Essential carp fishing clothing for the winter - how to keep warm, dry and fishing efficiently

Whilst fish location, bait and tackle are all major factors for consistent winter success when it comes to catching carp, one of the most important, and often over-looked, things is to have the right clothing to actually enable you to go and fish effectively in any weather conditions.

These days your options are almost endless when it comes to winter fishing clothing, and unlike in the past when we had to rely on ex-army gear or hiking brands, brands such as Korda Clothing now offer a full range of high quality apparel that has been specifically designed for fishing and the situations that anglers typically find themselves in, and with design tweaks to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

So there really is no excuse now for avoiding winter fishing trips due to the weather, or packing up and going home early because you are too cold or got wet, as a result of not having the right gear.

Now we can happily fish right through the year and do so in comfort, and this will always result in you catching more overall, as you will fish far more effectively than if you are freezing, damp and miserable!

Thankfully the days where ‘fishing clothing’ consisted of just a t-shirt advertising the brand are long gone, and these days companies like Korda are designing garments that compete with major outdoor brands, and have become popular not just for angling, but for any outdoor activity during the winter months.

Layering up helps keep you warm

It has long been known that the use of multiple layers of clothing helps to keep you warmer, and the Korda range embraces that principle.

The idea behind this is that air that gets trapped between the layers helps to add additional insulation, alongside the fabric of the clothing itself. A three layer system is the most effective approach to stay warm while winter fishing by regulating body temperature and managing moisture.

These days, and with the modern materials that we have access to, winter clothing typically comprises of three distinct layers, each of which serves a specific purpose. The best clothing for winter fishing involves a layering system, with a moisture wicking base layer, insulating mid layers, and waterproof/windproof outer layers.

The base layer, which is often worn fairly tightly against the skin, is designed to wick away sweat, which prevents the material becoming damp, which would otherwise lead to it quickly making you feel cold – such as if you’d just pushed your barrow to your swim and set up, causing you to sweat during that activity, and are now sat in your bivvy not moving around.

The focus of the mid layer is all about insulation and trapping in heat, and tends to utilise materials such as fleece, goose or duck down, or high tech synthetic fibres that do a similar job. But at the same time need to be practical in terms of weight and freedom of movement.

You will also need some sort of outer layer, the main objective of which is to keep out rain and cold winds, and so is usually waterproof and windproof, whilst also being breathable.

If you follow this layering principal, as well as making sure that your head, hands and feet are also well protected – you can use a similar layering principal when it comes to socks and footwear – then you won’t go far wrong and will be able to not only survive anything that the British weather throws at you, but actually feel really comfortable despite the adverse conditions.

Materials used for winter fishing clothing

The fabrics available to clothing manufacturers such as Korda have improved massively over the years, and much higher performance is now available at a much more affordable price, so that staying warm and dry throughout the colder months needn’t cost you a fortune.

Technology advances, such as when it comes to synthetic fillings rather than much more expensive natural down, have massively improved performance, meaning that not only can you now stay warm and dry, but you will feel and look great wearing the clothing as well.

The extensive range of Korda clothing utilises all sorts of high tech fabrics for our garments to ensure that they provide the exact performance that we want you to get from them, whether that be a stretchy material that allows extra movement such as when casting; or a very lightweight filling  so you will hardly even notice that you’re wearing it; or something that resists penetration by rain or wind as much as possible. All whilst still coming at a price that it is actually affordable for the average angler.

It isn’t just about the properties that these materials off though in terms of being waterproof, warm, breathable, or lightweight though, as they also actually need to be practical for regular use out on the bank by a lake and able to withstand that. There is no point having a jacket that is really warm and waterproof if it easily rips the first time it comes into contact with the type of undergrowth typically found around lakes!   

So, durability, as well as performance, also plays a big part when it comes to choosing clothing for fishing, and at Korda we ensure that all of our garments are built to last and will continue performing to the level that you expect even after repeated use over a long period of time.

Comfort also plays a major part, especially given the length of time that carp anglers typically spend on the bank, where it is quite possible they will be wearing this clothing for several days at a time. There is no point having something that is really waterproof or warm but is so uncomfortable to wear that you are reluctant to even wear it.

That includes how it feels when going about your normal activities whilst fishing, such as casting, playing fish, or sitting on a bedchair, and all of the Korda Clothing range has angling focussed design tweaks – whether that be ensuring your arms can move freely; water can’t run down your sleeves when holding your rod; or your lower back remains protected when sitting down.

Stylish and fashionable clothing for carp anglers

Whilst the main purpose of winter clothing is to keep you comfortable and out on the bank, it is nice to look and feel good at the same time, and the Korda Clothing range has been designed to be as stylish as possible, whilst also being practical.

Our aim has been that our garments and accessories are fashionable enough that you would happily wear them whilst out with your mates or walking the dog, and they have been properly tailored for a great fit, rather than something that hangs off you with little shape and looks terrible! So, our whole range is both functional and fashionable.

A variety of different colours are available, which for the most part have been designed to help you blend in with your surroundings, but with some brighter colours appearing in items such as hats for those anglers who prefer that. There is also a full range of clothing in our stylish Dark Kamo camouflage pattern.

With any clothing, it is important that it fits well, and the Korda range caters for any size of angler, and comes in everything from a small right up to a 4XL.

Choosing a base layer

When it comes to a based layer by far your best option is a long sleeve shirt and bottoms/leggings that have been specifically designed for this purpose and have all the properties that are needed for these type of garments.

Base layers should include snug fitting thermal tops and bottoms, which are often made of Merino wool or synthetic materials that wick sweat away from the skin, and help in keeping you warm and comfortable.

Whilst some anglers favour a t-shirt or polo shirt as their base layer, these aren’t actually a particularly good option, as typically they are looser fitting, as well as not having the moisture wicking properties of specialist base layer clothing, and are actually better off worn as an additional layer between the base and mid. In general, cotton should actually be avoided for winter fishing clothing as it holds moisture and makes you colder.

The Korda range includes our original Thermal Long Sleeve Shirt, which is made from a quick dry 92% polyester material that has great wicking and thermal properties, and with the 8% Spandex content allowing for complete freedom of movement. This breathable top hugs your body contours and is breathable, and feels nice to wear against your skin, plus it is long enough that it won’t come untucked even when sitting down, and has special thumb holes to stop the sleeves riding up when you put something on over the top of it.

More recently we added a Mock Neck version, which is made from the same material and features the same properties for keeping you warm and wicking away sweat, with the main difference being a higher neck line, a bit like a snood, that provides extra warmth around your neck and helps to prevent any cold draughts from getting inside.

Our Thermal Leggings are one of the few items in our range that could definitely never be described as ‘stylish’ but they will keep you warm and feature the same quick-dry brushed back material used to construct the Korda thermal tops. They are a great choice when worn under any of our winter trousers.

What should I wear as a mid-layer?

When it comes to choosing a mid-layer for winter clothing a lot comes down to personal preference and what feels comfortable for you, as long as it has enough insulation and is breathable to some extent.

Mid-layers for winter fishing typically include fleece jackets, jumpers, gilets or hoodies that trap body heat and help to retain it.

Popular choices include any of the Korda hoodies – the advantage of those is that it can also be used to keep your head warm either directly or over a hat or cap – with both our original TK Hoodie, which has been a favourite with anglers for many years, and Zip Hoodie being popular choices.

Both are made from a ribbed fleece material with a snug and adjustable hood, plus handwarmer pockets, and the main difference boils down to your preference for a zipped hoodie or the traditional design.

Some people prefer a jumper rather than a hoodie, and for them the Crew Neck is ideal, being made from a soft fleece material, which makes it very comfortable to wear, and has a stretchy waist, cuffs and neck to help retain heat.

All of these tops can be worn as outer layers in the warmer months, but also make a great mid-layer in the winter.

Another option, if it is really cold, is the Korda Polar Fleece Jacket, which although primarily designed as an outer layer, could comfortably be worn underneath one of our thicker jackets. This combination would definitely keep you warm even in the worst weather, due to its heavy knit fleece providing plenty of insulation, plus a snug hood.

For your bottom half it really comes down to whether you prefer joggers or combat style fishing trousers, with most anglers opting for either the Heavy joggers or Polar Kombats, although another more recent option has been the Korda Insulated Joggers that can also serve as an outer layer, or can be worn directly over our thermal leggings, depending on the temperature.

Joggers are always a good choice as they are so practical and comfortable to wear, and this heavy version will definitely help keep you warm, as well as providing plenty of pocket storage and feeling great, thanks to the brushed fleece finish they have.

The Polar Kombats have been around for years and are still as popular as when they first came out, and were a warmer version of the Korda Original Kombat trousers featuring a Polar fleece lining. They have all the features you’d expect from a p[air of combat style trousers, with plenty of pocket space, and as long as it isn’t too cold can easily be worn as an outer layer as well, thanks to their water repellent finish and rip stop fabric that resists snagging on brambles and the like.

The Insulated Joggers are a more recent addition to the range, and are incredibly warm whilst also being lightweight, thanks to a hi-tech 6oz insulated filling that traps body heat and retains warmth.

A soft nylon lining stops them sticking to your skin or other clothing, whilst the outer shell is water repellent, and they’re incredibly comfortable to wear with an elasticated waist and ankle cuffs that won’t ride up your legs or let in the cold. They can be worn directly over thermal leggings or as an outer layer over other trousers, and there is a matching Insulated Hooded Jacket to give with them, and which has the same properties and uses the same materials.

Which fishing jackets, trousers and salopettes are good as an outer layer

The type of jacket that you choose as an outer layer in the winter could well depend on the type of weather you’re experiencing, and whether the main objective is to stay warm or keep dry, or sometimes a combination of the two.

Outer layers for winter fishing should be heavy-duty, waterproof, and windproof, including salopettes, with features liked taped seams and fleece lined pockets.

If your primary concern is warmth, then the Korda Thermolite Puffer Jacket is hard to beat, whilst also being incredibly comfortable and practical.

This puffer style jacket utilises our Thermolite hi-tech hollow fibre insulation, which really ensures that you stay warm, and unlike traditional down fillings, will continue to perform even if it gets damp.

Despite the warmth that it provides, it is still lightweight to wear and packed full of features, such as the multi adjustable hood. Whilst not a waterproof as such, as has a special coating that provides a 3K hydrostatic head and ensures it is water repellent up to a point.

We’ve already mentioned the Polar Fleece which is great as an outer layer, as long as it isn’t too cold or raining, and for those that prefer something inbetween a fleece and a puffer jacket, the Korda Hybrid Jacket has proved very popular.

The Hybrid has all the properties of a puffer jacket when it comes to keeping your core warm, but with Polar Fleece sleeves, which make it feel more lightweight and less bulky than the Thermolite Puffer. It can also be worn under a DryKore waterproof in rainy conditions.

For maximum comfort, especially when sitting around in your bivvy, the Insulated Hooded Jacket is a great option – although it is also practical when braving the elements as the lightweight outer shell is water repellent.

It is packed full of features to help keep you warm and comfortable, and feels a bit like wearing a really nice, warm sleeping bag, but without being restrictive to your movement!

There will be times where you want to keep warm as well, but your main focus is on staying dry in wet conditions, and that is where the Korda DryKore Jacket MK2 can’t be beaten.

Thanks to its 20K hydrophilic internal membrane, you’ll stay dry in even the heaviest of downpours, and the as the fabric is also breathable, you won’t sweat overly. It also has exceptional wind-blocking properties as well to help keep you warm, and it can be worn over all sorts of other clothing, including as an additional out layer over another jacket.

It has been tailored to provide a great fit and be comfortable to wear, as well as allowing for complete freedom of movement so that you can continue fishing effectively even if it is tipping it down.

The DryKore Jacket is best paired with our DryKore Over Trousers MK2, which are made from the same material and share all of the same properties, plus some handy extra features such as waterproof side zips that go all the way down to the knee and allow easy access to the items such as your car keys or phone in the pockets of trousers being worn underneath.

Salopettes provide protection and warmth for both your bottom half as well as the upper body, and this Korda Polar version is incredibly warm and comfortable.

The Polar Salopettes feature a water repellent outer shell, which is also quick drying in case you do get caught outside in the rain, as well as helping to block the wind, and the heavy duty polar fleece lining provides lots of insulation to keep your whole torso warm.

These are a great choice in the winter and provide lots of protection as an outer layer, especially when worn in conjunction with one of our warmer jackets.

Accessories – hats, socks and gloves

It is of course also important to keep the other parts of your body warm as well, which aren’t covered by jackets and trousers, as a lot of heat can be lost via those, or if they get really cold it can become uncomfortable enough that you won’t be able to fish properly – freezing cold hands for instance.

You head is important when it comes to keeping warm, although contrary to popular belief you don’t actually lose most body heat from it, and it is just the fact that it depends to be exposed more than other parts of your body, where heat would be lost just the same if they weren’t covered up. You can still lose up to 10% of your body heat through your head, so something like a wooly hat is crucial for retaining warmth and body heat when fishing in the winter.

Whatever style of headwear you prefer, either under a hood or on its own, there will be something in the Korda range that is perfect for you.

For fans of caps, the Fleece Waterproof Cap is a popular winter choice, as not only is it very warm thanks to a comfortable fleece lining but it is also waterproof and will keep your head dry. The same is true for the Fleece Waterproof Boonie, if you are looking for something with a wider brim all the way around, and are not intending to wear a hood over it.

The most popular choice though for the winter is some sort of beanie or wooly hat, and Korda has a full range to suit all tastes.

For those who prefer something closer fitting, you can choose between the Klassic, Trawler, and Fisherman beanies, which have different knit styles, fabrics (including for those who don’t like wool), and designs, and come in a range of colours, whether you’re looking to blend in or stand out with something brighter.

If a traditional bobble wooly hat is more your style, then you’ll love the Nanny Pat Hat, which has been popular with our customers for many years, and is now available in two more subtle colour designs than the original vivid green and black.

Something that Korda boss Danny Fairbrass swears by in the winter is a snood, and the Korda one is a dual-purpose design that can also double up as a beanie or be worn around your neck to keep that warm and help keep out draughts.

At the other end of your body, keeping your feet warm and dry is also very important, and whilst your choice of appropriate shoes or boots plays a major part in this, some sort of thermal socks are essential to keep your feet warm when winter fishing.

It has long been known that Merino wool is a great material for using to make socks, as not only is it warm but naturally wicks moisture away from your skin, which makes a big difference as it keeps your feet dry and prevents them from quickly becoming cold. Merino wool socks are perfect for regulating heat and preventing sweat build-up when used as a base layer for winter fishing.

Plus it also has anti-bacterial properties and so will help your feet to continue feeling good even after extended wear out on the bank. The Korda Merino Socks are a great choice for the winter and come in a range of sizes and colours.

Whilst you should choose footwear that is waterproof and will keep your feet and socks dry, waterproof socks are still a great idea for fishing, and especially so if you get a bite and come running out of your bivvy without shoes.

The Korda Waterproof Socks are ideal for fishing, as not only are they waterproof and will keep your feet dry, even if your shoes leak or you walk around without any on, but they are also breathable to help ensure that they don’t get damp inside, plus they have padded soles to help protect you from anything you might stand on.

They are also great if you don’t want to be wearing shoes all of the time when you’re in your bivvy, and for extra warmth can be worn over another pair of socks such as the Korda Merino or lighter weight CoolMax MK2 Socks.

Cold hands are no fun, but at the same time anglers need gloves that are practical and quick and easy to take off and on, as we often rely on the dexterity of our fingers for tying rigs and similar.

The Korda Polar Mittens are incredibly warm and comfortable to wear, with a teddy fleece lining, and the outer material not only has great insulation properties and allows plenty of flexibility, feel, and freedom of movement, especially in the palm and finger tips, but is also breathable to help prevent your hands from sweating and becoming damp. Whether you're sat in your bivvy waiting for a bite, or pushing your barrow around the lake, you can rely on these mittens to help keep your hands warm and provide insulation, to keep you fishing effectively.