WHEN winter arrives there’s no longer any excuse to pack the gear away, as cold-weather fishing clothing has never been better or more affordable!
Although warm, waterproof and windproof outer layers are vitally important, you won’t stay snug without the right base and mid-layers. Thick and warm clothing is great for mid-layers, while the most important property of clothing to be worn next to the skin is its moisture-wicking ability – it’s the damp from perspiration and condensation that makes you cold.
Here, then, is our pick of the best affordable, high-tech and traditional garments guaranteed to keep you warm on the bank this winter.
Top materials
**MERINO WOOL:**Coming from a breed of sheep with a very fine, soft wool, it might be expensive but it can absorb up to 30 per cent of its weight in moisture yet still insulate. Ideal as a basel ayer, it can feel itchy to those with sensitive skin, so it’s often combined with synthetic fibres.
SYNTHETIC FIBRES: Cheaper than wool but not quite as insulating, a mix of polyester, Spandex, nylon and Lycra makes warm and comfortable winter base and mid layers.
COTTON AND SILK: Although comfortable, they’re poor insulators and retain moisture, so are best avoided.
ZEROFIT HEAT RUB SOCKS & SMART WARRIOR ENERGY BOXER TIGHTS
ZEROFIT’S socks generate heat as they brush against the skin, so they warm up as you move about, and non-slip ‘nano dots’ on the soles give improved grip. The Boxer Tights are made from Bio Crystal Fibre, which re-emits the sun’s infrared rays across the skin, improving blood flow, and temperature regulation. Efficient absorption of oxygen improves cardiorespiratory function, helping keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Both products are suitable for men and women, and are available, with dozens of other base layer products, from the website.
I hadn’t heard of Zerofit until a couple of months ago, when a golfing friend suggested that I try one of its Heat Rub Move Base layer tops. I was that impressed, I added a pair of socks and the Boxer Tights. They’re simply the warmest/comfiest base-layer clothing I’ve ever worn.
Price: Socks £25, Boxer Tights £25, www.zerofit.co.uk
KEIS V501 HEATED VEST & BODY WARMER
KEIS is a leading motorcycle clothing brand that produces this electrically-warmed vest – the ultimate way to warm your torso!
The smart front-fastening vest heats your body using thin flexible carbon fibre pads stitched into the chest and back, and is designed to be worn over a base layer or T-shirt.
A 5200mAh battery will be needed when on the bank. A heat controller allows the vest to run on medium power for five hours.
Price: Heated vest/body warmer £140 - £155, 5200mAh battery with wall charger £104, heat controller unit £36, portable battery charger/vehicle power source £20, www.keisapparel.com
TRAKKER REAX BASE LAYER
THIS two-piece base layer set has been developed to be worn next to the skin as the start of a full thermal layered system. A half zip, collared, long sleeve top is paired with elastic-waisted bottoms, with a comfortable and non-restrictive Raglan cut. Wear the Undersuit on top of your undergarments, followed by a thermal waterproof suit.
Price: £44.99, www.trakkerproducts.com
GURU MERINO WOOL SOCKS
GURU makes these thick socks from sought-after Merino wool.
They’re specifically cut for anglers, with a high top, reinforced heel and toe sections, and a loopback inner on the upper section for increased insulation.
Merino wool is an extraordinary natural fibre that will keep your feet dry after hiking to your peg, and warm while you’re actually fishing. Everyone should own a pair of these socks.
Price: £14.99, www.tackleguru.com
HALKON HUNT TECHNICAL FLEECE SALOPETTES AND BIB AND BRACE LINER
HALKON Hunt has been making what many consider to be the finest fishing clothing on the market for over 30 years. The Technical Fleece fabric in the salopettes contains a Gore-tex Infinium Windstopper membrane, making them ideal to be worn under a bib and brace.
Halkon Hunt also does a cheaper Bib and Brace liner which will Velcro-fit into its top range Gore-tex waterproofs to provide extra insulation.
Price: Salopettes £107.98, Bib and Brace liner £24.50, www.halkonhunt.com
DAIWA SLEEP SKIN SUIT
DAIWA’S technically advanced, soft microfibre suit is designed to be worn next to the skin.
Despite its excellent thermal insulation properties, it remains fully breathable.
Designed by anglers, for anglers, the suit features elasticated cuffs, ankles and waist to prevent draughts.
Price: £44.99, www.daiwasports.co.uk
UNDER ARMOUR COLDGEAR
THIS collection of warm and quick-drying base layers can be found in loads of high street stores. Reliable and reasonably priced, it is a comfortable fit without being too baggy, yet has plenty of stretch. We like the several design options available – choose from shorts, leggings, short-sleeve or long-sleeve tops.
Price: £26 - £35, www.underarmour.co.uk
