Apparal and Layering?

Just wondering what you guys use for layering under drysuits in our Alaska Saltwaters?

On top I normally wear a long sleeved T-shirt with good wicking properties (poly/spandex blend) and a quarter-zip mid-weight fleece pullover. For bottoms, mid-weight fleece. Early and late in the season, I'll wear polypropylene long johns as a base layer. One pair of good, knee-length SmartWool socks.

Don't know whether that's representative -- I tend to run warm these days and don't like overheating. It's why I also invested in a dry suit that is Goretex.

My main layer is a one piece mid weight polartec suit.  I'll add extra polypro layering if appropriate.  The beauty of a one piece suit is that you don't get "ride up" of your top, which exposed your lower back, especially for those of us with longer torsos.  That can be slightly uncomfortable and clammy, not really that big of a issue, but if I don't have to deal with it, even better.

-Allen

My main layer is a one piece mid weight polartec suit.  I'll add extra polypro layering if appropriate.  The beauty of a one piece suit is that you don't get "ride up" of your top, which exposed your lower back, especially for those of us with longer torsos.  That can be slightly uncomfortable and clammy, not really that big of a issue, but if I don't have to deal with it, even better.

-Allen

Same here.  I love that one piece polartec liner.  Very good at regulating temperatures.  I've got some Smart Wool long johns I can add if it's cold enough.  Also, wool socks are great at keeping the feet warm.  Just make sure your booties aren't too tight.

My main layer is a one piece mid weight polartec suit.  I'll add extra polypro layering if appropriate.  The beauty of a one piece suit is that you don't get "ride up" of your top, which exposed your lower back, especially for those of us with longer torsos.  That can be slightly uncomfortable and clammy, not really that big of a issue, but if I don't have to deal with it, even better.

-Allen

And that bare spot, if big enough, can cool you real quick in the event that you are dispatched from your vessel in cold water. DAMHIK

polypro thermal underwear, two layers of fleece bottoms, two wool socks, and enough polypro on top to keep me warm.  Usually two layers.  I rarely if ever use gloves...even ice fishing but I have been told there must be something wrong with my hands cuz that's not normal.

I will say that in my semi drysuit, I have NEVER felt cold while fishing other than maybe my toes in November.  It's a constant battle against getting too hot and sweating because then when you do stop trolling, you do get cold.  So why do I wear so much that I am always hot?  Becasue whenever I jump into the water to cool off here in Alaska, even that much gear its COLD in a hurry.  So I try and dress for immersion.

That's another reason I like the Hobies.  Built in heater than you can use while fishing...uhh..I mean you can keep pedaling slowly to stay warmer and cramp free while dealing with your gear or whatever. 

No gloves? Yikes. I imagine it's a must if you are actually paddling. Any suggestions? I have several pair of neoprene gloves, but really haven't put them to the test.

No gloves? Yikes. I imagine it's a must if you are actually paddling. Any suggestions? I have several pair of neoprene gloves, but really haven't put them to the test.

Atlas baby blues all the way!

-Allen

My main layer is a one piece mid weight polartec suit.  I'll add extra polypro layering if appropriate.  The beauty of a one piece suit is that you don't get "ride up" of your top, which exposed your lower back, especially for those of us with longer torsos.  That can be slightly uncomfortable and clammy, not really that big of a issue, but if I don't have to deal with it, even better.

-Allen

And that bare spot, if big enough, can cool you real quick in the event that you are dispatched from your vessel in cold water. DAMHIK

Another excellent reason for the 1 piece!

-Allen

So Atlas Blue - will give them a try - thx!

So Atlas Blue - will give them a try - thx!

Yeah, some people like the nitrile version, but I've used the Atlas blues for years, from Alaska to Mexico out to the South Pacific, mostly for handling toothy critters, but I find they work great as a paddling glove too.  And they're cheap!

IMO, Neoprene wears though rather quickly and are often bulky.  Bike gloves work well too and can take the friction, but they leave your fingers exposed.

-Allen

Sounds like I am covered with my cold weather Fly Fishing gear for the most part. Just might have to use it all at the same time!

Thanks for the info guys! Good stuff!

May have to try those gloves. Holding a metal paddle in freezing weather does get cold. I'm not normal but I've used just the latex disposable gloves.
Can carry a bunch and it makes a huge difference if you can just keep your hands dry. Dexterity is also very good for tying knots and such.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

May have to try those gloves. Holding a metal paddle in freezing weather does get cold. I'm not normal but I've used just the latex disposable gloves.
Can carry a bunch and it makes a huge difference if you can just keep your hands dry. Dexterity is also very good for tying knots and such.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Of course you can still wear those latex gloves under the Atlas Blues and still keep your skin dry while giving you a little extra insulation and abrasion resistance.

-Allen

Everyone pretty much covered whats good to wear. Just remember no belts, buttons or anything that you have to undo a great deal to relieve ones self! Also those things will rub on you bad out there! Also I like taking a pair of shoes with me in a dry bag. Sometimes I end up along way from the launch area and I just elect to walk back to the truck. The hike is much better without your suit and wading boots on.