getting your feet off the ice

[robert aldrich]

i dont use any mats, i use

tall boots

[reinhard1]

i think some on this thread had some good ideas, however i dont use mats eigther and just use good boots. just some old Sorels i've had for years with just replacing the liner when needed. it get's wet in the portable anyway with the heater inside. i have had frostbite on my toes, hands, and ears, plus working in a cold environment for over 35 years. so i hear all those who have had cold feet. i stick some handwarmers in my boots when i need them also. good luck.

[robert aldrich]

i think some on this thread had some good ideas, however i dont use mats eigther and just use good boots. just some old Sorels i've had for years with just replacing the liner when needed. it get's wet in the portable anyway with the heater inside. i have had frostbite on my toes, hands, and ears, plus working in a cold environment for over 35 years. so i hear all those who have had cold feet. i stick some handwarmers in my boots when i need them also. good luck.

thats what i use sorels too love them too, just got them last year. you can even put the vexlair ice bibs over the boots.

[reinhard1]

Robert, looks like you have some great stuff to keep you warm. let's hope for some cold weather so we can go out there and get started. good luck.

[Stick in Mud]

As someone has already said, I second the idea of putting some reflectix in your boots. You'll have to replace it after a few trips, but it makes a HUGE difference. Just my .02.

[rusty rapala]

Here are some pictures of the gym mats in the Clam Thermal.

[rusty rapala]

[rusty rapala]

Gym mats in the Clam Thermal.

[rusty rapala]

Here is a picture of the Gym Mats I use in my Clam Base Camp Thermal.

[schweady]

Gee, rusty, I think I can imagine what those might look like... if only you could post a pic.

[Hardyboy]

The mats look nice but im not sure i want to lug around all those individual mats. Doesnt it become a pain in the rear when they get iced up?

[BassKnuckles]

The mats look nice but im not sure i want to lug around all those individual mats. Doesnt it become a pain in the rear when they get iced up?

I was thinking the same thing. Also I'm pretty anal so I would be shoveling till everything was all level. Looks sweet though. My sled is all filled up.

[SkunkedAgain]

I use a scrap piece of pink foam insulation board that I got for free at Home Depot. Like someone else said, wrap it in some tape because they do have a tendency to break. However, they are about as light as air and get your feet 1-2 inches away from the ice. They also don't hold moisture.

[IamZombie]

i dont use any mats, i use

tall boots

Yeah, I use the same boots.

I also use wool socks. You can get sock liners if wool makes you itch. I use some and they work like a charm.

Cotton will make your feet sweat, and hold the moisture.

[tom fellegy]

if fishhouse manufactures built the seating right from the start, there would not be a problem. the problem is that all seating, bench or swivel chairs, are mounted on the front of the tub. your feet have to be on the ice. the bench must be at the back of the tub. the fix is to build a custom bench using black pipe as the support and upolster a seat and backrest that will slide on the pipe. hinged together they will lay flat while towing, and your auger will strap down on it for travel. build it high enough so 5gal buckets will fit under the bench. when set up for fishing, the bench is at the back of the tub so your feet are inside the tub or resting on the front rail. a piece of carpet in the bottom of the tub and your feet will never be cold again and you will have alot more room to fish. you can also add tables on each side of the bench. kinda like sitting on your couch.

[minnbowhunter]

Whenever I am going to be outdoors for a while in the winter I take a couple asprin. The cold sensation is really just a form of pain. Any painkiller will help you deal with it better. Works well for late season bowhunting too.

[Scott M]

Anti fatique mats like toughguy posted...Fit in the bottom of my tub, are lightweight, and cheap, and get your feet just high enough off the ice and out of direct contact that you stay a little warmer.

[CAMAN]

I use a scrap piece of pink foam insulation board that I got for free at Home Depot. Like someone else said, wrap it in some tape because they do have a tendency to break. However, they are about as light as air and get your feet 1-2 inches away from the ice. They also don't hold moisture.

I use 2" pink insulation also. Full size it is about 10"x16", but I also cut it in half lengthwise and used tape to make a hinge. This way I can fold it out and use it under my feet for when I'm sitting, or I can fold it up and use it as a kneeling pad if the ice is slushy and I'm hole hopping.