Clothing for kayaking in the Winter

[aero320]

I see guys fishing from kayaks in the winter. What type of protective wear do you use in case you end up in the cold water?

[Alphahawk]

Some wear dry suits...good but expensive. Most just have on waders.


Regards

[XxthejuicexX]

I wear layers. Usually thermals and pants with multiple shirts and then rain gear on top of that. I wear my muck boots during the winter too.

[aero320]

What happens if you fall in and get wet?

[XxthejuicexX]

Originally Posted by aero320

What happens if you fall in and get wet?

I go home

[fairweatherfisherman]

I always wear a Kokatat semi-dry suit. Very similar to a dry suit, but neoprene around the neck instead of the latex gasket. Cheaper (but still expensive) and more comfortable, but not quite a hard core as the true Dry Suits.

http://www.outdoorplay.com/Kokatat-M...FQsvgQodg4gDuQ

[MikeyBfromTN]

You climb back on and head for home. PFD!!! Always.


Mike Buesing
Spring Hill, TN

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Reel Tune]

Dry suit is best by run $700-$1200

Layering with non cotton breathable clothing is good. Don't over dress because you want mobility, and you don't want to get hot. Breathable waders, or waterproof pants are a good idea. Do not wear cotton socks, cotton pants, or cotton shirts. Bring a dry bag with some microfiber towels, a complete change of clothing, something to start a fire, and headwear.

If you fall in strip down, get to the bank dry off, strip down, change your clothes, and build a fire if possible.

ALWAYS WEAR YOUR PFD.

[XxthejuicexX]

Originally Posted by MikeyBfromTN

You climb back on and head for home. PFD!!! Always.


Mike Buesing
Spring Hill, TN

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yep. Not the first time I've drove home in underwear, might not be the last MidTN's advice is solid too.

[TNtroller]

I've read where it's best to have a change of clothes in the truck in the event you do turtle/fall in, etc., during the winter time or cold water temps to prevent hypothermia. I've gotten wet from my knees down before in 45* water, and changed clothes quickly in the parking lot. Did not care that the lot was full of people, I got those wet clothes off in a %^&$%$ hurry. LOL.

I found some polar tech wader pants at Dicks's for ~$30, similar to the sleep pants available but heavier material that I wear under my waders, the pants have straps at the cuffs to prevent them from riding up when pulling on the waders, are comfy and warm. I drive to the lake and home in them, and have worn them under my rain suit pants before and work good.

[aero320]

Thanks for the responses. I am thinking af adding a kayak with a trolling motor to my fishing weapons but don't want to be limited to summer use.

[bfish]

Best thing is to test your clothing choice out. Take a spill on purpose, at the launch, with warm clothes and blanket ready to go. Getting back onto your yak can be problematic with some clothing choices (ie I avoid baggy clothing).

I have a full goretex drysuit, works well but the ankle gasket leaves my feet exposed to the cold (I will eventually change them out to full on dry socks). I mostly wear this one when on rivers solo, as it is pretty toasty.

Majority of the time I use breathable stockingfoot waders and layer appropriately. For me, a jacket with good cuffs (velcro) is critical as I often get my hands wet, especially when handling fish. Spare gloves and hats are nice to have too.

Regardless, I always put my pfd on before carrying down to the launch (it adds insulation but also I am mostly like to fall while launching). I also always leave specific float plan and telephone when I get off the water (or as soon as I get in coverage).