ice fishing coveralls

[Guest]

Hey Jim , The bulk of Carharts is another thing that bugged me especialy if you had to walk any distance after your cuffs got wet and froze. Actualy I used to wear the Walls brand from Farm and Barn.
Don't have the bulk with the guide wear. I mean they are'nt like slippin on a pair of jeans or anything but I do like them better than the Carharts/Walls bibs in regards to the bulk factor.It's true I spend a fair amount of time in a portable but I also spend a good amount of time hole hopping/bucket sitting in the open.
I mainly went with the G wear because it was waterproof. That and they stop the wind pretty good too. NEVER been cold with the G wear where on ocasion I would get cold with Carharts. That was mainly if they got wet from slush etc. Not knocking the Carharts and I still wear them for work. I just prefer the G wear overall for icefishing.

Jeans and long jons under both the Carharts and G wear.

[Jim W]

GEEMAN,
Thanks for your insight! A tough call. I still have use out of my Carhardts, but would prefer getting a new pair. ALways a tough call for me!

ANy others out there? Just try and sway me!lol

Jim W

[Surface Tension]

I've gotten away from the heavy bulk layer. Coveralls jamb my crouch, bind my shoulders and restrict shoulder and arm movement.
I'm into layers. Starting with polypropylene long underwear and adding polar fleece layers with a nylon shell to stop wind and hold warm body heat in. This is a light weight non constrictive, breathable combination that can be shed with differing levels of activity. Keep it loose fit and you'll be trapping warm air. The nylon shell pants can be had at walmart for 10 bucks. For the top I use a long nylon jacket big enough to for fleece layers and a down jacket. You don't have to break the bank on polar fleece by going "Patigucci". Theres tons low priced fleece out here now. Cotton is a No No, no insulating value and when damp a body heat robber. Top your attire off with a fur bomber hat and a head band in your pocket. You'll be ready to walk or sit all day by adjusting layers.

[nunzio]

Jim,
I'm not a Rem wear advocate, just too pricey. Found mine on sale/clearence. I got them too big so they fit/comfy in the crotch area as well as the belly . Took them to a local seamstress to have the legs shortened and zippers clipped. I generally wear these for hole cutting with the side vents open. If I plan to fish outside I wear the bibs with a pair of jeans that have fleece lining. Not too balky (don't have to walk bow legged) and very warm. No ice sticks to them as well as being totally waterproof / windproof.
It took me a couple of years looking and trying stuff on to find what works for me.
I like any bibs cuz they cover part of the back and stops the drafts.
Good luck and stay warm!

[Seabass77]

On warmer/wet days, I were my regular non-insulated guide wear with jeans/or sweats depending upon the weather.

On cold days, I wear my field and forest insulated bibs or my insulated duck hunting bibs. I like the duck hunting bib alot, they are water proof, warm, and comforable. They are really too big on me, but that is what makes them great. My bibs are Gamehide. I think they may call em mountain prairie now.

[widetrack]

Bottom: Poly next to the skin. Then a fleece pant, covered by woolrich bibs, Gortex bibs.

Top: Poly next to the skin, wool sweater, Gortex jacket.

Feet: Smart wool socks, and Rocky snow stalker extreme boots.

Hands.
Leather fleece lined choppers, with heaters in them for extreme conditions. Seal skin gloves when needed. (when the choppers are too bulky)

Head: A good balaclava/Full faced helmet for riding. Balaclava/Columbia fleeced lined hat otherwise.

If you get cold in this gear, its just too **** cold.

[Scott Steil]

Jim, a little late getting in here but with guide wear that fits properly you will be very satisfied. Yes, I do a lot of hole hopping but it works in the portable or outside. That stuff is amazing. You don't need to wear a lot of clothes under it, that is the nice part. Buy it to fit. One of the best investments I have made.

On another note, I was actually getting arthritis in my knees from spending so much time on the ice in the winter. After a season and a half with my guidewear I have absolutely no problem with my knees anymore.

------------------
Mille Lacs Guide Service
www.millelacsguideservice.com

[fishranger]

Hello,

A pair of black (to help the sun warm you) carhart coveralls are great. Buy a pair of over sized coveralls. We need a Ice Leaders caps to go with our ice fishing gear.

[Guest]

Get Carhart "Bibs and parka" they are more comfortable than the coveralls that end up pulling up your crotch. And when the weather gets a little warm, you can shed the coat and still be plenty warm with just the bibs. I like the pockets in the top of the bibs for weights pliers tackle etc just make sure you get the black lined ones and the optional hood is a nice add on also.

[Guest]

I now use Guide Wear with the bibs and the parka (1 size larger parka for layering). I add a layer of poler fleece under that and I am a walking ice shack. I rarely use a shack any more, even in -20 weather. Best investment I ever made for guiding!

My next set for the ice/boat will be the Cabela's Gore Tex MT 050 Coverall.

What you are getting in the MT 050 is a set of Guide Wear in a full body form, with some new hi-teck waterproofing tossed in.

They shed ice/water very well and generally resist any ice build up. It is very hard to find anything even close for water resistance and full body warmth. The price is not too bad really.

Remember a day on the ice or in the cold spring/fall boat is only as good as how comfortable you remain. You fish far more effectively when your dressed for success.

------------------
Ed Carlson

Backwater Guiding

[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 10-18-2003).]

[Guest]

Hey, an even better base layer is wool! No, not the scratchy stuff of old. The new merino stuff out now is soft, light, warm, and natural! Continues to insulate when wet, and doesn't stink you up like poly pro does after a little sweat. Machine washable and dry, but you can wear it multiple days before it needs it.
It can be expensive, like the Smartwool stuff, but the best deal I've found has been at Gander, where they have Duofold Irish merino wool tops and bottoms for $15 each! They have had it for a while, so sizes and colors may be limited, but it's worth seeking out. I bought two sets last winter that I loved, and just bought another set this fall for backup.
My fiance has always worn silk longies everyday in the winter(she's always cold) and always resisted my attempts to wear the woolies. She thought they would be scratchy. I finally convinced her to try them last winter, and now she loves them!
Give them a try, you won't regret it!

Disclaimer-I am neither a sheep or sheep rancher, just a satisfied user!

[Guest]

Carharts, are the best but get the bib/parka combo not the coveralls you will have better freedom of movement and if it gets warm ouside or if you are in the house you can shed some. make sure they are the "BLACK" quilted lined and your color of choice on the outer. I usually use a good spray of Camp Dry water repellent on my fishing carharts the smell goes away fast leaving them hang in the shed for a couple days and it lasts all season. Also another one I heard of is scotch guard it seems to repell water beer and any other stains during the trip. But persoanlly I look at the stains on mine and reflect on the good times.
keep dry and make them fry
Tim

[moby1]

I really like the carhartt arctic extreme(black)at least coat wise. I assume I would like the bibs as well. Sometimes a little too warm and a little spendy. I also wear columbia silent hunter bibs. I didnt read through all 3 pages of this post but in the first two I didnt see any mention of hsolist. Figure out what you want and size even if you go to a local retailer and try some stuff on, go home and hit hsolist. I have seen many many sets of frogg toggs in all colors, even camo if you want but usually a bit more $ but cheaper than retail. I bought my bibs that I think retail between 160-$200 for $35 and yes they were new with the tags. Almost anything I need to buy i will check hsolist when i figure out what i want and i've saved a ton of $$ over the past two years. It is very easy!

[icemac33]

A little late but here goes,I've had black carharrt extremes bibs for three years now.I'm a lineman and work outside every day of the year.They are hands down the best I've ever had of any outdoor clothing product.In the absolute wettest conditions I have had my knees wet but never cold.I have had ice build-up also but it hasn't been a problem.You can kneel down at the hole without a worry.My work is as hard on clothing as you can get and I finally broke the zipper tabs off but not even a single tiny pinhole in the fabric.As you can tell, I love 'em.Tractor Supply is cheaper than any place else for Carharrt.While your out shopping,pick up a pair of Joka mittens.The absolute best.Stay dry and warm.

[Captain B.R.K]

My favorite set-up is this:

favorite Scobbie Doo tighty whites
pair long underwear
cotton socks
jeans over the underwear
then a pair of sweat pants over the jeans
Then tennies on my feet!

Can't beat this outfit!!

Oh, and I forgot to throw in the pocket potector in the left chest pocket with the white T buttoned to the top as well with a light jacket as a pull over

Any of the combo's listed before, I'd recommend!!

I start thinking how much money does a guy have to invest before he thinks he has the right stuff.....TO MUCH $$$$!

TOP:
POLYPRO UNDERWEAR- TOP WOOL SWEATER
WINDSTOPPER JACKET
COLUMBIA OMITECH CAMO JACKET or GORE-TEX NF jacket

BOTTOM
POLYPRO UNDERWEAR- BOTTOMS
WOOL SOCKS
FLEECE PANTS
BIBS
LaCrosse Ice KINGS

I'm keeping warm and that's the bottom line!!!

GEESH