Preparing for Winter...

[RonHarrison]

What? Summer isn't even here and this guy's talking about winter??? Well, Father's Day and my birthday are coming up between now and cooler weather, so I want to make sure I plan my requests to accomodate some cooler weather kayak fishing!

I don't think we're in a climate that would require a full dry suit or its related expense. I'm thinking that waders and some kind of semi-dry top (the thought of gaskets and the like are already making me sweat!) would be best. Correct me if I'm wrong. Here is what I want. I realize that I might be asking for too much. Straighten me out as needed, please?

-Money is always a consideration, so I'd appreciate inexpensive options.
-I currently don't have a good rain jacket, so something that would serve that need too would be nice.
-I might be interested in using the waders during the warmer months, so lightweight would be a plus. In cooler weather, I can always layer underneath!
-I'm a big boy (6' 1" / 250 lbs) and can sweat in an icestorm so lightweight stuff, in general, will be a plus.

Any suggestions???

Thanks, gang!

[jsuber]

Get the $99.00 breathable waders at Basspro. We've had good luck with them.

As for tops you can't beat a simms top. Gasketed neck hole and waist but pricey.

[Charles]

I'm a big believer in polar fleece and polypropylene long-johns and knit cap. I've found this will keep me warm enough even if it gets wet, but if it's like below freezing cold, I'm probably not going anyway.

[MTeal]

You really don't need waders until January...maybe a tad earlier if there are a couple early freezes and wet days. Capilene is the ticket underneath, layering critical because of our extreme temp changes during the day. Simms Freestone wader is the best on the market for a breathable wader and a good price. As for headwear, use a windstopper cap, it makes all the difference to keep that heat in. Raingear...use lightwaeight breathable products so you can layer...Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket.

[Littoral]

The inexpensive lightweight waders are all you need with decent layers. I agree with most everything said although except:

if it's like below freezing cold, I'm probably not going anyway.

I watch for just those days to go.

[RonHarrison]

Thanks for all of the great input.

Littoral, are you referring to the Wal-Mart waders?

MTeal, what, in particular, do you like about the Freestone waders over say the cheapie Wal-Mart ones? Do you recommend the regular Freestone or the "Travel" set?

jsuber, can you be more specific as to the brand of the waders at BassPro? I'm looking on their site and finding a couple of waders around that price. Also, is there a specific model of Simms top that any of you would recommend?

Thanks, all!

[MTeal]

First off, Simms has everybody beat on quality for which I probably would be safe in saying Walmart has none, especially in the wader department (Simms warrants their products plus first repair is on them). I personally would go with Simms Freestone as to the Simms Travel wader, the Travel wader is lighter (plus no neoprene feet) and Freestone is more versatile for different weather conditions...plus they now come with built in gravel (sand) guards. Keep in mind, not all breathable waders (Gore Tex for one) can withstand saltwater if you intend on using them there.

[jsuber]

I noticed that Basspro has the $79.00 breathable waders now. They also had something that was $129. I was livin in Virgina and they had one pair $79.00, $89.00, and $99.00. I would go with that $79.00 and get the $19.00 zip up wading boots two sizes bigger to go over the booties. Thats the configuration I have used for a year now, and wear capilene or polypro underneath when its cold. If I'm wading teh flats a lot they come in hady tow to keep the jelly fish off. Offers a little protection from rays but not too much.