layering for warmth

Mornin' all!,
I was wondering how Ya'll dress for the cold.
I read a post with something about not wearing cotton. This is my Fav to wear and have lots, but nothing else.
What do you use for base layers?
Thanks, it's starting to get cold and sitting on the butt all day......

Hey Box!

Crab still abundant down there?

Polypro underwear dries like a zillion times faster than cotton and wicks moisture away from the body. Its worth its weight in gold (which is nearly what you'll pay for it). It's thinner as well and really helps lessen the dancing required to get into my drysuit. Microfibre fleece on top of the polypro will keep you toasty and give you something to take off when it gets too warm.  It dries quickly as well.

Thanks Fishes,
 I want to stay warm this winter!
Crabs still here, but can't drop pots till Dec. 1. We have a few left in the freezer for crab cakes and such, can't wait for the fresh ones again!
I figured with one of the best salmon fisheries on the Or. Coast, I might as well try for a few in the river this winter.
 I have not fished for Salmon in the rivers since the late '80's, and then from the bank only. But I do remember how COLD I got standing in the weather!
I plan on packing a few of those chemical hand warmers with me as well!

Back when I used to do Astronomy in high school, we had this nifty hand warmers that lasted a few hours.  When they were done, you could boil them in hot water for 15 minutes and then reuse them.  I can't find them on the market anymore, all they have are disposable ones.  Perhaps they stopped making them as they can make more money if you are constantly buying them.

If you want something easy for light cold/wet weather, get UnderArmor Cold Gear.  Shirts run about $20.  I use an Underarmor Tech Tee, which is looser, though not made for cold weather.  They aren't specifically made for (or perhaps marketed for) wet weather, but they are fast drying and moisture wicking.  I used them when I went camping this summer, and I didn't have any sunburn issues either.  You can use them for normal shirts or working out at other times too, without looking silly.  My Girlfriend jumped in the water with a cotton shirt, and was dripping wet for an hour after we went back to camp.  I was mostly dry 5 minutes after I left the water.  Price beats the $50 Rash Guards they market to surfers.

They do make leggings as well.  I figure if the football players use them on the field, in the snow, mud, rain, wind, etc....then they should work fine for me.  Maybe not the best for full immersion though.

Polypro and fleece is my solution, too. It can't be beat.

Polypro and fleece is my solution, too. It can't be beat.

Yup, what he said.

-Allen

I'm a fan of polypro and fleece as well. 

I also have some light merino wool layers that I think I like better than the polypro (not itchy, wicks, just as warm, but doesn't stink like polypro).  I picked them up in New Zealand about 5 years ago, but I'm starting to see them here as well (IBEX and IceBreakers are brand names).  If polypro is worth it's weight in gold and costs just as much, than merino wool is worth it's weight in platinum and costs just as much.

Brian

but doesn't stink like polypro 

That is a drawback of polypro. It  may let water vapor though, but the funk stays with you. Think P.E. shirts before they learned about deoderant.

Funky but not George Clinton approved.

I don't have a lot of experience dressing for kayak fishing, but I do for winter fly fishing.  Same principle (I think).

To save some cash, check Sierra Trading Post (www.sierratradingpost.com) and buy some wicking long undies there (they generally have a pretty good selection of discontinued items/seconds).  Thats your base layer.

Next shop the same site for mid-weight fleece or wool shirts, and a pair of quick dry pants (I use regular old nylon hiking pants).  Finally, top it off with a heavier layer of fleece/wool (both shirt and pants).  Some fly fishing gear makers now sell some nice pull-over fleece pants with stirrups on the feet, so they don't ride up when you put on your waders/drysuit.

You can strip off layers as needed depending on the temps you are in.  Top it all of with waders and a dry top, and you are set.  My feet get cold, so I tend to wear a pair of thin polypro socks with a heavy pair of wool socks on over them (inside my waders.)