Page 87 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2024

In the old days, many sportsmen wore bulky “long johns” or maybe sweatpants under their jeans. They topped that ensemble with heavy woolen shirts, sweaters, jumpsuits or army-surplus field jackets and anything else they could find to ward off the chill. In extreme cold, by South Mississippi standards, some sportsmen even put on down parkas. These heavy outfits offered warmth, but little mobility.
“Back then, we wore so much that we couldn’t move or fish,” recalls Bernie Schultz, a professional angler. “It was so heavy that it wore us out. Today, an angler can buy stuff right off the shelf that is so much better than what we had years ago. Now, we layer ourselves in garments made of high-tech materials designed specifically for fishing.”
Fortunately, manufacturers made significant progress
in protective gear in recent years. Sportsmen today can buy various lightweight, waterproof products designed specifically to keep people warm, dry and comfortable in weather extremes.
For starters, protect the head. A body loses significant
heat coming off that person’s head. Many sportsmen wear insulated or knit wool coverings to protect their heads, faces and necks on extremely cold days. Put a hood over this covering to keep warm and dry.
That old maxim, “dress in layers” still applies, but a person doesn’t need to look like a tire company mascot. Many modern garments already come in layers with detachable liners that serve as light jackets. Many people start with ultralight Gore-Tex thermal undergarments. Add a thick shirt or sweatshirt over them. Some people wear thin, insulated waterproof pants over jeans or trousers. Others prefer bibs, which resemble overalls on steroids. On the outside, many sportsmen don waterproof all-weather coats or parkas to fight biting cold, block the wind and repel rain or spray, a must when running a boat during the winter.
Nothing makes a person more miserable in cold weather than wet socks and icy feet. Some people wear waterproof thermal socks to keep their feet dry or even battery-operated electric socks. Over those, add insulated waterproof shoes or boots.
Thick gauntlet-style gloves protect a person’s hands while running a boat, but sportsmen can easily handle their fishing tackle, archery equipment or firearms. Many companies now make thinner insulated gloves that keep hands warm, but still allow dexterity to use one’s fingers.
Before heading out eat a good, hot breakfast. Sportsmen should always carry high-energy bars to nibble throughout the day. Also drink sufficient warm, non-alcoholic liquids. Alcohol can lower a person’s core body temperature and cause dehydration.
Give your body everything it needs to fight off the weather – inside and out – to enjoy a day on the water or in the woods.
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