Winter Clothing Bank-Side Survival Guide

Don’t miss out on those big fish in winter just because you are cold and miserable on the bank - with modern hi-tech kit available there is no excuse! With the coldest months of angling and that “Golden Age of the Big Carp” on us, it’s now more important than ever to be comfortable and focused to master the conditions at a time that realistically can be the best time of the year for that Monster Carp. “Layerization” is key to comfort on a cold winter’s session, which in our climate can see you in shorts and T getting cooked during the day on a calm, mirrored body of water, but a few hours later hugging the embers of a fire at 03:00 while the grass around you turns white with frost. That’s just on the Highveld, so spare a thought for the poor Cape carpers who on top of the cold have also to deal with wind and rain. With the 5-Layer system each layer not only provides warmth, but also protection, comfort and temperature and moisture management: 1st Layer: A base layer close to the skin; 2nd Layer: Under Garment; 3rd Mid-Layer; 4th Outer Layer or Insulation; 5th Layer: Environment Protection. With these in mind, here are our top picks, and with the ease of online buying anglers can choose from the best on offer. Just remember, NO Gas Stoves in closed tents!Footcare - Socks:Cold feet are just about one of the worst things in winter, so make sure you have good insulated footwear. Bridgedale Socks: The ideal sock for outdoor ventures, any season, anywhere - from mountain climbs to trail walks. Legendary WoolFusion warmth and softness that ensures dry and comfortable feet. Designed for mountains and cold environments. Material: 46% Coolmax, 30% Merino Wool, 23% Nylon/Polyamide, 1% Lycra/Elastane. Carp Angling Suitability: 9/10 Carpyness Rating: 7/10 Available: Takealot, Drifters, Outdoor Escape, Cape Union Mart, etc. Korda Kore Merino Wool Sock Olive: Highly breathable, regulates body heat, and wicks moisture away from the skin. It is anti-bacterial and tends to keep any sweat on the surface, preventing unwanted smells – but is also easy to wash and dry. The structure of Merino wool creates pockets which trap air and thus keeps you warm. Material: Merino wool blend. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Total-fishing-tackle.com, Anglingdirect.co.uk & other online dealers. Footwear:For Carpers, extreme winter angling meant wearing Skeetex Thermal boots and despite the moonwalking appearance they were highly popular because they were the best. With online shopping you can buy them easily and quite cheaply too. However, if you can’t get past the slightly comedic look, then there are a few alternatives, which in our not so cold winters you can get away with. Skee-Tex Thermal Boots: “The Warmest Fishing Boot in the World” and used by anglers for many years. Boot sizing is a little small, so order at least one size bigger. “This is the only waterproof boot I have worn in eighteen years of expedition work which has kept my feet warm to minus 50 degrees”.-Sir Rannulph Fiennes Material: EVA 100% waterproof with removable inner lining. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10?- a bit like Marmite, you decide. Available: AnglingDirect.co.uk, Tacklebox.co.uk, Amazon.com Mil-tec Thermal Boots: Warm, durable and lightweight, the liner is made of a special synthetic fibre known as Thinsulate, covered with polyester and thin aluminium, provides excellent thermal insulation. Material: Rubber, aluminium, polyester, 3M Thinsulate (200g). Carp Angling Suitability: 8/10; Waterproof to ankle height. Carpyness Rating: 8/10 Available: Amazon.com, Military1st.com Skee-Tex Ultralight Boot: Relatively new, this model from Skee-tex we think is ideal for our conditions. Lightweight, excellent heat insultation, good flexibility which is important, plus they have great sound insulation, keeping you quiet on the bank. Material: EVA 100% waterproof with removable inner lining. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: AnglingDirect.co.uk, Tacklebox.co.uk, Amazon.com Daiwa - Sundridge Hot Foot EVA Boot: Using closed cell foam technology, they retain a large volume of insulating air in the outer shell. 60% lighter than conventional boots they will not sink even when full of water, which can help to keep you safe after accidental immersion. Traction sole for superb grip on snow and mud and laboratory tested at -40°C for 250km. Material: EVA, with removable and washable thick pile liner. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Ericsangling.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, total-fishing-tackle.com Rovex Lemigo Arctic Thermal Fishing Boots: 100% Waterproof Ultra Lightweight Rovex Arctic thermal boots are a revolution in footwear design, on average 35% lighter than normal boots so greatly reduce fatigue. Stays supple in cold weather down to 30°C. Material: EVA, with removable and washable fleece liner. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Amazon.com, ebay.co.uk, reelfishing.co.uk Navitas Lite Insulated Boots: Anti-fatigue; long lasting comfort for work or leisure. Average weight is less than 350g each. They protect against the coldest conditions down to -30C providing full isolation from warm or cold contact surfaces. Material: EVA closed-cell material, with removable and washable liner. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Amazon.com, ebay.co.uk, reelfishing.co.uk Headwear: SA Beanie, Black & Grey: Bundle up in style with the SA Beanie, featuring an embroidered logo on the cuff. The SA Beanie is great for outdoors because it provides warmth and insulation against the elements. Material: 7.75-ounce, 100% Acetate; no-pill air jet yarn, Double-needle stitching. Carp Angling Suitability: 8/10 Carpyness Rating: 8/10 Available: safishing.com Filson: Warm, wool cap is perfect for insulating against drizzle, snow and dropping temperatures. The size and coverage is easily adjusted by cuffing the cap as desired. Quality Product. Material: 100% virgin wool sourced from the USA. Carp Angling Suitability: 8/10 Carpyness Rating: 8/10 Available: filson.com, amazon.com, Moosejaw.com Sealand Beanie: Authentic beanie to keep your ears and head warm. Each beanie has been hand-knit, so a unique element is presented in every one. Sizes: One size fits most. Material: Hand-knit ribbed 100% Merino wool beanie, sourced and produced in South Africa, manufactured in Cape Town. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 8/10 Available: sealandgear.co.za, waterfront.co.za Korda Oversized Green Wool: Korda has given carp headgear a refreshing Korda twist. Their funky, chunky knitted beanie is warm and stylish, in a muted, carpy green material that is perfectly in keeping with the lakeside vibe. One size fits all. Material: Carpy wool material. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Mias Benoni, tacklebox.co.uk, anglingdirect.co.uk, total-fishing-tackle.com Korda Green Fisherman Beanie Hat KBH11 Chunky Knit Beanie Limited Edition: A limited edition, chunky knit winter hat, worn by British carpers with stylish contemporary touches. Presented in classic olive green, this chunky knit fisherman’s hat is a great choice for all your winter carp angling. Material: Carpy green material. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Mias Benoni , ebay.co.uk, anglerscorner.co.uk Korda NP Bobble Beanie: The ‘Nanny Pat’ hat was first hand-knitted by Korda’s very own Jon Mann’s nanny and was so well received that Korda decided to cement its status as a Korda classic. Material: Soft, wool blend material with a pom up top. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10; A great fun item and you certainly won’t lose it in the grass. Available: Mias Benoni, angling-centre.co.uk, ebay.co.uk, tacklebox.co.uk Korda Snood Beanie: These multi-function beanies can be used as a conventional hat, or as a neck snood, thanks to their unique twisted-tube design. Available in a choice of solid olive and mottled black colours. Material: Mias Benoni, Soft, wool blend type material. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: carpfishingdirect.com, thetackleshack.co.uk, total-fishing-tackle.com, yateleyangling.co.uk, johnsonrosstackle.co.uk Butte Merino Neck Gaiter: Keep your head or neck warm with this Butte Neck Gaiter. Made using Merino wool and extremely versatile, this reliable neck warmer can protect you as a hat, headband or neck gaiter. Quick drying, odour resistant, lightweight and super soft. Material: 100% Merino Wool. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: kathmandu.co.nz Hands: The North Face Men’s Denali Etip Gloves: Crafted from warm and durable fleece, the Denali gloves deliver five-finger touchscreen functionality and a silicone gripper palm for do-it-all warmth on the bank. Radiametric Articulation™ keeps hands in their natural relaxed position, wind and water-resistant. Lifetime Warranty. Material: High-loft fleece glove, Nylon Taslan over knuckles and fingers, Synthetic gripper palm. Carp Angling Suitability: 9/10; will need to remove for rig tying. Carpyness Rating: 8/10; While they may not be super carpy, when playing fish the special grip palms should be more important in icy weather. Available: Amazon.com, thenorthface.com, dickssportinggoods.com Evridwear 3M Thinsulate Thermal Insulated Lined Gloves: These thick gloves are made of durable, heavy duty knit to keep your hands warm, are windproof and protect your hands. High Quality and Multifunction - The insulated thermal gloves have double layers for durability. Added warmth for your wrist with an extended, double-layer knit cuff. Material: 100% Acrylic and 40 Grams Premium Thinsulate, Lining: 100% Polyester. Carp Angling Suitability: 8/10; Will need to be removed for rig tying; hooks may get caught in the knit. However, having used similar gloves for many years, they are a great choice. Carpyness Rating: 8/10; Very functional, substance over style is more important at this time of year. Available: Amazon.com, evridwearus.com, wantitall.co.za Capestorm Men’s Fleece Glove: Cosy fleece gloves with Thinsulate insulation. These gloves with rugged palm for grip and durability will keep your hand snug and warm while hiking or exploring the streets in winter. Material: Thinsulate, Windproof, with a hard-wearing synthetic palm for grip and durability. Carp Angling Suitability: 8/10; will need to remove them for rig tying. Carpyness Rating: 7/10 Available: Outdoorwarehouse.co.za, sportsmanswarehouse.co.za, capestorm.co.za Simond Cascade Glove: Warm and waterproof glove with excellent dexterity, durable with leather palm and reinforcements, protective padding on back of hand and fingers, drawcord and Velcro fastening. Recommended temperature: -5°C Lower temperature limit: -11°C. Material: Main fabric: 84.0% Polyamide, 16.0% Elasthane. Palm: 100.0% Leather - Goat Lining: 100.0% Polyester (PES) Padding: 100.0% Polyester (PES) Carp Angling Suitability: 8/10; will need to remove for rig tying. Carpyness Rating: 7/10. Something carpy though about using gear suitable for mountain climbers! Available: simond.com, decathlon.co.uk Trakker polar Fleece Gloves: Polar Fleece Gloves are lightweight, super warm and durable with fold-back fingers and thumbs for increased dexterity while wearing them. Material: Polartec fleece with Palm patch Grip. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10; Best of the bunch, ticks all the boxes. Carpyness Rating: 10/10; and you can even use your phone to post your new PB without taking them off! Available: anglingdirect.co.uk, amazon.co.uk Black Diamond Windweight Mitt: Warm and windproof convertible mitten with a soft fleece exterior and interior. The mitt flips back and clips with a magnetic closure to give you an instant -length fingerless glove. Temperature Range: -4/4 °C. Material: Polartec® Windbloc-ACT® Pittards suede palm patch. Carp Angling Suitability: 6/10; Reports of rusting clips, but we included them for you to decide and compare. Carpyness Rating: 7/10 Available: rammountain.co.za, blackdiamondequipment.com K-Way Peary Mitten: A convertible windproof mitten/glove that blocks out the wind to keep your hands warm and comfortable. It is extremely light and sports an elasticated wrist. Material: Polyester Carp Angling Suitability: 7/10; Not waterproof, but good general glove. Carpyness Rating: 7/10 Available: capeunionmart.co.za, enterprisealloys.co.uk Thermal Underwear: Icebreaker Merino Men’s Base Layer Leggings: Mid-weight base layer bottoms with optimized venting zones for active performance, these leggings are hi-tech cold-weather leggings. Material: Body: 97% Merino wool/3% elastane Panels: 78% Merino wool/22% polyester eyelet: 99% Merino wool/1% elastane Carp Angling Suitability: 9/10. Functional and provide that base layer, a must for the carper who intends to spend long sessions in cold weather. Carpyness Rating: 7/10; however some of our more rotund anglers may look decidedly uncarpy in them. (Please send pics so we can judge). Available: Amazon.com, nz.icebreaker.com, rei.com, moosejaw.com K-Way Men’s Thermalator Elite Long John: Made with advanced moisture management thermal fabric, is extremely lightweight with superior insulation while still being breathable and comfortable to wear under other layers of clothing. Material: Thermaskins layer and Microban antibacterial protection. Carp Angling Suitability: 8/10; Functional and provides that initial base layer. Carpyness Rating: 8/10; Locally available brand, which in this space is quite hard to find. Available: capeunionmart.co.za, enterprisealloys.co.uk Vests: K-Way Men’s Thermalator Elite Long Sleeve Vest: This vest pairs with the Leggings as part of the Base layer protection. Extremely lightweight with superior insulation, while still being breathable and comfortable to wear under other layers. Material: Thermaskins layer and Microban antibacterial protection. Carp Angling Suitability: 9/10; Functional and provides that initial base layer. Carpyness Rating: 9/10; Good all-round undershirt product, not sure of any UV ratings though. Available: capeunionmart.co.za, enterprisealloys.co.uk Icebreaker 260 Zone L/S Half Zip Hood: A top-quality heavyweight base layer shirt with optimized fabric zones for active performance. The contoured hood fits easily and in the added Merino and polyester waffle jersey give added abrasion resistance. Raglan sleeves, gusseted underarms, and flatlock seams throughout offer ample range of motion and eliminate chafing. Material: Body: 97% Merino Wool/ 3% LYCRA®. Panels: 78% Merino Wool/ 22% Polyester. Eyelet: 98% Merino Wool/ 1% LYCRA®/ 1% Nylon. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10; Our top pick for Base Layer comfort and versatility. Available: Amazon.com, wiggle.co.uk, bike24.com, snowleader.co.uk Fishing T-Shirt: Daiwa Long-sleeve cotton T-shirts: Daiwa Vector Long Sleeve T-Shirts, heavy gauge 100% cotton with “D-VEC” logo on front chest with UV protection. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 9/10 Available: kingfisher.co.za, possibly top local dealers too. Karpioene Short-Sleeve T-Shirt: Great next layer shirt and one of the Carpiest looking T’s on the market. Comfortable soft cotton, durable and well made. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: carpsa.co.za Hoodies, Sweatshirts & Layered Insulation: Avid Carp Khaki Hoodie: A stylish Khaki Green Hoodie with Black arms, featuring subtle understated styling and a fashionable cut. The chest pocket is great for mobiles phones and receivers. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Avid.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, tackleuk.co.uk, tacklebox.co.uk Fortis Elements Fleece: High quality technical layering system enabling you to quickly adapt to changing weather conditions. It regulates your temperature during periods of high and low activity and draws moisture away from your body to prevent you from becoming cold and uncomfortable Material: Full zip hoody fleece. 320gsm, elasticated hem and cuffs to seal in warmth. Anti-pilling. Zipped pockets and buttoned accessory pocket. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10; Top of the range, well designed product. Carpyness Rating: 9/10 Available: fortisclothing.co.uk, anglingdirect.co.uk, ebay.co.uk, amazon.co.uk Team Korda Hoodie: Korda’s in-house designer has taken the classic hoodie and completely remodelled it to improve fit. Features include a snug crossover fronted hood, neat drawcord loops (so they don’t dangle on the fish when you’re doing photos!), thumb inserts as well as secure gadget compartments in the kangaroo pocket (one for the phone and one for the receiver). Material: 320gsm fleece jersey, in Olive, Black and Brown and in sizes S-3XL, Made in the UK. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Mias Benoni, Anglingdirect.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, thetacklebox.co.uk Sticky Baits Dark Green Pullover Hoody: The pullover hoodie, lightly lined with fleece, with an adjustable drawcord hood and ribbed trim to lock in valuable heat, making it perfect for the bank all year round. The large pouch pocket is ideal for carrying essential loose items, while having a separate and specifically designed pocket for your mobile phone (fits most phones). Material: 70% Cotton, 30% Polyester. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: amazon.co.uk, stickybaits.com, total-fishing-tackle.com Trakker - Cyclone Hoody: The Cyclone Hoody features an ingenious integrated neck warmer for supreme warmth with polar fleece lining in the hood, in a raglan cut for improved movement and fit. It also has a polar fleece-lined kangaroo pocket for added comfort along with our Cyclone established print on the back. Material: 75% Cotton 20% Polyester 5% Lycra. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: protackleshop.co.uk, total-fishing-tackle.com, robbostackle.com Wofte Hoodie: Bold and eye catching our Rep hoods are made for all year-round wear. Featuring raglan cut sleeves, elasticated waist and cuffs, three panel, double thickness hood, thick chunky draw cords, stylish black eyelets and finished with high quality chest “puff” printed logo graphic. Material: Soft, durable 80% cotton 20% Polyester 300gsm. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Wofte.co.uk, ericsangling.co.uk, chapmansangling.co.uk Pants: Korda Original Kombats: Inspired from classic military combat trousers, Korda has blended the military practicality with modern style and carp fishing functionality. The result is an impressive improvement on the outdoor classic. NOTE: These trousers have been known to come up on the smaller size, so order a size up from your usual size. Material: 150gsm rip stop fabric, quick drying & quick wicking, impregnated with mountaineering-grade mosquito repellent. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Mias Benoni, anglingdirect.co.uk, tacklebox.co.uk, amazon.co.uk Korda Dry-Kore Tech Joggers: These fitted joggers have combat style detailing and a brushed-fleece finish with zipped pockets. Material: 60/40 blend of cotton and polyester, which won’t absorb moisture. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Mias Benoni, Amazon.co.uk, tacklebox.co.uk, hengelsportvught.nl First Ascent Men’s Soft Shell Pants: These bridge the gap between warm, all-purpose and water repelling active pants; suitable for wearing over your sleep suit or joggers. With deep thigh stash pockets and articulated knees, they make good work pants around the swim or on the boat. A good general protection over joggers. Material: Quick Drying DWR (Water resistant) Fabric. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 8/10 Available: firstascent.co.za First Ascent Avalanche Ski Trouser: The First Ascent Avalanche Ski Trouser will keep you warm and dry. Designed for skiing, they are fitted with internal gaiters to keep snow out, and Thermoshield insulation to keep you warm. The extra room in the leg is perfect for wearing with boots or wellingtons and being 100% water resistant, wading and boat work will be a dry affair. Extra padding and the neoprene rear made sitting in the cold as comfortable as it gets. Its generous size means they pull easily over existing joggers or sleep-suits, while the braces provide an easy slip-on and off function. Material: Microtex, VapourTex, Neoprene, Thermo-shield insulation, 5000/5000 WP/BR with a 5000Mn Hydrostatic head. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 8/10; Function over style, these pants could be a game changer, keeping you on the bank longer, enabling you to focus - now that’s Carpy! Available: Outdoorwarehouse.co.za, firstascent.co.za, parktownstores.com Sniper Africa Mens Fleece Pants: Carpy camo fleece pants, ideal bivvy and camp pants, that mid-layer of protection as the nights get chilly. Doubles as sleep pants too, making a good inner layer to ski or waterproof outers. Material: Micro-fleece, with functional pockets and an elastic waist. Carp Angling Suitability: 8/10 Carpyness Rating: 8/10 Available: animalgear.co.za, huntalot.co.za, bingoshop.co.za Jackets & Suits: Vass 175 Winter Lined Jacket Khaki Edition: This is the Jacket version of the successful ‘Team Vass 175’ winter lined smock. Introduced to fight off the harsh weather of the cold months, the lining is very warm and promotes internal air circulation for extra comfort, while the outer is based on the future ‘Edition 4’ design which now includes hand pockets, redesigned hood with clear peak, adjustable lower hem and the material now has even more performance built into its spec. Material: Waterproof, Windproof & Breathable Vass-Tex 176, Metal-free so no rusting, machine washable and also never needs re-waterproofing. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10; Designed by anglers for anglers, top-rated all-round product. Buy smart, once. Available: ericsangling.co.uk, tackleuk.co.uk, garryevans.co.uk, vassrainwear.co.uk, veals.co.uk Trakker Core 3pc Multi-Suit:The Core Multi-Suit is a combination of high performance and versatility. Comprising heavy-duty waterproof outer jacket and trousers, and a dedicated zip-in fleece jacket, the Core Multi-Suit can be worn all-together, or as individual items. As far as thermal waterproof trousers go, the Core Multi-Suit is amongst the best available, featuring fleece-lined zipped hand warmer pockets, reinforced knees and seat, and a fully adjustable elasticated waistband with secure Velcro fastening, ensuring a comfortable fit whatever your build. Material: 100% Polyester, 5000mm rated. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10; An all in one solution for the mid to outer layers. Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: Anglingdirect.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, gerryevans.co.uk, total-fishing-tackle.com Daiwa - Retex 2-Piece Waterproof Suit: The Daiwa Retex is a two-piece suit that offers durability and warmth in the most extreme angling scenarios, available in a carpy olive green and black. The Retex offers tough waterproof protection with excellent warmth and a host of features. Although designed for the wet cold climate of the UK, the Retex makes a perfect Outer protection layer to complete your winter layers in a South African environment. Material: Highly durable waterproof polyester rated at WP5000. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: total-fishing-tackle.com, amazon.co.uk, anglingdirect.co.uk Daiwa - Igloo 2-Piece Waterproof Suit: The Igloo suit is a super tough garment system designed to beat all weather conditions, featuring a built in polyester quilted lining, polar fleece lined collar and hood and neoprene cuffs. Built-in quilt insulation with Clear Vision hood system, four outer pockets, two inner pockets, polar fleece hand warmers, two-way YKK zipper & elasticated hem. “BIB N BRACE” features Polyester quilt insulation, reinforced knees/ seat, four outer pockets, polar fleece hand warmers, YKK zipper, elasticated, Velcro and zipper ankle adjustment, elasticated cord at waist. Material: Tough Tussor outer shell, guaranteed waterproof & breathable to MPV5000. Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10; One of our top 3 of all time. Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: total-fishing-tackle.com, tacklebox.co.uk, anglingdirect.co.uk Sleepskin: Daiwa - Black Sleepskin Thermal Suit + Neck warmer: The Sleep Skin is designed to be used ‘next to skin’. Its remarkable thermal properties work by trapping warm air next to the skin, remaining highly breathable, while sweat is “wicked away” allowing ideal levels of body heat to be maintained. Two pieces, a pull over hooded top with a zip up neck, plus trousers with elasticated waist and ankles. FREE Neck Warmer at certain outlets. Material: Advanced micro fibre Carp Angling Suitability: 10/10 Carpyness Rating: 10/10 Available: total-fishing-tackle.com, amazon.co.uk, tackleuk.co.uk, anglingdirect.co.uk