Mats for Your Feet

[Pat K]

With a tip up shelter I've tried car mats, door mats, outdoor carpet scraps and boot trays to keep my boots off the ice and dry while fishing. They all work for a short time, but they all get wet and aren't much warmer than the ice by the end of the day.

Towards the end of last season I fished with a guy who used Anti-Fatique mats. They come in 3' square sections.He cut that down to 1'x2' pieces. They are thicker than door mats and have a honey comb pattern that drains well. Worked better than anything I had used.

Just wondering if anyone has tried these in realy cold weather or if you've found something that works for you?

Pat K

[Jim Hudson]

Pat,

I believe Hanson uses the same type of set-up your buddy uses, so hopefully he will see this and chime in. Rubber, in my mind, would be the best way to go. Or anything that will not hold water, unless you are able to dry the things out on a daily basis. So, I would say the fatigue mats would work the best!! As they keep your feet off the ice, and do not retain water!!!

[30 inch eyes]

I've used these for the past few years. I was just experimenting with different things and stumbled upon them. they work great and don't hold water, but also don't slide on glare ice. they also keep your feet warm and knees dry if you kneel on them to pick your fish out of the hole like I do.

[pj4]

where did you get the mats from?

[Random guy]

I bought a rubber doormat at fleet that works great and it doubles as a box liner on the ATV for the drive in and out.

[Prof]

I would guess any foam mat (the plastic coated ones) that is porous so it does not hold water would work well. Never tried though, just my $0.02.

[Pat K]

Thanks for the replies. I got one of the anti-fatique mats at Home Depot this afternoon and cut it into pieces. Seems like it will stay flexible in sub zero temps.

Pat K

[minnowhead]

I have been using these for years, works great, I am going to try the anti fatige mat I found at Menards this year that have holes in them for water run off. I picked them up for $3.00 apiece. About a 1' x 2'.

[hanson]

Is this what you guys are talking about?

If so, I agree. They work awesome! They do stay relatively flexible in the cold. Mine came from Menards a few years ago.

[minnowhead]

Those are it!

[Guest]

Buy a house with a floor in it if you want warm air, and warm feet without wearing boots rated to -250

[toughguy]

Hanson,

They still sell those mats at Menard's. I got a pair this week. About $5 each if I remember right. Can't wait to put them to use this week.

[30 inch eyes]

those are not the mats I use. mine came from an auto parts store and are a solid foam of sorts, but don't hold water.

[waskawood]

My grand daughter had a foam mat that was originally a swim mat. I would guess it was a couple feet wide and maybe 3 feet long. I cut them up for mats that I could put on the floor of my permanent to kneel on so if the carpet was wet I would not get wet and also to protect my old bones. It works great as it repels water.

[Ryan Berger]

my friend got some astro turf from the metrodome first base line when they were redoing it,, it makes a very nice floor in my Otter Lodge!!! [image][/image]

[Northlander]

Doesnt that turf freeze to the ice? It sure would help keep you warm though. Looks cool too. NICE!

[Braley]

I've been looking for an octagon heater like the one in LundDuckBoats picture. I know the question is off topic...but where would someone from Montana find such a great heater?

[PierBridge]

That's Awesome LundDuckBoat....

[Ryan Berger]

nope the turf does not freeze to the ice,, it has a good 3/4 inch of rubber backing on the bottom,, its also handy for drilling holes just set the mats out drill holes right on the holes on the mat,, have partner grab mats and shake the ice shavings off and continue driling holes,, replace mats and go,,,

the heater is a reddy heater hot spot,,, it is awesome,, we keep it on low with the propane tank outside turned allmost all the way off and still have the top of the door unzipped

we got the heater at Menards in town and have had to bring 3 of them back there is a crappily designed high-low controal and we are rough on our fishing stuff,, but 3 new heaters no hassel at all at the store~!!!