Cold weather layering?

I’m a fan of merino wool base layers…heavy fleece pants in the waders, multiple fleece sweater and vest on top…wool cap, wool gaiter and wool half finger gloves
 
I spend my winters on the sound, so definitely not as cold as many places. Still, I'm running around a lot at high speed on an open boat with zero protection from the elements all day so it definitely gets cold.

My standard is merino wool base layer top and bottom.

Over those on the bottom I go with a pair of Kaiwaka fleece pants.

On the top, over the merino wool, I wear a long sleeve Columbia PFG synthetic hooded shirt, then an older Patagonia R1 Hoodia, then a Simms Downstream jacket.

I wear a single pair of whatever socks I happen to grab, then a pair of Orvis Ultralite stocking foot waders over the top of it all. Since I'm in the boat I seldom have issues with cold feet. Simms Pro Dry jacket on top.

The last couple of years I've also been wearing a fleece neck wrap thing my wife bought me and that thing really helps.
 
I remember someone saying that they put bread bags over their socks, or something, to create a barrier. Does that actually work?
 
I remember someone saying that they put bread bags over their socks, or something, to create a barrier. Does that actually work?
I did something similar a few times for winter camping - ski trips. But I put the vapor barrier over my liner sock and under my wool socks to keep the wool socks dry(er).
 
For those looking for electric socks
Also, Amazon has plenty of rechargeable hand warmers small enough to put in a pants pocket or maybe medical tape to an ankle under the socks.
 
For those looking for electric socks
Also, Amazon has plenty of rechargeable hand warmers small enough to put in a pants pocket or maybe medical tape to an ankle under the socks.

Look up Amazon reviews. There's reports of people getting burnt, even from the companies that have made an effort to establish a brand (rather than random Alibaba stuff). This is why I haven't tried them yet. REI carry some, which are presumably better quality, but they're obscenely expensive.

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I did something similar a few times for winter camping - ski trips. But I put the vapor barrier over my liner sock and under my wool socks to keep the wool socks dry(er).

Doesn't that make the liner get wet, from all the sweat that has nowhere to go?

My understanding is that you want the barrier between your (wet) neoprene booties and your (thick/dry) socks. I'm assuming it slows down the transfer of heat/cold outside/inside. Presumably it only works until your socks accumulate enough moisture to render the bag useless. This is all just theoretical though; I've never done it.
 
Yes the liner got wet. The other
thing I could do would be to put it against bare skin like a VB top, but the VB sock wasn't form-fitting like a liner sock so it could bunch up, be uncomfortable, and might create blisters. And the idea with VB is you can detect the sweating earlier and take measures to reduce overheating. Here's a couple of articles describing use of VB clothing (+ sleeping bags, tents - I own a Warmlite tent and sleeping bag)

 
Look up Amazon reviews. There's reports of people getting burnt, even from the companies that have made an effort to establish a brand (rather than random Alibaba stuff). This is why I haven't tried them yet. REI carry some, which are presumably better quality, but they're obscenely expensive.

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Are you talking about the socks or the rechargeable hand and body warmers? I've used both for a long time and have not had any risk of burns. That inludes the ones designed for lower back aches.
 
Lucky me, it takes really frigid temps before i need to wrap up like ralphies lil' brother.

I do like a long sleeve shirt and some kind of neck wrap. No extra socks ever. Gloves are great as long as they stay dry. A quality hat is a must.

I am the guy in shorts and a t-shirt all year long.
 
How many strips before the line was firmly stuck in iced guides? ;-)
This was the Firehole in mid-October in a pretty active thermal area. Water was ~65-68 degrees. Hold most of the rod underwater for 30 secs and you could get in two casts before things froze up. Not ideal conditions.
 
Reddington fleece pants (love the stirrups), tight fleece layer under waders on 30º days, thinner under layer on 40º days, Bulkley jacket over waders, either way. I don't really try to fish under 30º, because it's over after a couple casts anyway.

Alpaca socks and boots a size too large did ok. Boot-foot waders with church socks take care of that.

Still waiting for someone to invent the perfect glove, though.
 
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Differing layers and number of layers is going to vary with the individual and temperature. Work with the suggestions until you find what is comfortable. My suggestion is to pay particular attention to your feet. Oversized boots and a couple layers of high end cold weather socks. I liked a synthetic base layer sock followed by a couple good wool socks. Spend the time and money to keep your feet warm. Once your feet get cold you will be cold.

My problem was wearing 3 or 4 layers and only having a 2 layer dick. Made it difficult to take a leak.
 
I spend my winters on the sound, so definitely not as cold as many places. Still, I'm running around a lot at high speed on an open boat with zero protection from the elements all day so it definitely gets cold.

My standard is merino wool base layer top and bottom.

Over those on the bottom I go with a pair of Kaiwaka fleece pants.

On the top, over the merino wool, I wear a long sleeve Columbia PFG synthetic hooded shirt, then an older Patagonia R1 Hoodia, then a Simms Downstream jacket.

I wear a single pair of whatever socks I happen to grab, then a pair of Orvis Ultralite stocking foot waders over the top of it all. Since I'm in the boat I seldom have issues with cold feet. Simms Pro Dry jacket on top.

The last couple of years I've also been wearing a fleece neck wrap thing my wife bought me and that thing really helps.
How do you like the Kaiwaka fleece pants?
 
How do you like the Kaiwaka fleece pants?


I love them.

I picked up a pair a few years ago when they started selling them at England's Marine in Westport and they quickly became my favorite pants to wear under my bibs on the ocean. Since then I've picked up several more pairs. They are tough as hell, have zippered pockets which keeps my wallet and such from swimming in the ocean/sound, super warm and comfortable, and the elastic waist/draw string never seems to wear out which has always been an issue for me with similar style pants.
 
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