Kayakers, what type clothes do you wear in colder weather? 2025
YoTone reply :
As the fall weather approaches, launching my kayak with out getting my feet and pants wet is a concern. What brand or footwear and pants do you guys use?
Choporoz reply :
I get by fine with Muck-like boots and jeans until ice. Wool socks and thermals on coldest days
NYWayfarer reply :
Wet feet come with the territory. I wear Crocs in my kayak to launch until late October.
After launching I dry my feet with a towel then put on a pair of warm socks. Being in a sit-in kayak I have not had a significant amount of water getting in to get them wet.
For pants I wear Under Armour's Storm Armour Fleece Pants. they keep me warm and dry as water beads up and rolls right off them.
the reel ess reply :
I try to fish in a real boat when the water is really cold. But I will go in smaller waters wearing the aforementioned muck boots, I wear thermals underneath and sweatpants, black to soak up some sun. If it's mild I'll wear a long sleeve tee and a hoodie over the thermals. If cold, I have a Cabela's Guidewear zip hoodie that does the trick. I also have some Guidewear gloves. But honestly, I try to wait for some really mild weather in the winter and go to some ponds where I can walk the banks. We get pretty mild winters here and a three day warming trend can be just what the doctor ordered.
LadiMopar reply :
Can't say I've ever had issues with wet feet getting into or out of my yak. It's a sit on top model and maybe it looks silly, but I just step in from the bow and plunk my scrawny butt in the seat.
Cold on the other hand is a problem for me once it gets below 65 degrees (did I mention I'm scrawny? ????) So, silk base layer, turtle neck jersey, and jeans with a flannel lined pull over hoodie until it gets near 50 degrees. If it's windy I'll add a pair of Cabelas nylon wind resistant pants that wrap snug at the ankle.
50 degrees and below, Cabelas Guidewear hooded jacket with the wind resistant outer shell, Cabelas Guidewear "Glommets" so all the fingers can stay warm except the two needed to tie knots, and again the Cabelas Guidewear bibs for those super cold days.
In the early spring right after ice out the feet are usually still snug and warm in a pair of Sorel boots.
Jim Mac reply :
You guys are much braver than me. Once the water is too cold for me, I am done for the season. I don't want to die if I fall in !!
Angry John reply :
On 9/29/2018 at 9:04 AM, Jim Mac said:You guys are much braver than me. Once the water is too cold for me, I am done for the season. I don't want to die if I fall in !!
This may be a reasonable approach depending on your skill and the yak. I had a nucanoe 12 classic, and now a hobie pro angler 12. I have never fallen in the water or rolled either. If you do find yourself in the water often then this is a very smart approach.
I dont normally go out with air temperatures below 40. I wear long Jon's sweats and waterproof Colombia rain gear with a Colombian nit cap with polartech. I rock a set of llbean boots and wool socks from Costco. I use a set of sun gloves with no fingertips so I get some heat but a carbon fiber paddle helps a lot.
volzfan59 reply :
Normally when it's in the low 60's/ high 50's air temperature, I wear my breathable waders w/ wading belt, wading boots and a hoodie. Obviously I wear my pfd too.
flyfisher reply :
Breathable waders with the appropriate synthetic insulation underneath for the conditions. Synthetic top layers and usually a waterproof breathable shell. Stay away from anything not synthetic, I know many like wool and there ae some good options out there but if it gets wet, it holds a lot of water while synthetic won't and it will dry out much more quickly.
I have tested my set up and no water gets in my waders should i take a dunk. If i fished a lot of moving water i'd probably just invest in a dry suit and be done with it but since i stay on flat water when the water temps get below around 50 i am not too concerned.
the other thing to keep on hand is some dry clothes and some materials to make a fire. If you get wet it is crucial to get dry clothes on if possible as well as make a fire to warm up if you are a ways from the ramp. Hypothermia is no joke and you won't realize it is setting in till it is too late.
I also keep a few pairs of fleece fingerless gloves that helps to take the chill off and i can replace them as they get wet. A thermos or insulated cup of a hot beverage of your choice also helps as well.
Big thing is to be prepared for the worst and keep the trips to areas yo are very familiar with and you should be ok. Some of the best fishing is in the colder weather even though you may not get as many bites, the ones you get are usually quality fish. Some of my largest fish have been caught in sub 40 degree water.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 9/29/2018 at 10:16 AM, flyfisher said:Breathable waders with the appropriate synthetic insulation underneath for the conditions. Synthetic top layers and usually a waterproof breathable shell. Stay away from anything not synthetic, I know many like wool and there ae some good options out there but if it gets wet, it holds a lot of water while synthetic won't and it will dry out much more quickly.
I have tested my set up and no water gets in my waders should i take a dunk. If i fished a lot of moving water i'd probably just invest in a dry suit and be done with it but since i stay on flat water when the water temps get below around 50 i am not too concerned.
the other thing to keep on hand is some dry clothes and some materials to make a fire. If you get wet it is crucial to get dry clothes on if possible as well as make a fire to warm up if you are a ways from the ramp. Hypothermia is no joke and you won't realize it is setting in till it is too late.
I also keep a few pairs of fleece fingerless gloves that helps to take the chill off and i can replace them as they get wet. A thermos or insulated cup of a hot beverage of your choice also helps as well.
Big thing is to be prepared for the worst and keep the trips to areas yo are very familiar with and you should be ok. Some of the best fishing is in the colder weather even though you may not get as many bites, the ones you get are usually quality fish. Some of my largest fish have been caught in sub 40 degree water.
Well I guess you aren’t going to get a better answer than that .
fishwizzard reply :
I have a drysuit but it fits poory and I really never use it. I have never found a way to keep my hands warm so for the most part I don’t bother with cold water yaking anymore.
If I could solve the hand issue and figure out a way to stay safe and have a convenient way to relieve myself I would go out more often, but cold hands and having to skimp on coffee makes it not worth it for me.
WRB reply :
Whatever you wear you should practice swimming in it. Shoes/boots should be able to be kicked off. PFD is a must but doesn't protect you from hypothermia. 50 degree is cold enough to cramp all your muscles so getting back into a kayak or boat could difficult. Serious hypothermia affects about 1 hour in 50 degree water.
Use common sense!
Tom
Ksam1234 reply :
On 9/28/2018 at 10:52 PM, YoTone said:As the fall weather approaches, launching my kayak with out getting my feet and pants wet is a concern. What brand or footwear and pants do you guys use?
When it gets cold I usually wear the following a under armor or some type of long sleeve warm body shirt, and a sweater , I’ll throw on a cold weather hoodie. I’ll use under armor cold weather water resistant sweat pants and warm socks with a pair of boots. Throw on some bibs and your good to go
Harold Scoggins reply :
My dry pants are from NRS, but I think the particular style is no longer sold. I'm sure their newer pants are every bit as good. I bought the NRS Boundary Shoe four years back and it was the best investment in kayak clothing I ever made. They come up to just below my knees and when I tuck my dry pants inside and cinch the straps on the Boundary Shoes, I'm warm and dry. (wear warm socks inside the shoe) Check out the reviews and videos on the Boundary Shoes, I highly recommend this footwear.
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 9/29/2018 at 9:04 AM, Jim Mac said:You guys are much braver than me. Once the water is too cold for me, I am done for the season. I don't want to die if I fall in !!
DogBone_384 reply :
I'll start with a sweatshirt and jeans or Carharts with BPS boots and add layers as it gets colder. Once November hits I'll use my Milwaukee headed jacket and keep a couple extra batteries with me. I get 4 hours out of one battery.
I stick to smaller waters as it gets colder and always keep a change of clothes in my truck in case I get wet.
SeeNoSun reply :
On 10/1/2018 at 8:07 AM, Harold Scoggins said:My dry pants are from NRS, but I think the particular style is no longer sold. I'm sure their newer pants are every bit as good. I bought the NRS Boundary Shoe four years back and it was the best investment in kayak clothing I ever made. They come up to just below my knees and when I tuck my dry pants inside and cinch the straps on the Boundary Shoes, I'm warm and dry. (wear warm socks inside the shoe) Check out the reviews and videos on the Boundary Shoes, I highly recommend this footwear.
I use these as well and agree best clothing investment ever for Kayak fishing. They work great for Pedal Kayaks. I use a thin thermal sock liner and smart wool socks. I can wade to launch in 40 degree water with no issues.
J Francho reply :
Semi dry suit or breathable waders. If you go the waders route, ALWAYS cinch your wading belt tight. In any case, carry a water proof "ditch bag." Take a dry bag, fill it with a change of clothes, towel, tinder and fire starter, and some sugary hard candy in case you fall in.
Smalls reply :
On 9/30/2018 at 9:49 PM, fishwizzard said:I have a drysuit but it fits poory and I really never use it. I have never found a way to keep my hands warm so for the most part I don’t bother with cold water yaking anymore.
If I could solve the hand issue and figure out a way to stay safe and have a convenient way to relieve myself I would go out more often, but cold hands and having to skimp on coffee makes it not worth it for me.
I work in a freezer, and keep a rechargeable hand warmer on me for the days I’m lazy and don’t work enough to stay warm. $15-20 off amazon, and they get toasty! I don’t kayak fish, but I never leave it behind fishing in November up here.
ApacheGuns515 reply :
I have a pair of high top waterproof boots that work well enough to keep my feet dry when I'm getting in and out of the yak and simply wear a pair of jeans. I'll just get in before the water is over my boots and use my stakeout pole to push off into the deeper water if necessary. I wouldn't trust a pair of waders in a yak but that's just my opinion. They are bulky and heavy and will probably make it difficult to re-enter if you fall out.
This is fall weather mind you. If we're talking about below freezing or something like that then I don't go out. I've never fallen out of my yak but I don't want to take that chance in freezing water.
WRB reply :
I know you all don't like me warning you about safety and being able to swim in the clothing you wear while boating in cold water. I am 75 years old so why Liston to a old man? I wasn't always old and manage to survive this long by the grace of God, not by being cautious and using common sense. I fell out my bass boat mid winter in poor windy weather, I survived because my fishing partner came to my rescue. You can't swim with shoes or boots on, you can't get back in the boat with water logged clothing, in fact you get back to the boat in the wind to get back into it!
Try jumping into a swimming pool dressed like you fish in cold weather.
Tom
YoTone reply :
On 10/7/2018 at 4:56 AM, WRB said:I know you all don't like me warning you about safety and being able to swim in the clothing you wear while boating in cold water. I am 75 years old so why Liston to a old man? I wasn't always old and manage to survive this long by the grace of God, not by being cautious and using common sense. I fell out my bass boat mid winter in poor windy weather, I survived because my fishing partner came to my rescue. You can't swim with shoes or boots on, you can't get back in the boat with water logged clothing, in fact you get back to the boat in the wind to get back into it!
Try jumping into a swimming pool dressed like you fish in cold weather.
Tom
@WRB I take every piece of advice you give on this forum as the gospel. The advice on boots being able to be kicked off is the kind i plan on getting. Thanks again for chiming in on this thread.
A-Jay reply :
On 10/7/2018 at 4:56 AM, WRB said:I know you all don't like me warning you about safety and being able to swim in the clothing you wear while boating in cold water. I am 75 years old so why Liston to a old man? I wasn't always old and manage to survive this long by the grace of God, not by being cautious and using common sense. I fell out my bass boat mid winter in poor windy weather, I survived because my fishing partner came to my rescue. You can't swim with shoes or boots on, you can't get back in the boat with water logged clothing, in fact you get back to the boat in the wind to get back into it!
Try jumping into a swimming pool dressed like you fish in cold weather.
Tom
You know I get it Tom.
After I'd bagged a few fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and even grandparents - I figure it out.
I will readily admit that I may have not always 'listened' to those wise, experienced & generous souls who were willing to share their experiences.
However that ended a while ago and I have repeatedly benefited from several men & women who have been down the road of life well ahead of me.
And I am always and will forever be most grateful.
So please know that we're not all turning a deaf ear my friend.
A-Jay
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 10/7/2018 at 4:56 AM, WRB said:I know you all don't like me warning you about safety and being able to swim in the clothing you wear while boating in cold water. I am 75 years old so why Liston to a old man? I wasn't always old and manage to survive this long by the grace of God, not by being cautious and using common sense. I fell out my bass boat mid winter in poor windy weather, I survived because my fishing partner came to my rescue. You can't swim with shoes or boots on, you can't get back in the boat with water logged clothing, in fact you get back to the boat in the wind to get back into it!
Try jumping into a swimming pool dressed like you fish in cold weather.
Tom
On 10/7/2018 at 5:08 AM, A-Jay said:You know I get it Tom.
After I'd bagged a few fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and even grandparents - I figure it out.
I will readily admit that I may have not always 'listened' to those wise, experienced & generous souls who were willing to share their experiences.
However that ended a while ago and I have repeatedly benefited from several men & women who have been down the road of life well ahead of me.
And I am always and will forever be most grateful.
So please know that we're not all turning a deaf ear my friend.
A-Jay
Well said A-Jay. Practicing getting back into your boat after falling in, like Tom mentioned, is even more important for a kayaker. Next year will be my 10th year fishing from a kayak, so I'm far from being an expert. However, kayak reentry was the very first skill I practiced after buying my first kayak and if you haven't practiced this skill, you're behind the power curve. I have also had a couple of unplanned swimming trips while in a kayak, so I know what it's like to be cold and wet. I also qualify for the senior citizen discount and as a rule I don't like cold water, bones just can't handle it like they use to. That being said, I AM NOT going to miss out on early fall, or more importantly, pre-spawn fishing action from the kayak. The kayaking industry has spent many hours and dollars in developing cold/wet gear for the kayaker, YoTone, so do your homework and seek out those with experience in this area. I consider NRS and Kokatat to be the industry standard when it comes to kayak clothing/gear, so you may want to start there. If there is a kayak specific retailer close by, give them a visit and see if they carry this clothing so you can get a "hands on" of what they offer. More importantly, be safe.
flyfisher reply :
I practice getting into my kayak with cold weather gear every season just to make sure I still can do it. Majority of places i fish the effort needed to get in, while manageable is probably more than just making my way back to a spot shallow enough to get things sorted out. I have been fortunate to not have to do it in a real situation but i know I am prepared should it happen. I always cringe when i am out on those warmer days in the winter when water temps are still in the 40's and i see guys out in jeans and sweatshirts paddling around and fishing. I usually try and stay somewhat within shouting distance should they need help.
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 10/2/2018 at 2:07 AM, J Francho said:Semi dry suit or breathable waders. If you go the waders route, ALWAYS cinch your wading belt tight. In any case, carry a water proof "ditch bag." Take a dry bag, fill it with a change of clothes, towel, tinder and fire starter, and some sugary hard candy in case you fall in.
My wife always said I was a hardhead and had to experience discomfort before I learned a valuable lesson. The first time I went for a swim from the yak without a dry bag I had a very long and cold drive back to the hotel room. That dry bag stayed inside that front hatch after that!
Djohn reply :
I wear Frog Togg wader pants with a pair of Shimano wader shoes. Under them its sweat pants and heavy socks. After Thanksgiving I add long johns to the mix.
Hawkeye21 reply :
I just wear layers. I usually wear jeans or sweats with my rain pants over them. Then I will wear a long sleeve shirt with sweatshirt, maybe my rain jacket over the top. I like wearing the rain gear even when it's not raining to keep me protected from the wind and keep any dripping water off of me.
I keep extra clothes in a dry bag just in case.
Hook2Jaw reply :
I keep it as light as possible. Here in Georgia, we don't get super cold, but I was out last year in 30 degree temperatures in a constant but manageable rain. Rain pants and jacket atop a hoodie over a UPF shirt over a base layer, with my legs having a base layer and fishing pants. NRS boundary boots and NRS gloves.
I keep a dry bag with a hoodie, shirt, pants, base layers, more socks and a set of neoprene booties.
Basically less is more and I want to be outfitted in clothing that keeps me mobile in case **** goes south but also keeps me warm.
KiraJW reply :
Oh, I like cold weather very much. When you're with a cup of tea in a warm blanket near the fireplace. As for clothes, in cold weather I wear sweaters, coats, hats and scarves. I have a whole collection of cold-weather fashionable clothes. Especially, I like Lily Lulu coats. Every time I visit their website, and I can't resist buying a new coat. That way, I'll soon be able to open a little cold-weather clothing store, lol. So, I've already bought another wardrobe for my coats.
related Bass Boats Canoes Kayaks topic
previous topic
most viewed Bass Boats Canoes Kayaks topic
© 2025 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.