Cold weather layering?

I like to be warm. I don't just want to be "not cold"...I want to be warm. Long johns, top and bottom, merino wool ($200). Thin sweat pants and thin long sleeve shirt (thrift store) Then a quality flannel jacket with a tight fitting zip up collar (imperative)..Flannel lined Carhart jeans...Cheap puffy jacket from "Ross dress for less"...My $350 puffy is often too "delicate" and the $45 cheap puffys work well. If it is raining or wet I will wear a Granyte set of slicks over this outfit which keeps me dry and actually much warmer. Merino hat, thrift store socks ( at $2 they are almost disposable and often quite good quality). For my hands I use the fleece lined work gloves from the marine hardware store ($15).
 
Working from dawn to dark on the Puget Sound, on a boat that does 25 knots has required me to refine my wardrobe. I am often doing "wardrobe changes".... removing my fleece jacket or my puffy or my slicks...but the initial set up seems to be "bullet proof" for the weather here.
 
I'll add that a zip up collar, keeping your neck warm is vital. And the lined work gloves are a game changer. An aluminum boat can be like working on a block of ice. These gloves (I get the xtra large) keep my hands warm, even when working with wet lines..and are easy to take on and off.
 
I'll add that a wool hat is a necessity. However the harsh sunlight often requires that a baseball cap is worn underneath the wool cap. Yes...put a ball cap on and stretch a wool cap over it so that your head, and ears are kept warm. The ball cap also serves to improve your peripheral vision when using the hood of your puffy or raincoat.
 
Jim in Anacortes said:
I'll add that a wool hat is a necessity. However the harsh sunlight often requires that a baseball cap is worn underneath the wool cap. Yes...put a ball cap on and stretch a wool cap over it so that your head, and ears are kept warm. The ball cap also serves to improve your peripheral vision when using the hood of your puffy or raincoat.
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A merino Buff or balaclava that you can breath pre-warmed air through, covered by a (wool) fitted ball cap fits nicely under a hood and doesn't get dislodged easily when removing the hood. Also the bill keeps rain and snow out of your eyes-off of your glasses. With a fleece or wool cap on top; I like a Inca-style beanie with long ear flaps and a chin strap stretched over the ball cap to ensure it all stays in place, and the hood over it all work together to keep the head nice and warm.
 
Jim in Anacortes said:
I'll add that a wool hat is a necessity. However the harsh sunlight often requires that a baseball cap is worn underneath the wool cap. Yes...put a ball cap on and stretch a wool cap over it so that your head, and ears are kept warm. The ball cap also serves to improve your peripheral vision when using the hood of your puffy or raincoat.
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I've got a climbing skull cap from black diamond for use under climbing helmets that I often use under a ball cap. It really shines when doing things like biking in the winter, but I use it while fishing often.

Edit: the hat is the black diamond dome beanie
 
I would like to think I am pretty good with layering up. It is all dependent on what I am doing of course but mostly how physically active I am. I pay attention to the weather forecast but always plan for the worse. I think goretex is a fabulous material. I have been enjoying whatever material simms is using in their challenger jacket that I am using right now. For large dudes the challenger is super roomy. I am not missing my short wading jacket currently. I found the grundens baselayer stuff really comfy too.
 
DoesItFloat said:
If your feet are still getting cold with all that added heat, you should try upping your boot size. Circulation and a little space does wonders.
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That's a worthwhile idea, for sure. May have to look into custom waders at some point. I'm 5'10" and usually run 175-180, so it can be hard to find waders that fit my body that also fit my feet.
 
jaredoconnor said:
I remember someone saying that they put bread bags over their socks, or something, to create a barrier. Does that actually work?
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This is what my mom sent me out in as a kid when it snowed substantially once every three years in the south: a couple pairs of socks, a bread bag over that, and into whatever sneakers. Then I was sent to play in the snow for several hours, maybe more if I could stand it. It would sort of keep your feet dry-er, maybe, I guess? I remember having fun and coming home cold and wet and warming up. I survived.
 
I like to fish in the winter. Less people, more wildlife, awesome scenery, and often great fishing. I'm on the Eastside (of the cascades), and agree with what others have said. If the daytime high is below 30, not really worth it with the guides freezing up the entire day. But, 30 and over I am game!

Feet: 1 pair snowboard socks under 1 pair thick merino wool. Don't wear so many socks your boots are tight, that will make it worse as @flybill pointed out.

Legs: 1 pair fleece long John's, under 1 pair fleece sweats, under 1 more larger pair fleece sweats, and of course, under your waders.

Top: I like the 511 stuff for base layer (can be found at Cabelas). I wear a mock turtleneck with nothing under it. Then a fleece pull over, then a fleece lined hoody, and then my Simms poofy gold insulated or whatever.

Head (super important): I wear a hat or beanie, but either way, you need a Buff that covers your ears and comes up over your hat (some like fleece lined buffs but i find them a little snug). Make sure your ears are covered, and when you don't need peripheral vision use your hood on your jacket.

This set up keeps me warm. I don't wear gloves, as I can't stand trying to tie knots in them, or taking them on and off to tie knots, or manage line. Sometimes if it's really cold I'll throw gloves on while I am rowing but not a huge fan of that either. Hand warmers in the pockets of your waders are fine, but they never work that great without O2, and with all the layers, my waders end up being snug, haha!

Lots of great winter opportunities out there, and dressing appropriately can help you enjoy them. You're never going to be perfectly warm, but sometimes the struggle is worth the reward. A Flask can help, as well as some company! Get out there and enjoy!!!
 
I wanted to give an update to this post I made a little over a yr ago. I ended up taking some advice and getting Smartwool merino wool base layer pants and a 1/4 zip shirt. A gift card made the cost a bit easier to bear And also I got a few pairs of merino wool Farm to Feet over the calf socks of thick weight and mid weight. Everything has worked great in the cold so far! using nitrile gloves with a cheap wool fingerless glove for my hands which I had been doing for a handful of yrs has been a game changer too
 
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