What?s under your waders? ahem?

So, I?m off to Colorado next week to fly fish (woo hoo!) and the forecast indicates the lows are going to be in the lower 30?s (F) and the highs are going to be somewhere in the 40?s with a good chance for rain. As I?m new to fly fishing (particularly in cold weather) I need some clothing advice.

I?m confident with what to bring regarding a layering / outer shell system for my upper body (I?ve backpacked quite a bit) however, I need some advice as to what you all would suggest I wear inside my waders (Simms G3?s) for these temps.

For my upper body I was planning on wearing a long sleeved synthetic wicking base layer plus a merino wool pullover. I?ll bring along a Patagonia micropuff, nylon windbreaker, and a rain jacket (stored in a waterproof bag in a small backpack). As far as heads and hands I?ll bring along some fingerless fleece gloves, a thin merino wool balaclava, and a wide brimmed hat.

As far as under the waders, I was leaning towards wearing a pair of synthetic boxer briefs, a pair of merino wool socks, and going ahead and wearing a pair of Patagonia capilene 3 (synthetic) long underwear to the stream that morning. This may seem like a dumb question but do you all also wear pants (e.g. fast drying nylon) over your long underwear as well? Also, the capilene 3 long underwear is pretty thick stuff, should I invest in a lighter weight base layer (perhaps thin merino wool)?

What would you bring along for your lower body?

Fleece wader pants. :D

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Originally Posted by quivira kid

Fleece wader pants. :D

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Fleece... good idea! At what temps do you find them comfortable (low/high)? Do you wear the fleece pants to the site (as pants) and then slip into the waders/boots once you park the car?

Actually, sweat pants. When I bought them fleece had not been invented yet,,, and these have not worn out yet. I do think fleece is a whole lot better though. What the things do (sweat-pants or fleece) is create a buffer zone. The area keeps condensation from forming as there are not two extremely different temperatures hitting each other and of course helps keep you warm in cold weather.

gotta go with fleece wader pants too

ive changed out of my jeans to the wader pants at the car and nobody noticed.

my choice of sock is from "smartwool". toasty warm!!

Fleece pants are perfect for the cold weather. You mentioned rain?? How much? How much wind? How much of this weather can have a profound effect on your fishing.
Fish with a partner! Or tell someone precisely where your going.
You could just stay in the Lodge, sip Hot Chocolate and NOT freeze?? :lol:
Doug

Several years ago I found fleece workout pants (look like cotton sweat pants with pockets) on the clearance rack at K-Mart for $12. They say Buffalo Bills on the side slash pocket, which is probably why they were not moving in Cleveland. I wear poly liner socks with wool oversocks with these bargain pants under my Cabelas breathables. I can honestly say I have never been more comfortable fishing in the winter since adding the fleece pants. Check the racks at your local discount stores, or just buy them from whomever you get your backpacking stuff from.

Joe

Where in Colorado are you going? I'm at 8000 ft and it's going to be 70 degrees today and low in the 40's. I fish small streams at 9000-10,000 ft and it's about 10 degrees cooler. The water isn't that cold yet. I just wear Levi's under my waders and wool socks. I'm never cold.

Fleece for sure. Get some that wick moisture away from the skin. They cost a little more but are more comfortable. Joe mentioned K-Mart and you can usually find them there in the hunting or athletic clothes.

I save my fleece pants for fishing in the dead of winter.
Even then I sweat my arse off. :D