Insulation under breathable waders

[notanothersage]

I wondered what your views are on the various layering recommendation under breathable waders. I want to get something to go over the first-next to skin layer to enable me to feel my legs after a couple of hours up to my bits in spring (April) resevoir water . Looking at Simms, they have the mid-weight Rivertek and Waderwick range but there also seem to be a nice Guide trouser/bib set for £49. Advice very welcome. Phil

[bemaddog]

I'm just back from fishing in Denmark where the water was at 1-2 degree C and was feeling quite good by putting over my next-to-skin layer a pair of 'jogging' trousers (same as for biking). Very comfortable, close to the skin and warm!

[Rutlander]

I wear a Scierra fleece bib and brace under my breathables and it keeps me plenty warm enough, even on a Scottish river with ice flows coming downstream. A three layer approach of thermal long johns (Craghopper) fleece romper suit (Scierra) and breathable waders works pretty well.

[sooty]

For next to skin you can't do much better than a pair of patagonia capilene bottoms. Lowe apline or helly hansen also do their own similiar bottoms which are equally as good. Cheaper than simms and they should be available on ebay. If the weathers cold a pair of fleece bottoms over top of the above will keep you toasty.

[notanothersage]

Thanks everyone

[quest4steel]

I own the Simms waderwick mid-weight for my base layer and I love them. I haven't bought the rivertek ones yet, but have checked them out in the fly shops and they seem even better. In the shoulders they have a three way stretch, that might just be a little more comfortable casting.

Patagonia is great also. Capiliene and their R.5 are great base layers. All depends on how heavy you want to go. R.5 is more like Simms Midweight.

When it comes to function (keeping you warm) pony up the money, buy good stuff and you will have much better days on the water being comfortable.

[ffc]

I use the guideline fleece bib n brace (xl fits short fat bloke fine) over Patagonia mid weight base layer pants and it keeps me toasty. I also use liner socks under fleece socks for my feet.

[bluechipp]

I am a keen cyclist. I wear an old pair of cycling bib tights as underwear. These are essentially a lycra bib n brace with a fleece lining. Wear them next to the skin. v warm. Look for "Roubaix" fabric in the description.

The lycra outer means anything slides on over them really easy. You can get them in tights too (no braces) but the extra coverage over the chest & back is better.

Look on any cycling website. Lusso is a good, reasonably priced (english) brand. Go for the warmest, don't worry about water/windproofing, not needed for under waders.

The only prob is answering a call of nature! Stay off the tea.

Regards

BC

[notanothersage]

Bluechipp,

Do this wick away moisture or do you get a bit sweaty in these?

[bluechipp]

Yes they are breathable. Designed for cycling & believe me, you will get a lot sweatier on a bike than you will wading! They are also machine washable & quick drying.

Have a look here.

www.lusso.co.uk/lusso.html

Most proper bike shops stock bib tights. They are a winter essential in the uk. Pop into one and have a look.

Regards

BC

[notanothersage]

OK, do you need fleece trousers over these or is it just them and the waders?

[killipso]

notanothersage said:

I wondered what your views are on the various layering recommendation under breathable waders. I want to get something to go over the first-next to skin layer to enable me to feel my legs after a couple of hours up to my bits in spring (April) resevoir water . Looking at Simms, they have the mid-weight Rivertek and Waderwick range but there also seem to be a nice Guide trouser/bib set for £49. Advice very welcome. Phil

I've been using Simms Polartec Power Stretch fleece Bib for the last few years and they're pretty effective. With some WaderWick Midweight Underwear they keep me lovely and warm.

That's coming from someone who's skinny and nesh!!

The Simms kit isn't the cheapest but it is good. Got my stuff in a sale.

Some of the cheaper thermal gear can get a bit 'wiffy.' The Simms stuff has 'anti-wiff' technology.

[bluechipp]

Either. Mostly I wear a winter weight, lined pair of army trousers over them. Bib tights are designed to be skin tight, cyclists don't want thinks flapping in the wind. They are very stretchy and fit snug.

You could wear a pair of fleece trousers over them if it is v cold.

You can find similar garment in good outdoor clothing shops. The material is known as powerstretch.

Word of warning on all things "breathable" though. I have tried & worn loads of cycling/fishing kit over the years. Nothing is going to stop you getting a bit sweaty if you are working hard. Breathable fabrics are better, but not perfect.

One thing I am contemplating is a pair of Snugpak sallopettes. This winter I have been wearing a snugpak sleeka jacket. Absolutely brilliant. It's like wearing a sleeping bag.

www.snugpak.com/30_codegreen/32_03_sleekasalopettes.htm

I reckon these would be seriously warm. Definitely on the wish list if we have another winter like this one.

Regards

BC

[RodKneeTrouter]

notanothersage said:

OK, do you need fleece trousers over these or is it just them and the waders?

These type of tights over another 'next to skin' layer are fairly warm. I use winterweight fleece lined jogging tights as a second layer over a thermasilk base layer most of the time. Nice to have these as the outer layer under the waders because they are more slippery than fleece or polypro, which makes leg movement easier. Certainly warm enough for spring/autumn. Just make sure that they aren't too tight when over the base layer as this will make you colder by restricting blood flow - to important areas

Mike

[mesajoe]

Also being a keen cyclist, I tried wearing a pair of cycling fleece bib tights, having several pairs, I found the bib top of the tights slipped down off my shoulders and onto my arms due to the casting action, which has put me off wearing them, a shame as they are the best material for keeping you warm.

It may depend on your shape. I am 6ft 2in tall, even with XL size bibs, the length is a little short top to bottom, which may be why the slipped down.

That said, the bib tights are excellent for keeping your lower back warm, which I find gets chilly if you are wearing a short wading jacket, warmer than if you just wear trousers.