Clothing / Layering

[Fruin]

I do not think that the underlayers have to be of the best brand names.

I get by with a pair of merino wool socks over a pair of thin socks, and a thin pair of cotton trousers with a fleece bib and brace over(a bit like tight dungarees). If it is exceptionally cold I will wear a thinner pair of fleece longjohns also. Over all that goes my breathable waders.

On the top half, I'll wear one t-shirt and a fleece or woolen jumper over that. Over that goes my jacket and hat. A scarf can do wonders at keeping the warm air in your jacket and the cold air out.

Make sure your jacket and waders are good quality, as no amount of insulation will keep you warm if cold water keeps entering underneath.

A lot of people suggest moisture wicking underlayers. These are good if you sweat a lot and can afford them, otherwise don't bother.

[salmonfly]

For me in the winter it's a three layer system,

My first layer next to the skin is a base lay called power dry, this wicks water away from your skin and keeps you dry.

MY second layer is made from Capilene this also helps to transport water away from your body and also keeps you dry.

My third layer is a heavyweight power dry fleece, this will keep you warm or you can use a wind stopper breathable double layer Fleece, with very good insulation.

You will also have to address your feet in the same manner, wear only breathable wool socks that lets water out and not back in. (NEVER WEAR COTTON SOCKS)

The above three layer system will keep you warm with your breathable waders in cold water for a while.

You will need a breathable wind stopper wading jacket that dries fast; this will keep you warm as a finial outer layer.

You will need a good wind stopper hat, this also let’s water out and not back in and keeps your head dry.
You will need a pair of wind stopper gloves that dries fast.

YOU should NEVER wear COTTON as a first, second or third layer, cotton does not breath and will always retain water, this will lead to you being COLD and uncomfortable .

This is also very importance, you should ALWAYS have extra clothing with you when you are fishing in the winter, you might just go for a dive, and sometimes you will need a change of cloths, but not always.