping out the cold. Additionally, you can use mattresses designed to fit on top of an existing bedchair to add an extra thermal layer of protection to help keep you warm.
THE BEST BEDCHAIRS ARE NOT ONLY COMFORTABLE BUT WELL INSULATED TOO.
Hot water bottle
One of the best ways to keep warm on the bank is by using a hot water bottle. They weigh almost nothing, making them easy to transport, and you can fill them with lake water. They take just a few minutes to warm up and can be reheated an infinite number of times. Even if you don’t have access to high-quality sleeping bags or bedchairs, a hot water bottle will help keep you toasty all night.
Make sure the door to the bivvy is open fully and there is plenty of ventilation when using the stove, better still heat the water outside the bivvy.
IF YOU ARE VENTURING OUT, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST WINTER CARP WATERS TO KEEP THE BITES COMING!
Wrap-up warm
There is an endless variety of clothing available to keep you warm when outside, including heated socks and tops, which are particularly useful if you struggle in cold conditions while fishing. A good base layer, followed by a jumper, fleece, gilet or body warmer, and a coat is ideal. Essentially, the more layers you wear, the warmer you will be. A thick hat will complete the outfit.
However, it is not advisable to wear all your layers before you are set up. Activities like pushing a barrow, spombing, setting up, and casting can cause you to heat up. If you are too warm under all your layers, you will sweat, and that sweat can cool on your skin, causing you to chill quickly. It’s much better to wear minimal clothing while setting up and then layer up once you start fishing.
If possible, always have a spare set of clothes in your car or in your bag because they will be sorely missed if the clothes you have on get wet. There is nothing colder or more uncomfortable than fishing in wet clothing in the summer, let alone winter.
HAVE YOUR BEST WINTER CARP FISHING SESSION YET WITH THE BEST WINTER CARP EDGES.
Definite don'ts
Any gas or coal powered equipment is a massive thing to avoid when in any enclosed environment, especially a bivvy. No matter how cold your bivvy is, zipping up the door and leaving a cooking stove or gas heater on can be very quickly fatal due to the carbon monoxide it produces when gas is burned. This will cause you to fall unconscious and with enough exposure (which can be as little as half a small can of gas) it will kill you. The same applies to bbq's and Cobbs that use coal.
ENSURE YOU NEVER MISS A BITE WHEN SLEEPING WITH THE BEST BITE ALARMS WITH RECEIVERS.
Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.