Thermal underwear has long been an indispensable attribute for those who spend a long time outdoors. It is especially relevant for fishermen who often face extreme conditions – be it hot summer days or icy winter frosts. Let’s take a look at what thermal underwear will be optimal.
Key features of thermal underwear
Thermal underwear is the backbone of a layered clothing system, and the right choice depends on many factors. To determine exactly what you need, let’s look at the key characteristics:
Material:
- Merino wool: it has excellent thermal insulation properties, does not cause allergies, breathes well and has antibacterial properties.
- Polyester: quick drying, resistant to wear and tear, but may cause discomfort with prolonged skin contact.
- Polypropylene: excellent at wicking moisture away from the body, dries quickly.
- Silk: light and soft, but less durable than other materials.
Thickness (or weight):
- Lightweight: ideal for active activities or warmer conditions.
- Medium: a versatile option suitable for a variety of activities and conditions.
- Heavy: the optimal choice for extreme cold or minimal activity.
Skin Care Properties:
- Drain moisture away from the skin, quick drying, antibacterial properties.
Flat seams:
- Reduce the risk of chafing and skin irritation, especially important for active movements.
Breathability level:
- Determines how well the material can wick moisture away from the body, preventing overheating.
Packability:
- Important for those who plan to take thermal underwear on trips or expeditions. Some thermal underwear can be packed in a very compact size.
Additional features:
- Some models may have additional features such as UV protection, windproof inserts or extra ventilation.
When considering thermal underwear, it is important to consider individual needs and conditions of use. For example, outdoor fishing in the harsh winter months may require thicker thermal underwear, while active summer fishing may require a lighter, more breathable option.
Thermal underwear for winter fishing
In winter, it is important for a fisherman not only to keep warm, but also to ensure that moisture drains away from the body. When choosing thermal underwear, you should pay attention to materials such as merino wool, which has excellent thermal insulation properties and is able to “breathe”.
Here are some popular models of winter thermal underwear:
- The Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe is a classic model made from 100% merino wool.
- Carhartt Base Force Wicking Cotton Super Cold Weather Crewneck Top – design for very cold weather. The warmest thermal underwear for fishing.
Thermal underwear for spring and autumn fishing
During transitional seasons, thermal underwear should provide warmth but also prevent overheating. Polyester and synthetic fabrics can be a good choice as they have quick-drying properties.
Here are some popular models of spring and autumn thermal underwear:
Spring:
- Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Lightweight Crew – combines Lifa synthetic technology with merino wool.
- Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock – gives you warmth without adding bulk.
Autumn:
- Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Crew is a thicker merino wool thermal underwear.
- Norrøna /29 Merino Longs are comfortable and warm underwear made of merino wool.
Thermal underwear for summer fishing
In summer, fishermen should look for lightweight and breathable thermal underwear that protects against the sun’s rays and wicks away sweat. Fabrics with added elastane can provide a comfortable fit and freedom of movement.
Here are some popular models of summer thermal underwear:
- The Columbia Titan Ultra Short Sleeve is lightweight and breathable for activity in the heat.
- The Aclima LightWool T-Shirt is an ultra-lightweight merino wool version for the summer months.
Rating of thermal underwear for fishing
For those looking for specific recommendations, here is a brief ranking of popular thermal underwear brands:
- Icebreaker – known for its merino thermal underwear, perfect for winter.
- Under Armour – does a great job of wicking away moisture, making it a good choice for spring and autumn.
- Columbia – with their Omni-Shade technology providing sun protection, this is a great choice for summer fishing.
- Carhartt is a brand with a long history, known for its durable and quality thermal underwear. Particularly well suited for cold conditions.
- Helly Hansen – highly valued among professionals and outdoor enthusiasts due to its high wear resistance and thermal insulation properties.
- Smartwool – specialises in merino wool thermal underwear, offering excellent quality products that provide warmth even in wet and damp weather.
- Norrøna is a Scandinavian brand known for its quality and functional thermal underwear, perfect for extreme conditions.
- Sitka – popular among hunters and fishermen, their thermal underwear is famous for durability and high functionality.
- Aclima is another brand specialising in merino wool products. Their thermal underwear is ideal for outdoor activities in the cold season.
When choosing thermal underwear, you should not skimp. Quality thermal underwear will not only provide comfort, but will also last for many years, saving you money in the long run. No matter what time of year it is, the right thermal underwear will be your reliable ally in fishing, providing comfort and confidence in any conditions.
Shop for new thermal underwear and get maximum benefits with reBITme. We wish you a successful shopping experience!
