Choosing the right winter clothing

Choosing the correct clothing for fishing at different times of year is all about regulating your body temperature so that you feel as comfortable as possible.

The more comfortable you feel, the more effectively you will fish, and the longer you will be able to stay out on the bank without wanting to come home early, and that is especially so during the winter months when the weather can be really cold and miserable.

There is a good reason why the banks are much quieter during the winter months, and that is because plenty of anglers don’t enjoy being out in that sort of cold weather, especially when it comes to spending the night on the bank as well, and often that is because they are ill equipped to deal with the conditions.

Carp are still there to be caught at that time of year, if you make the effort, so by not investing in the right sort of clothing, you are missing out.

Layering is essential

Clothing at any time of the year is all about layers and what each adds overall, but even more so in the winter when you not only need to keep your whole body as warm as possible, but at the same time also need to avoid sweating in a way that leaves your skin feeling wet, especially when doing anything more active.

You also need to make sure that your clothing stays dry, even more so than at any other time of the year, due to the cold, and have good quality waterproofs with you that will allow you to carry on fishing effectively, rather than just sheltering in your bivvy and not venturing out to recast or look for signs of fish.     

Layers make temperature regulation easy

Layers of clothing not only trap air between them, which helps with warmth, and ideally wick away moisture caused by your sweat, but also give lots of flexibility to adjust that temperature regulation simply by taking off a layer when doing something more physical, such as barrowing all your gear to your swim.

The last thing you want to do is end a sweaty mess before you even really start your session, as once you are set up and stop moving, you will quickly start to feel cold due to the wet clothing against your skin, if you aren’t using proper layering and clothing made from the right sort of fabrics for the purpose.

WHAT LAYERING SHOULD YOU USE?

Core and arms - base layer

Despite the common myth that you lose most of your body heat through your heat, that actually comes from your core as it has the largest surface area of your body – your head and face is only more susceptible to heat loss as it tends to be uncovered.

If you can keep your core warm and comfortable, then you are well on your way to being able to stay out in pretty much any weather and deal with it.

The first layer that you need is one which will effectively wick moisture away from your skin, as that will help prevent you from getting cold when you stop moving about – wet clothing against your skin will make you feel cold quickly.

Most people immediately reach for a t-shirt or similar to wear as a base layer, but they actually aren’t very good for that purpose, and although they might feel comfortable to wear, they don’t have the wicking properties that a proper base layer will.

The Korda Base Layer Thermal LS Shirt is specifically designed to wick moisture away from your skin and covers your arms as well as trunk. It is made from a quick-drying brushed back material and is worn close to your skin, but doesn’t feel restrictive or uncomfortable when you have it on.

It’s long enough that it won’t come untucked and expose your back to cold air, and the sleeves have thumb holes to stop them riding up when putting another layer on top. It is probably the least fashionable item in our clothing range, but nobody is going to see it and it does its job brilliantly.

Core and arms - mid layers

Depending on how cold it is, you could wear a t-shirt or polo shirt over the top of this base layer, or move straight onto some sort of jumper or hoodie.

You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to the Korda range of hoodies, jumpers and fleeces, and what you choose will depend on just how bad the conditions are, as well as whatever you personally prefer to wear.

Whilst hoodies are popular, and the Korda range includes four different types, including zipped versions, some of you might prefer a more traditional jumper, like our Crew Neck.

Other good options, again depending largely on your personal taste – as long as you have a good mid-layer that will actually keep you warm, exactly what it consists of is largely up to you – include our Polar Fleece Jacket, which can be worn with a heavy coat over the top, or even a Hybrid Jacket.

Some of these mid layer items have a full zip, which again is good for helping to regulate heat without even having to remove a layer.

Built in hoods also feature on some of them, which not only make them feel very snug, but also help when it comes to layering up your head, as well as preventing cold draughts from getting inside.

Whatever you choose, you want it to add a good level of warmth compared to its weight and bulk, as what you don’t want, is to end up feeling very warm, but hardly being able to move and looking like the Michelin Man!

All of the materials that are used to tailor the Korda clothing range are specifically chosen based on their properties, with weight, warmth and comfort being very high on the list.

Core and arms - outer layers

Some sort of winter coat is required to finish off your layering, and ideally this will be very warm and also able to keep the wind out.

Modern hi tech materials, especially when it comes to fillings, mean that you can get something which feels very light to wear but provides all of the warmth that you need.

As well as being incredibly warm and windproof, both of the Korda winter jackets – the Thermolite Puffer Jacket and the Insulated Hooded Jacket – are also showerproof to some extent.

Whichever style of jacket you prefer, both feel really nice to wear and have been carefully thought out to include features that will make you more comfortable on the bank – such as being longer at the back to ensure the jacket doesn’t ride up and allow cold air to get to your lower back when you bend over or sit down.

If you’re fishing regularly during the winter there will be times when you get caught out in proper rain and can’t avoid it – such as getting your gear to the swim or casting your rods out – and for that you need a proper waterproof jacket.

The Korda DryKore MK2 is the perfect choice as it has been designed with anglers in mind and has all the features you might want – such as tightly fitting sleeve cuffs to stop water running down your arm when you pick up your rod. Unlike many waterproof jackets for anglers, which look like they’ve just been thrown on you, this one will not only keep you completely dry in any weather, but is tailored so it fits well and looks great. Plus it is breathable so you won’t sweat, which is very important as there is little point wearing a waterproof that stops the rain penetrating but you still end up with wet clothing underneath due to sweating, which will quickly make you feel cold and uncomfortable.

Legs – base layers

People often pay for less attention to their legs than they do to their upper body, when it comes to suitable clothing.

But if you ignore your legs, then it doesn’t matter how good a job you do keeping your trunk warm, that doesn’t really matter if the rest of you feels cold and uncomfortable.

The Korda Base Layer Thermal Leggings might like something your missus would wear, and definitely not something you would want your mates to see you in, but if you avoid them on that basis you are really missing out on an essential item of clothing to keep you warm.

Like the Thermal LS Shirt, these are worn close against your skin and are designed to wick away moisture, as well as keeping you warm, and use the same material for that. When worn together, the Base Layer Thermal clothing provides the perfect starting point for a layering approach, and with the shirt also tucking into the leggings, they retain as much body heat as possible, whilst preventing cold air from getting in, and regulating your body temperature to avoid your clothing becoming wet with sweat.

Legs – mid layers

Joggers are a very popular choice for a mid layer, and with good reason as they keep you warm and are also very comfortable to wear.

The Korda Heavy Joggers are designed for use in the colder months and can be worn directly over a pair of the Thermal Leggings, or even on top of a pair of our Ultralite Joggers or Lite Joggers, if the weather is really cold.

A great alternative to jogging style bottoms is the Korda Polar Kombats, which are built around our original military-influenced Kombats, but with the addition of a Polar fleece lining. They are incredibly warm, as well as being breathable, and will keep you warm and comfortable in even the harshest of weather conditions – especially if you also wear an outer layer over them as well.

Legs – outer layers

When it comes to pure comfort you won’t find anything better than Insulated Joggers, which can be worn over another pair of joggers or trousers, or directly on top of something like our Base Layer leggings.

These are incredibly warm for their weight, thanks to the hi-tech materials used, and packed full of other features – including their ability to repel water – which makes them such a great choice when you are out in the bank in all weathers. Even when worn over a couple of other layers they will still feel comfortable and not overly bulky, as long as you choose a size that allows then to fit over whatever you plan to wear underneath.

Salopettes are also a great choice for an outer layer, as not only do they ensure that your legs stay warm, but also cover part of your upper body, and when worn with a jacket, it is almost impossible for cold air to enter and impact areas that are susceptible to the cold, such as your lower back, as it is so well covered.

The ultimate when it comes to fishing salopettes are our Polar Salopettes, which feature a heavy Polar fleece lining, to keep you feeling really snug, but using a material that weighs very little and doesn’t add bulk, plus has an outer which is water repellent and will keep you dry if you get caught out in a shower.

Sometimes though you will need some actual waterproof trousers if it is properly raining, as there is no point keeping your top half dry and all the rain running off and soaking your legs or feet.

The Korda DryKore Over Trousers MK2 will not only keep you totally dry, but are also windproof and breathable, and can easily be worn over other clothing – they even have special zips to give you easy access to pockets in trousers worn under them.

Footwear

It goes without saying that you need a good pair of footwear for winter fishing, and things such as hiking boots or a good quality thermal pair of wellies are a great choice to keep your feet dry as well as warm.

Whilst it is your outer footwear that will stop water from getting inside and making your feet wet, or prevent cold air from penetrating and making you feel cold, whatever you choose needs to be combined with a good pair of socks. Cold feet will quickly make you feel uncomfortable and fish less effectively as you will be more focused on trying to warm your feet up or dry them, than you will be on the lake.

For winter socks there is no better material than Merino wool, which has been proven over many years and is popular for its wicking properties and ability to regulate heat.

The Korda Merino Socks are not only incredibly warm, but also very comfortable to wear, and your feet will stay in good condition as they wick away sweat, plus have anti-bacterial properties as well.

Obviously, you should have picked some shoes or boots that will keep your feet dry, but to be absolutely sure that your feet stay dry, a pair of waterproof socks can be a good option.

The Korda Waterproof Socks are a great choice for anglers, as not only can they be worn with shoes/boots, but are also great if you get a bite and come running out with just your socks on – not only will your feet stay dry, but they even have padded soles to protect against sharp stones or similar. Three-layer construction, including a breathable membrane, helps to stop your feet from sweating whilst wearing them.

Headwear

You don’t actually lose any more heat through your head and face than any other part of your body, but often it is the area where your skin is directly exposed to cold air.

So, as well as making use of hoods found on the clothing you are already wearing, such as hoodies or jackets, it also makes sense to wear some sort of warm hat as well.

What type of hat you choose largely comes down to personal preference, which is reflected in the extensive range of beanies and bobble hats that are in the Korda range, with something to fit every style and taste – even if you can’t wear wool, you will find a synthetic alternative that won’t make your head itch!

Korda also offers an extensive range of caps, including the Fleece Waterproof Cap which is specifically for the winter, and is both very warm and also waterproof, plus is comfortable to wear just like a normal cap, but with the addition of a snug fleece lining.

Another option is the Fleece Waterproof Boonie, which will not only keep your head dry and warm, but also has a brim that will prevent any rain from dripping onto your face, as well as helping to keep the sun out of your eyes.

By combining a suitable hat with all the other clothing, you should be ready to face whatever weather is thrown at you, and be able to keep on fishing comfortably and effectively through it all.