The need for functional winter clothing can hardly be questioned; neglect of harsh weather has deprived many people of health and even lives. Popular wisdom says, “if you're going to the forest for a day, get ready for the week,” and choosing a reliable winter suit should follow this concept.
Modern materials make it possible to create very warm and light clothing that will keep you warm even when wet through. Our article will be about how to choose such a “super suit”.
Upper material
The outer layer of fabric determines most of the physical properties of the suit, and serves as a frame for the clothing. There are two large groups of materials - natural and synthetic.
- For moderate activity in good weather conditions, natural fabrics such as tarpaulin or cloth are suitable. They are very durable and quite durable, but can be heavy, uncomfortable or rough. They can also swell, picking up moisture from snow or rain, but they will not be harmed by the heat of a fire or various aggressive liquids such as oil and gasoline.
- If the conditions are expected to be more severe, then it is better to choose synthetic fabrics: their properties help not to get wet, resist strong winds and retain heat. Such fabrics can be very different: from weightless soft scarlet to rough durable cordura, flexible polyamide and oxford with polyurethane lamination. And although different materials give clothes some unique properties, all synthetics have in common light weight, practicality when wearing and washing, and much greater resistance to moisture.
If you want to insulate yourself in layers using moisture-wicking thermal underwear, then you need to pay attention to synthetic materials that are designed for active heat exchange and do not get wet from sweat. Otherwise, the thermal underwear simply will not work as intended.
Well, if you are a conservative supporter of exclusively natural materials, then it is better to select the most dense fabrics, like aircraft tarpaulin, to protect against precipitation.
Structure of a winter suit
Suits for winter fishing have a standard 4-layer structure:
- Outer layer : Waterproof fabric that protects the angler from the elements. This material is easy to clean and wash.
- Intermediate layer : membrane fabric that supports heat exchange and removes excess moisture from the kit. The membrane is not present in all suits - some models compensate for it with an “advanced” outer layer.
- Insulation : manufacturers use branded insulation options, such as “Thermo Guard” or “Siberia”. The insulation has a synthetic base - jackets with fur linings are almost never found on sale.
- Inner layer : mesh fabric responsible for the wear resistance of the jacket. The quality of this layer determines the wear life of clothing items.
One of the warmest insulation materials
Reference! The temperature conditions in which the suit can maintain an acceptable level of heat depend on the quality and type of insulation. Among winter suits, there are three main options for temperature limits: -20, -30 and -40 degrees.
Lining material
The lining is adjacent to the layer of insulating clothing, and provides moisture transfer from the body and additional thermal insulation. In addition to traditional materials - polyester, nylon, lining cotton, there are also various high-tech materials that give the lining unique properties:
- If your occupation involves a minimum of movements, for example, sitting in a hide or waiting for a bite, then it is better to choose foil heat-reflecting materials - polymer fiber with a silver or gold coating applied to it. Such a layer reflects thermal radiation in the infrared spectrum and prevents freezing in a passive state;
- For moderate activity, synthetic linings based on fleece and similar materials are suitable - polar fleece, honeycomb and quilted fleece retain heat very well, but at the same time they also allow steam to pass through perfectly. A very important feature of fleece is that it continues to warm even when wet, which wool, nylon and other materials cannot;
- If you prefer to actively search for prey, then pay attention to linings made of meshes and all kinds of meshes - they help enhance steam removal and are suitable for active hunters and fishermen;
- For practical and economical hunters, we recommend synthetic and mixed fabrics based on nylon. They are easy to wash, they are practical, do not tear or fray;
- Well, if you have sensitive skin, or the weather in your region is not too cold, natural fabrics such as shirt cotton, silk, and pile knitwear will suit you.
Top 10 best suits for winter fishing
TRITON Gorka-40
The model is preferred not only by fishermen, but also by hunters, as well as simply lovers of outdoor activities. The suit is made from modern materials, which turns it into universal clothing in winter. The outer part is made from 100% nylon with the addition of polymer compounds - the material is called Taslan. It is characterized by an increased level of strength and durability. The outer layer resists abrasion well, and the membrane fabric can easily withstand numerous bends. In addition, it has high levels of moisture protection and steam removal. The material does not allow wind to pass through it, but from the inside it reliably protects both clothing and the body from excess moisture.
The insulation here is represented by another innovative material, Shelter, which is an interweaving of ultra-thin fibers. With their help, it is possible to perfectly retain the heat of even a sweaty body. It also protects the skin from the accumulation of excess moisture. The insulation dries out within just a couple of hours, and after compression it restores its volume. The lining is fleece, which is a very soft material with a small pile. It allows the body to breathe and has high thermal insulation qualities. The suit consists of two elements - a medium-length jacket and trousers, made in the form of overalls, and they also have elastic inserts. The product is additionally equipped with a windproof strip that prevents cold air from penetrating under clothing.
Advantages:
- The versatility of the suit;
- Made from the most modern materials;
- Good resistance to abrasion and other physical stress;
- Dries very quickly;
- A windproof strip is provided.
Flaws:
- Quite expensive;
- To unbutton your trousers, you have to open your jacket completely, which in winter temperatures can lead to hypothermia.
Winter fishing suit TRITON Gorka-40
9. Fishing float suit SEAFOX CROSSFLOW
The main distinguishing feature of such a suit is the presence of a center of gravity. If a person falls into the water, the suit itself will turn him over to the correct position. It is made from materials that do not allow water to pass through. The suit is designed for active fishing, when a person constantly moves between holes.
It consists of a jacket and overalls; Crossflow technology was used in its production, which allows air to pass through well and allows the skin to breathe. The color is yellow, making it very easy to detect a person if they get into the water. The overalls are made of lavsan and special insulation Hollofil 11. These materials perfectly retain heat and prevent cold air from penetrating the body.
Advantages:
- The presence of a center of gravity, which provides additional safety;
- Does not let water and cold air in;
- Painted in bright color;
- The production technology does not allow the body to sweat;
- It retains human body temperature well during prolonged exposure to cold water.
Flaws:
- Some models allow water to pass through the waist area;
- A collar that is not too tight to allow cold air to pass through;
- Withstands temperatures down to only -20 degrees.
Fishing float suit SEAFOX CROSSFLOW
FisherMan NOVA TOUR Costume Hito
Very reliable and practical clothes in which you can spend the whole day in the cold, even if without much movement, as is often the case when fishing. The suit has a high degree of wind protection and practically does not get wet even in a snowstorm or rain. The jacket and overalls have a large number of large, medium and small pockets that can be adapted for storing lures and live bait. The jacket also has special insulated hand pockets, which makes fishing even more comfortable. The products are distinguished by the presence of a special heat-returning lining, which will perfectly protect the body and limbs from freezing even in the most severe frosts.
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The trousers are semi-overalls: they have a high back and chest. If you have to bend over, you don’t have to worry about the wind blowing under your jacket. The straps are tight, the fasteners are adjustable in length. The fly has a two-way zipper that can be unzipped both at the top and bottom - this is quite convenient. The bottom of the pants has zippers and an internal insert. Thanks to this solution, the trousers can be tucked into boots or pulled over shoes. There is an elastic drawstring at the waist, so the jumpsuit can be adjusted to your figure. All pockets on the trousers are equipped with zippers. In turn, the zipper of the jacket is very wide; on the outside it is closed with a flap with rivets. The sleeves have thick cuffs with cutouts for the thumbs, and the drawstrings are secured with Velcro. Inside there is a foil lining that does not release heat, but allows steam to pass through well.
Advantages:
- Very warm products – able to withstand even very low temperatures;
- Every little detail was thought out - the suit turned out to be very comfortable to use;
- Made from quality materials, abrasion resistant;
- All locks are equipped with reliable zippers;
- Foil lining on the jacket.
Flaws:
- At temperatures above -10, a person wearing this suit begins to sweat heavily - increasing the likelihood of catching colds.
FisherMan NOVA TOUR Costume Hito
Ryobi — Suit Ryobi new
It is distinguished by excellent water resistance, due to which the suit will perfectly withstand heavy rain and heavy snowfall. It copes well with any winter weather conditions, removes body evaporation and prevents cold air from penetrating the skin. In addition to membrane fabric, the suit is equipped with a double layer of insulation; the temperature range is very wide. For comfortable use, it is enough to wear thermal underwear under the suit. At lower temperatures, you can add a sweater. This suit is best suited for winter spinning or ice fishing in moderate frost. It is not intended for tall people.
The jacket here is of a sporty type and will look tight even on a slender person. The zipper is large - it does not jam and functions for a long time. On the outside, the zipper is additionally closed with a heat-protective valve with Velcro. On the left side there is a pocket for all sorts of small items. The overalls are a little baggy, but cover the back and chest well, protecting them from the wind.
Advantages:
- High-quality tailoring;
- Bright, perfectly visible against the background of snow;
- It is comfortable to kneel in, which is an important quality for winter fishing.
- Reasonable price.
Flaws:
- Heavy compared to other models;
- Quickly absorbs moisture;
- The chest pocket in the overalls is not very convenient.
Ryobi — Suit Ryobi new
Suit HUNTSMAN Pole V
The product is domestically produced, therefore it is designed for the harsh Russian climate - the suit can withstand air temperatures down to -40 degrees. Like most of the models in this review, it includes two elements - a jacket and overalls. The jacket has an adjustable hood with a sun visor. The inner surface of the jacket is lined with fleece, the same can be said about the pockets. The zipper is two-lock, which is quite convenient even in extremely low temperatures. The jacket has two welt-type chest pockets and two patch pockets. On the inside there is one inner pocket that closes with Velcro.
The cuffs are knitted and do not tighten the wrist too much, so it will be comfortable to pull out fish in them. The wind flap is fastened with buttons. A reflective edging runs along the waist, so the fisherman will be clearly visible from a distance even in complete darkness. The pants have adjustable straps and a zipper with two locks. The special material Radotex is used as insulation here. It not only retains body heat well, but also allows steam to pass through, so you won’t be able to sweat in such a suit.
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Advantages:
- Very warm model;
- It is practically not blown even under strong winds;
- The outer fabric does not get dirty;
- Ultra-modern insulation;
- Withstands fairly low temperatures.
Flaws:
- The hood is fastened with studs.
Suit HUNTSMAN Pole V
Winter suit Norfin Extreme 2 Camo
Made from rust-free fabric in camouflage shades. The fish will practically not see the angler, due to which the catch will be significant. The shape is suitable not only for fishing, but also for hunting. The suit can withstand temperatures down to -35 degrees. The jacket is equipped with a two-lock clasp, which is additionally equipped with a flap with buttons.
The collar is high, protects well from wind penetration, and has a fleece lining. The hood has a visor, and the jacket has a pocket for a mobile phone. Inside there is a pocket for documents, elongated cuffs, made of elastic materials. There is an adjustable fastener at the waist. The jumpsuit's straps are adjustable and there is also a fastener at the waist. There are soft inserts on the knees that can be removed if necessary. Thermo Guard waterproof polyester is used as insulation; it allows body evaporation to pass through well.
Advantages:
- Availability of light-protective stripes;
- The seams are taped with waterproof compounds;
- Comfortable hood;
- The clasp is equipped with windproof flaps.
Flaws:
- Serious weight, making it difficult to move long distances;
- When there is a strong wind it blows through.
Winter suit Norfin Extreme 2 Camo
Alaskan Pioneer
The suit has a wide selection of sizes, has good water resistance, and can withstand heavy snowfalls, thaws and exposure to water. It is not blown by winds, the sleeves have convenient adjustable Velcro, which easily replace standard cuffs. They are not pressed too tightly against your hands - this problem can be easily solved with the help of fishing gloves.
Zippers do not allow water to pass through; they are additionally equipped with overlays. The chest pocket is warm, perfect for storing matches, documents, mobile phones and other items that need to be kept warm. The hood has an original shape; it can be adjusted in rise from the sides and in the back. The lining can be unfastened, which makes it universal - the suit is intended for use both in winter and in autumn or spring. The trousers are equipped with zippers on the sides, making it easier to pull on the boots.
Advantages:
- Very warm;
- Weighs little;
- Not blown by the wind;
- There are reinforced areas on the elbows and knees;
- The collar is not blown, high;
- Large number of pockets;
- It allows body evaporation to pass through well.
- Does not hinder movements.
Flaws:
- The zipper on the overalls is not very reliable;
- The jacket is not anatomical;
- There is no belt tension;
- Not suitable for long journeys.
Alaskan Pioneer
Alaska Jaeger D
Not too expensive, but durable and effective model. With its help you will be able to enjoy hunting, fishing and just a trip outside the city during the cold season. The cost is quite reasonable not only for experienced fishermen and tourists, but also for beginners. The outer Poly Taffeta fabric has a special impregnation based on polyurethane materials. This material can protect a person well from snow, rain and wind. The insulation here is padding polyester, the density of which is only 150 grams per square meter. It allows you to withstand low temperatures down to -20 degrees. The suit is unlikely to be suitable for the Siberian regions, but for European frosts it will be quite suitable.
The product is well suited not only for a relaxing holiday in the lap of nature, such as a walk or fishing, but also for active loads, for example, the suit will be very comfortable when skiing or during fast movements over rough terrain. The hood here is removable, it has a sun visor and a fairly high collar. As a result, the jacket reliably protects not only the user’s body, but also the face, head and neck, even in a strong snowstorm. The cuffs and lower parts of the trousers are fastened with Velcro, which perfectly protects the wearer from the wind. The side inserts are made of knitted materials, and together with the straps, they allow you to adjust the suit strictly to your size and shape. As a result, the product fits tightly to the body, which also protects against frost. There are many external pockets for all sorts of small items such as gloves, boxes of bait or ammunition, and so on.
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Advantages:
- Excellent workmanship;
- The materials are resistant to abrasion;
- Attractive appearance;
- Reliable protection from strong winds;
- Suitable for both relaxing and active outdoor recreation in winter.
Flaws:
- Able to withstand temperatures only up to -20 degrees.
Alaska Jaeger D
NORFIN Discovery
Manufactured by a world-famous Latvian company that has been producing similar products for over 20 years. During this time, many different models of winter clothing were developed. For these purposes, only the most modern materials are used. In particular, this suit uses a special membrane fabric that has excellent waterproof and breathable properties. Clothes can withstand temperatures down to 35 degrees below zero - such indicators were achieved thanks to a special lightweight insulation Holofil. Unlike standard synthetic fabrics, which are used in most similar suits, the material is absolutely hypoallergenic, can easily be washed, has low weight and good thermal insulation. The product does not restrict movement.
The jacket has a two-level adjustment in terms of volume, so you can easily adjust it to your size and get rid of extra cracks through which the cold can get into the body. Velcro bottom flaps can be hidden under a high collar if necessary. The zipper is equipped with two locks; it is also closed with a double valve, which further protects the person from snow and wind. There are a lot of pockets here - there are as many as 12 of them on one jacket, and they are also present on the pants. The overalls are adjustable at the waist thanks to two movable fasteners.
Advantages:
- There are many pockets;
- Very comfortable, light weight;
- Well suited for glitter lovers;
- Excellent tailoring quality;
- Made from the latest materials.
Flaws:
- High price.
NORFIN Discovery
Adrenalin Republic Rover -35
We hasten to introduce the leader of the review of the best suits for winter fishing. It is made on the basis of the patented PROtec+ material. It is characterized by a significant margin of safety and an original structure. Due to this, the suit will retain its water-repellent and breathable properties throughout its entire service life, regardless of the ambient temperature. The material is made on the basis of recycled polyester, which is absolutely harmless to human health, and it does not irritate the skin at all. The suit is not blown at all even in a strong wind: all seams are well taped. There is a lumbar skirt that prevents cold air from penetrating under the jacket. The main zipper is closed with a double flap with rivets.
The inner lining is soft to the touch and adheres pleasantly to both skin and clothing. Thermal insulation is at a very high level, so even for a long time you can remain motionless in the cold and not freeze. The overalls' suspenders are rubberized, so they won't pull on your shoulders if you need to sit down. Both the pants and the jacket have reflective inserts. The ergonomics of the pockets are well thought out: if they are completely filled with heavy or bulky objects, they do not begin to pull the clothes down or restrict movement. It’s comfortable to ride a snowmobile in this suit—nothing rides up.
Advantages:
- Optimal price-quality ratio;
- The clothes are not ventilated at all;
- Withstands even very low temperatures;
- Long service life;
- Made from materials that are abrasion resistant and can withstand repeated washing.
Flaws:
- What is really missing is a pair of rivets that would secure the collar to the hood.
Adrenalin Republic Rover -35
Insulation material
Insulation in winter clothes is one of the most important things. But you shouldn’t go too far with the amount of thermal insulation - you can pry off the insulation layer if something happens, but you can’t gut the jacket to reduce the thermal insulation. And unzipped zippers in the cold can lead to hypothermia and trouble.
Therefore, choose either the most functional insulation, or focus on the average winter temperature in your region.
- A universal option for cold, dry weather is natural insulation such as wool, cotton wool, textile fiber. They warm well, but do not tolerate moisture and are quite heavy;
- For average activity in mild frost, you can choose traditional synthetic materials such as padding polyester, synthetic down, and polyester fibers. And although they heat a little worse than natural ones, they are quite cheap, practical and light;
- High-tech modern synthetics have been created for serious testing at temperatures down to -40. It warms very well and is practically weightless, does not get wet and does not fall into lumps. Such synthetics include all kinds of fibers such as cosmotherm, alpolux, thinsulate, hollow and thermofiber;
- Well, for the most severe frost it is better to choose down. It warms best; polar explorers and mountaineers often choose it to insulate jackets and sleeping bags. But in the conditions of the middle zone, it may turn out to be too warm, falls into lumps over time, and loses its properties when wet.
How to choose a winter suit for fishing
Winter fishing is an extreme hobby that requires maximum preparation from the angler. In this matter, you cannot skimp on equipment or gear. The comfort of its owner, and in some cases, his life, depends on the quality of the selected suit.
When choosing a set of clothes for fishing in the winter season, it is important to pay attention to the following criteria:
- Seams . The suitability of the jacket and overalls for use depends on the quality of the seams. The best option is stitched and taped seams. There are also welded seams, but they prevent air exchange and turn the suit into a “steam room”.
- Ropes for tightening . The ropes allow you to adjust the width of certain parts of the jacket. They are located on the hood, at the waist, on the sleeves, on the hood, etc. This option allows you to fine-tune the suit to a specific user.
- Suit weight . The weight of a fishing suit ranges from 1.8 kilograms to 5 kilograms. This feature is not decisive, but it affects the ease of movement. The optimal figure is 2-3 kilograms.
- Pockets . The number of pockets directly determines the number of things that a fisherman can take with him. In addition to quantity, quality becomes more important. Pockets with peeling Velcro or poor hardware will not do their job.
- Collar and cuffs . In order for the suit to withstand rainy and cold weather, it must be sealed tightly. For these purposes, manufacturers equip their models with cuffs made of knitwear and other fabrics. They should fit tightly around the body and not slip off when moving.
- Length of jacket and overalls . Many suits offer the possibility of being tightened using straps and ropes, but it is advisable to buy them based on your height and weight. Each manufacturer provides its own sizing charts. The best option would be to try on the set before purchasing. The sleeves should reach the middle of the palm, and the jacket itself should completely cover the hips.
- Color . Anglers require equipment with bright, rich colors (unlike hunters). They don’t need to hide from the fish, but if an unforeseen situation arises, they can be easily seen against the background of snow. That is why many winter models are painted in bright red, blue and yellow colors.
A fishing suit should be warm and comfortable
Reference! If you buy a winter fishing suit online, you need to carefully study the size chart of the selected brand and compare it with your parameters.
Membrane
The membrane is a thin film of Teflon sealed under the top layer of suit fabric. The small pores in this film allow vapor to pass freely from the body, but drops of moisture cannot pass through them due to surface tension.
If the suit is equipped with a membrane, you won’t have to worry at all about snow, rain and strong winds - the membrane will not let them through.
The main characteristics of the membrane are moisture resistance in millimeters of water column and vapor permeability in kilograms per day. Everything is simple here - the higher these indicators are, the better the suit will resist moisture and the less you will sweat in it.
Suits with a membrane require special care; you can read about the intricacies in our article on membrane fabrics.
Suit "Nexus Gore-Tex" RB161
Although the Japanese manufacturing company Shimano put a hefty price tag of 40,000 rubles on this suit, the model is still worth considering. It is not suitable for the steep Russian winter, since even with a set of thermal underwear it is designed for a comfortable stay in a temperature range of up to -10 degrees Celsius. As for the advantages, these are amazing modern technologies: with a weight of 1740 grams, the suit provides water resistance of 28,000 mm of water column, while vapor permeability is at around 13,500 grams per meter in 24 hours. Modern BREATH HYPER+° materials absorb sweat and steam, generating heat from them, which returns back to the person. This suit is not suitable for winter fishing at -20, but it is an excellent option for fishing in the off-season.
Availability of camouflage
The need for camouflage is a subject of debate among hunters. If you're hunting from a stand, it definitely makes sense, but if you're going out on a drive or walking hunt, then camouflage doesn't make sense and can even be dangerous.
After all, during a walking hunt, your goal is to raise the animal, and not to approach it unnoticed. And in a collective pen, how well you can be seen is generally the key to the safety of your health and life.
If you want to learn more about camouflage, we have an article on the correct selection of camouflage patterns for any type of hunting.
What else will be useful?
Of course, products for the careful care of clothes! The down, membrane and heat-reflective lining require very careful care and should be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle using special detergents.
Of course, trouble won’t happen just once, but the service life of the suit will be significantly reduced due to improper care.
Impregnation Grangers for clothes GRF77 footwear gear cleaner 275 ml 760 ₽
Grangers impregnation for clothes GRF77 footwear gear cleaner 275 ml
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-5%
New
Collonil Carbon Pro 400ml dirt-water-repellent spray RUB 1,470
Spray Collonil Carbon Pro 400ml dirt-water-repellent
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Salton CleanTech washing gel for down items 250ml 276 ₽
Salton CleanTech washing gel for down products 250ml
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