Do you ever stare out at the frosty water, dreaming of that perfect catch, but the biting wind sends you right back inside? Fishing in the cold can be amazing, but only if you stay warm and dry. It’s tough to enjoy casting a line when your fingers are numb or your core temperature drops. Finding the right gear feels like a puzzle. Should you choose heavy layers or lightweight synthetics? Waterproofing versus breathability—which one wins when ice is forming?
Ignoring the right clothing means a short, miserable trip. Cold, wet gear steals your focus and can even be unsafe. This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what gear makes the difference between a great day on the water and an early retreat. Get ready to learn the secrets to staying comfortable, no matter how low the thermometer drops.
Top Cold Weather Gear For Fishing Recommendations
No. 1
TBMPOY Men's Snow Ski Hiking Pants Waterproof Winter Fleece Lined Pants Camping Skiing Ice Fishing Pants with Belt 02 Thick Green L
- Belt is included. Snow hiking pants are made of 92% polyester and 8% spandex, which are water-resistant and windproof when it is cold and drizzly outside. If you walk in the small rain, it can help you stay dry for about 10-15 minutes
- Windproof winter pants with fleece lining, keeps you warm and dry in the cold and windy weather. Or you can put on another layer for added warmth
- Mens skiing pants featuring adjustable waistband with belt to adjust waist freely.Flexible 2D cut knee design can move stretchly without restriction
- Multi zipper pockets can keep your phone, keys, credit cards and other personal belongings safely while skiing or biking.
- Mens Snow Ski Hiking Pants suitable for cold weather biking, outdoor hiking, snow fishing, snow hunting, skiing, snowboarding, camping, cycling, yard working, walking and shopping
No. 2
KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves – Cold Winter Weather Fishing Gloves for Men and Women – Ideal as Ice Fishing, Photography, or Hunting Gloves(Blackout, Medium)
- KEY FEATURES – KastKing winter fishing gloves for men or women have open finger slots for dexterity - Hook and loop catch holds fingertips open – Smart phone friendly fingertips – Anti-slip palm material – KastKing Mountain Mist Gloves are made with a fleece lined back and neoprene and microfiber palm - Hook and loop wrist closure.
- FUNCTIONAL FINGER SLOTS –Snug fitting slots in 5 fingers and thumb permit you to expose only finger tips and not your whole hand to cold weather. Hook and loop material on the fingers and thumb of these versatile gloves hold the folded over tips out of the way allowing you to easily, change hooks, change baits or check your smart phone without removing your gloves.
- SMART PHONE FRIENDLY – Special material integrated into the finger tips allows you to use touch screen phones without exposing your fingers to the elements. Can also be used as photography gloves ice fishing gloves, or hunting gloves.
- ANTI-SLIP PALM – Designed with a fleece lining, waterproof back and soft neoprene and microfiber palm, KastKing Mountain Mist gloves will keep your hands warm in cold conditions. The microfiber palm material in KastKing cold weather fishing gloves helps to extend the life of your gloves while the printed polymer pattern provides additional gripping strength in any weather conditions.
- Prym1 Camo – “BE THE PREDATOR” with American born Prym1 Camo. KastKing is proud to partner with Stacie Walker a wildlife artist and founder of Prym4 Camo. Stay protected from the elements in style with KastKing Mountain Mist gloves.
No. 3
Sireck Cold Weather Balaclava Ski Mask, Water Resistant and Windproof Fleece Thermal Face Mask, Cycling Motorcycle Neck Warmer Hood Winter Gear for Men Women
- WATER RESISTANT & WINDPROOF FABRIC - This Balaclava hood is made from water resistant and windproof fleece thermal fabric to effectively reduces the cold index. But it is not full waterproof, it is okay in the light rain but not long time.
- BREATHE FREELY - This full face cover has a breathable mesh design on the nose and mouth part so that you can breathe freely while still keeping warm.
- UNISEX BALACLAVA HAT - Stretchable fabric to fits most heads, it is a good winter gear for men and women.
- GOOD DESIGN - It is a multi-fuctional balaclava, such as, neck warmer, cold weather face cover, head protection from cold, wind, sprinkle and dust. It can be used as neck scarf, bandana and winter cap. The black color can match almost each kind of design and color of clothes.
- GOOD CHOICE IN WINTER FOR - Skiing, Snowboarding, Cycling, Motorcycle, Hunting, Hiking, Climbing, Airsot paintball, Tactical training and so on...
No. 4
SUJAYU Fishing Gloves Men & Women, Ice Fishing Gear Hunting Gloves for Men Cold Weather, Kayak Gloves Fly Fishing Gear Cold Weather Hunting Gear (Camo Grey, Medium)
- 3 Fingertip Open Design - Our fishing gloves retain manoeuvrability and dexterity of your hands to easily change hooks and baits. This special fish glove permits you to expose only finger tips and not your whole hand to cold weather, and allows you to use touch screen phones without taking off your gloves.
- Silicone Palm - The palm of this ice fishing gloves is made of non-slip and wear-resistant silicone, which holds a tight non-slip grip to your fishing rod. The fishing gloves for women men help prevent scratches and enhances friction.
- Warm and Breathable - The thermal gloves are combined with multilayer softshell fabric, also matched with skin-friendly lining enhancing the warmth and elasticity, to keep your hands warm and breathable. Elastic cuffs give a nice snug fit and offer effective enough to resistant the cold wind. Water resistant tech shell protect you from snow and light rain, keep your hand warm and dry inside.
- All-Purpose Training & Fitness Glove - The universal design outdoor glove is suitable for various outdoor activities, such as workout, indoor rowing. These fingerless gloves are suitable for fishing, kayaking, hiking, paddling, rowing, driving, canoeing, paddle board, running, cycling, camping, and outdoor sporting activities.
- No Risk to Buy - 3 sizes fit well for men’s and women’s hands, you can easily get a moderate size according to our size’s chart. Our mens winter gloves provide 12 months and 7/24 hours friendly customer services. If you have any question or not satisfied with it, please feel free to contact us, we will reply you in 24H.
No. 5
KastKing Mountain Mist Cold Winter Weather Fishing Gloves for Men and Women - Ideal for Ice Fishing, Photography, or Hunting
- KEY FEATURES – KastKing winter fishing gloves for men or women have open finger slots for dexterity - Hook and loop catch holds fingertips open – Smart phone friendly fingertips – Anti-slip palm material – KastKing Mountain Mist Gloves are made with a fleece lined back and neoprene and microfiber palm - Hook and loop wrist closure.
- FUNCTIONAL FINGER SLOTS –Snug fitting slots in 8 fingers and thumb permit you to expose only finger tips and not your whole hand to cold weather. Hook and loop material on the fingers and thumb of these versatile gloves hold the folded over tips out of the way allowing you to easily, change hooks, change baits or check your smart phone without removing your gloves.
- SMART PHONE FRIENDLY – Special material integrated into the finger tips allows you to use touch screen phones without exposing your fingers to the elements. Can also be used as photography gloves ice fishing gloves, or hunting gloves.
- ANTI-SLIP PALM – Designed with a fleece lining, waterproof back and soft neoprene and microfiber palm, KastKing Mountain Mist gloves will keep your hands warm in cold conditions. The microfiber palm material in KastKing cold weather fishing gloves helps to extend the life of your gloves while the printed polymer pattern provides additional gripping strength in any weather conditions.
- Prym1 Camo – “BE THE PREDATOR” with American born Prym1 Camo. KastKing is proud to partner with Stacie Walker a wildlife artist and founder of Prym7 Camo. Stay protected from the elements in style with KastKing Mountain Mist gloves.
No. 6
SAITAG Balaclava Ski Mask Warm Face Mask for Cold Weather Winter Skiing Snowboarding Motorcycling Ice Fishing Men (Black)
- SPECIAL DESIGN: Our balaclava designs movable in breathable face mask. This design is convenient that you can move the face part if you no need. But you don't worry the winter cold close to your head and neck, your head and neck still feel warm
- BREATHABLE SKI MASK: The mouth part and nose parts design with breathable mesh, and the face parts to design fleece fabric. The warm fleece warms your face, as the same time, the mesh not fogs up your goggles while you motorcycle riding or skiing
- PROTECT SKIN: Soft fleece material and breathable mesh, they are skin-friendly and keep warm, while antistatic and does not irritate the face skin. Our ski balaclava protects your face and neck skin against a variety of nature's elements, such as the cold, dust or sun UV
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL BALACLAVA: The face mask for cold weather can be used as a balaclava, pirate hat, full & half face mask and neck warmer, perfect fits to different occasions. It will meet your need when you are in motorcycle, cycling, running, jogging, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, hiking, ice fishing or other outdoor sports & work in cold days
- UNIVERSAL SIZE: Soft elastic fleece material that can cover your head, ears, neck and face and provide the ultimate warmth protection and comfort in winter. So one size can fit most head size and no matter you are men, women or teens
No. 7
TIDEWE Rain Suit, Waterproof Breathable Lightweight Rainwear (Gray Size L)
- 【100% Waterproof】Keeps you dry despite light or heavy rains. The rain suit is guaranteed waterproof due to high density polyester, non-woven fabric and sealed seams. The TideWe rain suit provides innovative, lasting waterproof protection you can always rely on.
- 【Breathable and Comfortable】Sweat can upset your comfort and affect your performance in the outdoors. Our rain suit allows water molecules to escape from you so you will stay comfortable and dry.
- 【User-Friendly】TideWe rain suits are designed with plenty of adjustable components to keep the rain out (cuffs, waist, hood) and customize your fit easily. Our rainwear offers 2 large side pockets to make you easy to access your gears. Better still, it is easy to carry and store your suit with the storage bag.
- 【Made for the Outdoors】The versatile TideWe rain suit is an ideal choice for any outdoor activity you like. Fishing, camping, hiking, off roading and others alike. The TideWe rain suit is always there to keep you dry and comfortable, making every adventure a great memory.
- 【Attention】Please mind the size information and choose the right size before buying!
No. 8
SUJAYU Fishing Gloves for Men & Women, Ice Fishing Hunting Gloves Cold Weather, Kayak Fly Fishing Gear (Camo Green, X-Large)
- 3 Fingertip Open Design - Our fishing gloves retain manoeuvrability and dexterity of your hands to easily change hooks and baits. This special fish glove permits you to expose only finger tips and not your whole hand to cold weather, and allows you to use touch screen phones without taking off your gloves.
- Silicone Palm - The palm of this ice fishing gloves is made of non-slip and wear-resistant silicone, which holds a tight non-slip grip to your fishing rod. The fishing gloves for women men help prevent scratches and enhances friction.
- Warm and Breathable - The thermal gloves are combined with multilayer softshell fabric, also matched with skin-friendly lining enhancing the warmth and elasticity, to keep your hands warm and breathable. Elastic cuffs give a nice snug fit and offer effective enough to resistant the cold wind. Water resistant tech shell protect you from snow and light rain, keep your hand warm and dry inside.
- All-Purpose Training & Fitness Glove - The universal design outdoor glove is suitable for various outdoor activities, such as workout, indoor rowing. These fingerless gloves are suitable for fishing, kayaking, hiking, paddling, rowing, driving, canoeing, paddle board, running, cycling, camping, and outdoor sporting activities.
- No Risk to Buy - 3 sizes fit well for men’s and women’s hands, you can easily get a moderate size according to our size’s chart. Our mens winter gloves provide 12 months and 7/24 hours friendly customer services. If you have any question or not satisfied with it, please feel free to contact us, we will reply you in 24H.
The Essential Guide to Buying Cold Weather Fishing Gear
Fishing in the cold can be amazing. You often have fewer crowds. The fish might even bite better! But staying warm and dry is the biggest challenge. This guide helps you pick the right gear so you can fish comfortably, even when the temperature drops.
1. Key Features to Look For
Good cold-weather gear must do three main things: keep you warm, keep you dry, and let you move easily.
Waterproofing vs. Water Resistance
- Waterproof: This is the best. It means water cannot get through the fabric at all. Look for high waterproof ratings (measured in mm).
- Water Resistant: This means it handles light rain or snow but will soak through in a downpour or if you sit in the water. For serious cold fishing, choose waterproof.
Breathability
This is super important. When you work hard casting or moving, you sweat. If that sweat stays trapped, it makes you cold very fast. Breathable gear lets water vapor (sweat) escape. Look for high breathability ratings (measured in g/m²/24hr).
Insulation Type
Insulation traps your body heat. Some gear has insulation built in (like a heavy jacket). Other pieces, like base layers, rely on the material itself to hold heat.
2. Important Materials Matter
The fabric makes all the difference. You need materials that work when wet.
Outer Layers (Shells)
- GORE-TEX: This is a top-tier material. It is both highly waterproof and very breathable. It costs more, but it lasts and performs excellently.
- DWR Finish: Many good jackets have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on the outside. This makes water bead up and roll off.
Insulation Layers
- Down: Very light and warm for its weight. However, down loses almost all its warmth when it gets wet.
- Synthetic Insulation (e.g., PrimaLoft): This material stays warm even when damp. It is often the better choice for active fishing where you might get splashed.
Base Layers (Against Your Skin)
- Merino Wool: Excellent at keeping you warm even if slightly damp. It resists smells too.
- Synthetics (Polyester/Polypropylene): These wick moisture away from your skin very well. They dry fast. Never wear cotton! Cotton absorbs sweat and chills you to the bone.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Small details often separate great gear from frustrating gear.
Quality Boosters:
- Taped Seams: On waterproof gear, the tiny holes made when the fabric is sewn together must be sealed. Taped seams ensure the jacket is truly waterproof.
- High Collars and Hoods: A good collar protects your neck from wind, and a well-designed hood keeps your head dry without blocking your vision.
- Pit Zips: These are zippers under the arms. They let you dump excess heat quickly without taking off your jacket.
Quality Reducers:
- Plastic Zippers: Cheap plastic zippers break easily, especially when cold or covered in ice. Look for heavy-duty, waterproof zippers.
- Poor Fit: Gear that is too tight restricts blood flow, making you colder. Gear that is too baggy snags easily.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you fish. This changes what you need.
Ice Fishing vs. Open Water Drifting
- Ice Fishing: You sit still a lot. You need maximum, heavy insulation, especially for your lower body (insulated bibs are a must).
- Open Water/Casting: You move a lot. You need layers you can easily add or remove. Focus more on breathability and mobility than super heavy bulk.
Layering is Key
The best strategy is layering. You wear three main layers:
- Base Layer: Wicks sweat (Merino or synthetic).
- Mid-Layer: Provides the main warmth (Fleece or synthetic puffy vest/jacket).
- Outer Shell: Protects from wind and water (Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants).
You adjust these layers to stay comfortable. If you get too hot, you remove the mid-layer. If you start to shiver, you add it back.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cold Weather Fishing Gear
Q: What is the most important layer to buy first?
A: Buy quality base layers first. If your skin gets wet from sweat, no outer jacket can save you from the cold.
Q: Should I wear rubber boots for ice fishing?
A: Not always. Look for insulated, waterproof boots rated for very low temperatures (like -20°F or lower). They must have thick soles to block the cold coming from the ice.
Q: How many layers do I really need?
A: Three layers are ideal: a base layer, a mid-layer for warmth, and an outer shell for protection. This setup works for almost all cold conditions.
Q: Are bright colors important for fishing gear?
A: Yes. Bright colors like orange or neon yellow improve safety, especially if you are fishing near roads or on ice where visibility might be low due to snow or fog.
Q: What is the difference between a bib and waders for cold weather?
A: Waders cover you up to your chest. Bibs are high pants that protect your core but don’t cover your chest as fully. Bibs are often easier to put on and take off quickly.
Q: How do I keep my hands warm without losing my grip?
A: Use a layered system. Wear thin, synthetic liner gloves for dexterity when tying knots. Keep heavy, waterproof mittens nearby to warm your hands between tasks.
Q: How often should I reapply DWR coating?
A: When water stops beading up on your jacket and starts soaking in, it is time to reapply the DWR treatment using a special spray or wash-in product.
Q: Is fleece better than wool for a mid-layer?
A: Fleece is fast-drying and affordable. Wool (especially Merino) is warmer when wet and resists odor better. Both are great choices.
Q: Does gear quality really affect how long I can fish?
A: Absolutely. High-quality, truly waterproof gear lets you stay out longer because you are not distracted by discomfort or wetness.
Q: What is the biggest mistake new cold-weather anglers make?
A: They wear cotton clothing or they overdress and sweat heavily early in the trip. Remember: stay dry to stay warm!