What are you wearing under there?
Fly Fishing Layering Apparel
By Scott Clayton

Some of the best fishing I've ever experienced has come on crisp Fall days. Indeed, late Fall and early Spring are excellent times to pursue trout. The surroundings are incredible, and the fair weather crowds are nowhere to be found. Occasionally I've shared the water with a few dedicated diehards, but more often than not I've had my favorite spots all to myself. Memories of cold hands and cold feet are abundant. For years my trusty neoprene waders and nylon jacket accompanied me on these trips. They always served me well. They helped me endure the coldest days. Where they fell short were the days that started looking ominous but later turned warm. Days when I worked up a sweat, from hiking, kicking a float tube, or rowing a boat to get where I was going, also posed a problem. Many times I've shed my waders and been quite damp and chilled underneath. As durability and availability of breathable fabrics increased, the possibility of decreasing or even ending the clammy discomfort seemed more a reality. It is clear that breathable waders would be much more comfortable in warm weather. The question I had was "how will they perform in cold weather?" The short answer is "very well, with appropriate layering underneath."

I started field testing for this article with a goal to find a system of layering that would keep me dry, warm, and comfortable, year round. A system that would allow me to enjoy, rather than simply endure, the unpredictable weather that commonly accompanies good fishing in late Fall and early Spring, as well as the hot Summer months. I focused on three categories of layering:

Outer Layer - This layer is used to create a barrier between you and the elements, no matter what the situation (wading in rivers, floating in lakes, etc.), no matter what the conditions (rain, snow, etc.). For maximum comfort this layer should be waterproof and breathable.

Middle (warmth) Layer - This layer is used to insulate you from the cold. It should also work with the base layer to transport moisture away from your body. The middle layer typically includes one or more layers of synthetic fabrics, usually fleece.

Base Layer - This is the next to skin layer that MUST have the ability to wick (transport) moisture away from your body. This layer typically includes one or more layers of synthetic fabrics.

There are many manufacturers who make apparel that fit nicely into these layering categories. For the past eight months I tried three or four products from each category to see how they performed, as a system, in the field. Starting on my first trip I've been pleasantly surprised by how much more comfortable I've felt without sacrificing any warmth. I re-learned the Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared." Winter thru Summer the difference between merely enduring and really enjoying a trip is often a single layer, this includes removing as well as adding a layer.

Outer Layer

Simms Gore-TexÆ Guide Model Waders
Price: $359.95 to $384.95 (more for XLL, XLK, XXL, and XXLS)

Simms Guide Model chest highs are made from a 5Layer Gore-Tex laminate. They feature a high-density odor-fighting neoprene stocking foot. The adjustable suspenders allow easy conversion to waist highs. They come with a 2 year warranty.

I wouldn't hesitate to use these waders year round. The price tag is close to the highest among breathable waders. The Guide Model waders were the lightest and most comfortable I tried. My only concern is trying to protect the neoprene feet. Consider getting some gravel guards to protect your investment.

Contact Simms at (406) 585-3557 or on the Internet at http://www.simmsfishing.com.

L.L. Bean's Gore-TexÆ Colorado Waders
Price: $199.00

Bean's Colorado outer shell is made from abrasion-resistant CorduraÆ nylon. They include suspenders with quick-release buckles and a wading belt. Bean's customer satisfaction guarantee is tough to beat, if at anytime the customer is not satisfied with his/her purchase of any L.L. Bean product, they can return it for a full refund or exchange.

The Cordura has a rugged, durable feel to it. It gave me the feeling I didn't have to baby these waders. Under $200 is a great deal for Gore-Tex waders. Sizes are limited, if possible, try them on before you buy them. I tried the mediums and had some restrictions of movement. Bending down, getting up from a sitting position, even kicking in my float tube the restriction was noticeable. First time out I only wore 2 pair of socks and my feet got cold. After adding a third layer my feet stayed warm. These waders do not have an articulated knee. This may have been the cause of my restricted movement.

The Colorado waders are light and the least expensive I tried. Definitely a good deal for the price conscious fly fisher. Before making a purchase you should talk to the L.L. Bean Fly Fishing Hotline and speak with one of their product experts. They can make recommendations for size based on specific customer needs.

Contact L.L. Bean at (800) FISH-LLB (347-4552) or on the Internet at http://www.llbean.com.

L.L. Bean's Gore-TexÆ/KevlarÆ Waders
Price: $375.00 to $395.00

L.L. Bean's Gore-TexÆ/KevlarÆ waders include an outer shell made from a tightly woven nylon microfiber. But what separates them from other waders is the seven-layer construction, reinforced with Kevlar brand fibers, from the knees to the built-in gravel guards. This makes them nearly bulletproof. They feature neoprene suspenders, a Gore-Tex stretch stocking-foot and come with a wading belt. They are also backed by Bean's customer satisfaction guarantee.

Bean's Kevlar waders were much more comfortable than the Colorado's. They also have more size options. From hiking to float tubing these waders performed very well. In cold water 3 pair of socks fit easily in the Gore-Tex stretch stocking feet and kept my feet warm. I wore these waders while hiking a couple of miles along some train tracks next to a river. While hiking I did get sweaty, but when I stopped to fish I was warm and comfortable. They are a little stiff from the knees down.

For year round fishing Bean's Kevlar waders are an excellent choice. They are light, fit comfortably, and have many size options to choose from. They are the most expensive waders I tried.

Contact L.L. Bean at (800) FISH-LLB (347-4552) or on the Internet at http://www.llbean.com.

Sportif Granite Peak Jacket
Price: $185.00

The Granite Peak is made from 100% polyester Gore-TexÆ and is 100% nylon lined. It is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and seam-sealed. It features lower pockets, an integrated hood that rolls up and secures with a velcro tab, and is packable into the right front pocket.

This jacket has a simple look and a nice feel to it. It is very light. Of the four jackets I tried it has the fewest pockets. I would prefer it had at least one inside security pocket. The velcro tab that secures the hood had a tendency to jab me in the back of the neck while the hood was not secured. This problem is easily solved with a pair of scissors. While it is packable into the right front pocket it's a pretty tight fit.

I would use the Granite Peak year round including packing it for Summer use. It also works well as a casual jacket. The XL sized jacket I tried fits well and is comfortable with or without layering underneath.

Contact Sportif at (800) 776-7843 or on the Internet at http://www.sportif.com.

Columbia Cascade Range Jacket
Price: $140.00

The shell is made from 100% nylon Omni-Tech Mini-Faille/Ceramic. The lining is 100% nylon mesh. It is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and seam-sealed. It features two big expandable fly box pockets, two zippered inside security pockets, an attached hood with drawcord and visor, neoprene cuffs and a rear D-ring for attaching a net.

The short style makes this an excellent choice for wading, but it is awkward to layer under it. The two big front fly box pockets, plus the inside security pockets, give this jacket the edge in pocket space. The neoprene cuffs are a nice while fishing but for casual use can be uncomfortable. I tried wearing it on a Winter overnighter and the shortness caused some cold spots around my mid-section.

The Cascade Range is light and has plenty of pocket space. It is a great fishing jacket. Because of the short style, and neoprene cuffs, I'd only use it for fishing.

Contact Columbia at (503) 286-3676 or on the Internet at http://www.columbia.com.

Columbia McConnaughy Jacket
Price: $186

The shell is made from 100% nylon Omni-Tech Mini-Faille/Ceramic. The lining is 100% nylon taffeta. It is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and seam-sealed. It is part of the Interchange System, which means it is compatible with zip-out liners. It features an attached hood with drawcord, visor and storage tab, neoprene cuffs and an inside security pocket.

Of all the jackets I tried the McConnaughy was my favorite cold weather jacket. The two lined hand pockets and the single inside security pocket give it adequate pocket space. It did an excellent job of keeping out the wind and snow with only light fleece underneath. Plus the option to zip in a liner makes this a great Winter jacket for outdoor activities, such as skiing, or for casual use.

In cold weather situations, I'd reach for this jacket first, for fishing or anything else. It is on the heavy side compared to the other jackets, and as such, I wouldn't pack it for use during Summer rainstorms.

Contact Columbia at (503) 286-3676 or on the Internet at http://www.columbia.com.

Helly Hansen Packable II Jacket
Price: $100.00

Made from Helly TechÆ lightning microrip shell fabric, the lining is hydrophobic polyester mesh/taffeta. It is waterproof and breathable. It features back cape ventilation, two zippered hand pockets, one zippered chest pocket, one inside security pocket, an attached hood, adjustable elastic/velcroÆ cuffs, and packs into the chest pocket.

This is a thin, lightweight, waterproof, breathable jacket. The least expensive of the ones I tried, if money is an issue this is the jacket to look at first. While it does keep the water out, the outer shell did get soaked during a downpour. Even though the moisture didn't penetrate, without a layer underneath, I did experience a cold sensation near the soaked spots. Packing it into the chest pocket was pretty tight but possible.

I'd have no problem using this jacket year round, for fishing or casual use. It has good ventilation and reasonable pocket space. If you want a single outer layer for year round use, this jacket would be a great choice.

Contact Helly Hansen at (425) 883-8823 or on the Internet at http://www.hellyhansen.com.

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