Proper Cold Weather Clothing

When planning an ice fishing trip, clothing may be more important than all of your other gear. Winter weather in Iowa can change quickly from sunny and pleasant to windy and snowing.

The best choice for winter clothing is layering; a T-shirt, turtleneck, or long underwear shirt; a sweater; and then a coat. Coveralls tend to be warmer than a coat and insulated pants, eliminating the space that cold air can get through! The outermost layer should be windproof.

Polypropylene or similar materials are best next to the skin. They wick perspiration away from the skin’s surface and keep warm air trapped there. Wool is a unique material that retains its insulating ability even when wet, making it a material of choice for ice fishing socks. With three to four layers of clothing you can add or subtract layers and be comfortable the whole day, no matter what the weather does. An extra set of dry clothes is needed in case you get wet and for emergencies.

Hats and gloves are essential. Seventy-five percent of a body’s heat loss is through the head. With a hat in place, you will stay much warmer. Spare hats and gloves are a must in case gloves get wet or hats are misplaced.

Ice fishing involves close contact between feet and the ice. When standing, or even sitting in a chair, your feet will be on the ice. Wear warm socks and insulated boots and bring a piece of carpeting or cardboard to stand on. This will guard against frost-bitten toes. Boots should be waterproof to keep feet protected from the inevitable slush and water.

Another very important part of the gear is a first aid kit.  These kits can be packed compactly and will fit in a tackle box or a fanny pack. Being able to quickly and effectively tend to minor mishaps can mean the difference between staying on the ice or quitting for the day. High energy snacks and a thermos of hot liquids (cocoa, sweetened tea, hot fruit juices, or hot soup – nothing containing alcohol) should be included to keep you going on a cold day (these things may even prevent hypothermia). Small, pocket-size, hand warmers can be purchased that, when activated, will give off heat for several hours – just like the old-fashioned hot rock or hot potato hand warmers!