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Layer Up with Lenny's Essential Winter Fly Fishing Gear Guide – Part 2

by Lenny Gliwa

In Part 1 of this 2-part series on layering, we broke down the foundational elements of layering for fly fishing for cold to frigid temperatures. By now, you’ve begun wrapping your head around the possibilities that exist when layering, and what important considerations you will need to make – including types of materials available to keep your head, core, and limbs warmer when you are out on the water. If you haven’t caught up yet, make sure to review Part 1 for key concepts, important definitions, and some critical do’s and don’ts. 

In this Part 2 article, we’re going to go a few layers deeper into the specifics. You’ll walk away knowing how to layer properly – by leveraging a tried and true system that will ensure you're well-prepared for any condition that the great outdoors throw your way.

Basics on Base Layers

The foundation of any layering system starts with your base layers – an essential component in all weather conditions. Look at this as a key building block for everything else. This crucial component manages the moisture that can develop, when you’re fully protected from water in your waders. For example, you are likely to break a sweat a good amount when walking from your car to your fishing spot. If you had selected the right type of base layer, it would support you in wicking perspiration away from your skin, which will keep you comfortable throughout the day, even when your movement slows down and your body temperature drops.

Knowing Fabric Weights and Materials is Critical

Knowing Fabric Weights and Materials is Critical

Base layers come in various weights, which are more than often measured in Grams per Square Meter (GSM or g/m²):

  • Lightweight (120 g/m²): ideal for mild to cool conditions
  • Midweight (220 g/m²): suitable for cold weather
  • Heavyweight (330 g/m²): best for extremely cold conditions

Knowing which garments you have and where they fall against these GSM ratings can help you determine which base layers you are going to choose for your outing (or, use it to narrow down your options if you are in the market for new gear). For example, if you’re going to be outdoors with unrelenting winds and ever-dropping temperatures, opt for heavyweight. If you were to decide to wear those same base layers for an early season outing, you might be OK in the morning but become overheated, uncomfortable in the afternoon as temperatures rise.

Separately, there are some considerations you will need to make when choosing between synthetic and merino wool base layers:

One of the added bonuses of synthetic base layers is that they can offer excellent moisture management and sun protection – meaning you can also take advantage of this type of base layer throughout the year, and in very hot weather. A good example of this would be the Simms Guide Cooling Hoody.

Shop Base Layers

Mid-Layers: Staying Insulated in Chilly Conditions

Now that you understand the base-ics, let’s move to the mid-layer component of the system. These provide insulation and are predominantly used in cold weather. However, one advantage of the mid-layer is that they can be versatile as both mid-layers in cold weather and outer layers in milder conditions.

When it comes to mid-layers, there are several types to choose from:

Fleece Mid-layers

Fleece is an affordable, widely available mid-layer option that provides warmth, although it often lacks wind protection. There are windstopper fleece options available that offer an exception to this rule. 

Micro-grid fleeces are particularly effective, trapping more warm air against skin and base layers compared to traditional lofted fleece, making them a smart choice for anglers seeking reliable insulation.

Puffy Jackets and Vests

Puffy jackets and vests are an alternative mid-layer to fleece and micro-grid fleece options. If you are going to go this route, you need to understand what’s inside as they are not all created equal. Most come in synthetic or down options, and this table should help you gauge which is right for you:

Shop Mid-Layers

Hybrid Pieces

There are a number of hybrid mid-layer options available that provide the best of both worlds; combining the comfort of fleece with the warmth of puffy jackets.

Outer Layer: Shells

The outer layer maintains the warmth of your base and mid-layers, while protecting you from the outer elements of water, wind and rain. There are two main types, and it is important to know the differences before you step outside:

Soft Shells

These layers blur the line between an outer and a mid-layer. Although they can be great for breathability and warmth, some are windproof, and others are not. Making sure you know is important so you don’t mistakenly use a soft shell outer layer in conditions that are best suited for a hard shell.

Hard Shells

The key advantage of a hard shell outer layer is that it is both waterproof and windproof. When choosing an outer layer or selecting from the range of choices in your wardrobe, there are some important elements to consider; you have the choice between breathable vs. rubber laminate options, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.

A very common breathable laminate is Gore-Tex. Gore-Tex offers exceptional moisture management as it allows water vapor from your perspiration to escape while keeping external moisture from getting in. In doing so, you are able to maintain a normal body temperature. The breathability enables you to avoid overheating while active fishing. One caution is that there is potential for you become drenched and wet out under extreme conditions,

Rubber-based materials can be excellent when it comes to waterproofing and have the added benefit of being extremely durable. There is however one major trade-off: significantly lower breathability. This is important to account for, as it can create too much moisture buildup inside from the sweat you produce when you exert yourself. Over time, this can defeat the purpose of your layering system which is supposed to support you in wicking moisture away; keeping you as dry and warm as possible for long periods of time.

Whether you choose breathable or rubber laminates, when you’re putting together your system, you may opt for one to even four layers. Just keep in mind that as you add more, there are trade offs. For every improvement you may gain in waterproofness and durability you are sacrificing packability and breathability. So it is important to keep that in mind so you can try to strike the right balance.

When selecting a shell, also consider these important factors:

  • Does it include extra features – like pit zips that enable you to cool off after exertion?
  • What is the hood layout – does it enable you with the appropriate level of adjustability?
  • How roomy is the garment – will it give you enough room to have layers underneath?
  • Is it insulated (like the Simms Bulkley) or non-insulated (like the Simms G4 Jacket)?
  • Will it be packable enough to tuck away if the conditions happen to change?

Shop Shells

In an ideal world, you’ve afforded yourself a number of outer layer options, making it easy for you to choose which you will use depending on the specific fishing conditions that you expect to encounter. This versatility will help you out, giving you the ability to consider owning multiple shells for different scenarios. For example, you don’t want or need a heavy guide style rain jacket for a quick summer storm – just as much as you don’t want a lightweight packable layer for torrential rains in colder conditions. If you’re looking for a go-to that you can use in most scenarios, breathable laminates lend themself to a wider range of activities. Conversely, rubber-based might be the best choice for extremely wet conditions, when sealing out external moisture is your top priority.

Last Thoughts on Layers

The best part about a versatile layering system lies in its adaptability to any season or situation, not just cold weather. This allows you to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions year-round, mixing and matching pieces as needed. The flexibility to adjust your clothing on the fly can make all the difference between comfort and misery in outdoor activities. I vividly remember a time when I was fishing on the Salmon River, and someone said they’d "pay any amount of money to be warm and dry right now."

By investing in a comprehensive layering system, you're essentially future-proofing your outdoor experiences, ensuring that you'll never find yourself in that situation.

As we wrap up, be mindful that your layering system is only as effective as the weakest link. Start with moisture-wicking base layers and build on up from there. Give yourself the ability to adjust your layers depending on the weather conditions and your level of exertion throughout the day.

For example, in cold weather, you might wear:

  1. Base layer: Merino wool long underwear
  2. Mid-layer: Fleece or puffy jacket
  3. Outer layer: Waterproof, breathable hard shell

In milder conditions, you could opt for:

  • Base layer: Lightweight synthetic shirt
  • Outer layer: Soft shell jacket

As long as you keep the key concepts from this series in mind, you’ll start to develop your own system that works for you. With that, you’ll be prepared to face any weather condition while fly fishing. Remember to check the forecast (regularly) and pack according to the temperature, wind, and precipitation that is expected. With the right combination of layers, what you are wearing will be the last thing on your mind; you’ll be comfortable and focused on what you are there to do.

Watch Lenny's Video on Layering:

Layer Up with Lenny's Essential Winter Fly Fishing Gear Guide – Part 2

Layer Up with Lenny's Essential Winter Fly Fishing Gear Guide – Part 2

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Comments

Gary Francis Gliwa - January 19, 2025

Good Presentation Lenny ,Your Skills really Show’s Your Knowledge Of Flyfishing And Keeping Fishermen Warm during these Wintery Days

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