How do you stay comfortable when it is wet and cold?
Raining and cold today (mid afternoon temperature 46) luckily not a lot of wind. I had replaced our mailbox last spring but the latch was clearly not up to the assigned task. So I was at the end of my driveway replacing it with the one that I salvaged from the mailbox it replaced. One of the neighbors drove by and stopped to ask if I was freezing. The answer was no I am dressed for it and am really pretty comfortable.
Many clients in the spring and fall marvel at how I appear to be warm and dry even in the worst conditions (think fishing in a show squall). After the neighbor drove away it occurred to me that I had never offered anyone an explanation of what I was wearing and how it all works together to keep me warm and relatively happy when the weather is not the best.
My base layer in every season except summer is a long sleeved Capilene cool dry shirt from Patagonia. This layer keeps my skin feeling dry most of the day no matter what I am doing. Not to mention that they wear like iron (I’ve been wearing the same 4 since 2020) and dry very quickly.
Over that I wear an Orvis Pro Upland Softshell. I bought one of the first versions of this jacket in hunter orange when I guided grouse hunters and still wear it. My current one is grey to keep me a little toned down. This jacket also does a good job of passing moisture that would make you feel wet on your skin.
On top I am currently wearing a set of Grunden’s Bouy X raingear. Gore-Tex to also pass the moisture. I have overalls and a jacket together they are the best set of raingear I have ever owned. Pockets in all of the right places and zippers where you need them. My only complaint is that I am left handed and the pliers holster and D ring inside the jacket are on the wrong side for me. It is a struggle but I manage.
I have been wearing LL Bean’s double L jeans for many years. I know cotton is not the best choice but these jeans wear and fit well.
Back when I guided at Libby Camps we all switched to Darn Tough Vermont socks for some reason I do not remember and I have never looked back. They wear well and are very comfortable. I especially love that even when my feet are wet they are still warm.
Last I recently switched to a pair of Kennetrek Boots because after a lifetime in sneakers and rubber boots my legs were cramping at night. It has been a long time since I wore boots that needed to be broken in. All I can say though is what a difference in comfort.
So there you are exactly what I am wearing to be comfortable on this cold wet afternoon and it is working like a charm!
