So, there you are…on that dream fishing trip in some northern location like Alaska, Patagonia or Canada and the rain’s coming down in buckets. Pretty soon you’re soaked all the way through and you’re getting wet down to the skin…and cold.
And let’s be honest here…Nothing puts the kibosh on the fun like hypothermia!
The good news is there is a way to beat the dreaded “soak-through” scenario. It’s my 3-Step Stay Dry Program and it goes like this…
This isn’t rocket science, but the key is to layer…with the proper stuff. Here’s my normal set up for fishing in cold, wet conditions:
Base Layer
For undergarments, go with a moisture-wicking fabric. Microfleece, capilene and Merlino wool are all good choices.
Layer 2
Fleece…the coolest invention since the outboard jet…is the way to go here. A set of fleece pants and a pullover fleece sweatshirt makes up layer 2. You can even get fancy and go with wind shear or water-resistant models.
Or, if it’s really cold, ditch the fleece and go with a jacket filled with Primaloft insulation. PrimaLoft coast kinda look like down, but are instead filled with a high-tech synthetic material that is incredibly soft, lightweight, breathable and water repellent.
Simms Primaloft Jacket
What’s really slick about a jacket made out of this stuff is it’s so light and thin (but very warm) that you can still wear it under your outer layer(s) and not feel like the Michelin Man. The one I wear comes from Simms, but Mountain Hardware and First Ascent (and many others) make nice ones too.
Layer 3
Okay, next layer is a rain coat. Jackets made out of Gore-Tex and similar products that are waterproof and breathable are the way to go. Rubber rain gear is great for keeping water out, but it also keeps sweat vapors in, so you can end up clammy under your great from perspiration.
Rockin' the Frogg Toggs (blue) under the Gore-Tex
The downside to the waterproof/breathable fabrics is you can still end up damp on the inside on the really, really wet days. To keep that from happening, I’ll wear a Frogg Toggs coat as my “base” raingear layer. If you’ve never seen this stuff, it’s really cool. It’s waterproof and breathable but extremely light — the best way I can describe the material is it’s kinda like paper but it’s extremely tough. Wearing the basic jacket is like wearing a T-shirt and you hardly can tell it’s there.
Over the Toggs, throw on a Gore-Tex outer shell and you’re in business. I like a basic, non-insulated shell as opposed to a coat for weight and freedom of movement reasons.
You’ll stay warm and dry all day long with this system because you have good insulation as your base layers and double outer layers that are waterproof and breathable.
The right gear will keep you happily fishing...even on a day like this!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Good question…and I don’t really have a great answer for ya because I am not a big fan of the lack of sensitivity and feel you get while fishing with gloves. Even laytex feels too thick and cumbersome to me.
I do know places like Cabelas carry some pretty slick Goe-Tex models that may work for ya.
Hey JD ….What’s A Good Glove To Wear During A Down Pour Or …..When It’s Very Cold Out ….Thanks.
You are absolutely right on (again). I fished Trinity on Jan 2. Using same layering step, I pontooned 5 mile stretch in mid 30 weather and never got cold or even uncomfortable. Frogg Toggs go every where with me, especially up to Canada when it is damp and cold.
Thanks, Big Boy!
You are correct my friend. The four step layer system is the best way to keep dry in a torrential downpour. Often we will be out all day in these conditions and being warm and relatively dry could save your life. The photo in your article shows an angler in soaking wet rain and perhaps at quite some distance from a lodge or motel. Keep up the good work!
Fred Contaoi