The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Good Evening Gents,

With the weather turning more wintery by the day I've decided to buy some new Long Johns or in modern parlance Base Layer.

I've read up a bit and something made from Merino wool is what I want, the stuff I'm wearing at the moment is from M&S and has quite a high cotton content. Most of my winter fishing involves a fair bit of walking so I do build up a bit of perspiration hence taking the Merino wool route.

Has anyone got any recommendations? I've trawled the net and most of the stuff available seems a bit too "extreme sport", for me. I'm hoping that there's something a bit more traditional out there so any pointers would be most appreciated.

Cheers

Tony

Firebird wrote:Remember that dreadful Damart?

Wash your mouth out, Sir !!!!! Damart was positively luxurious compared to my Nana's hand knitted underpants, and ... worse still ... her hand knitted swimming trunks which looked fine when dry but the crotch sagged to the knees when wet ... however lovingly she made them !!!

Firebird,

Thanks for your reply, sorry I meant traditional in style not material. What ever I end up with it will also cover my winter boat fishing so I doubt if I'll find it too hot!

Try TK MAX I bought two sets last year the brand is XTM made from pure Australian Merino wool I wore them during a trip to Northern Sweden and they were excellent in a layering system.

Thanks Das-Bolt, there's a TX MAX near me, I'll have a look.

Tony

Try any of the outdoor stores such as Cotwold outdoors, Go outdoors, etc. Hill walkers and mountaineers wear base layers all the time and they are going into areas that rivers freeze. I've a set made by lowe Alpine, which Ive used for a number of years, very breathable, and warm.

I got a merino bl top from a cycle company,super comfy and very warm.
http://www.on-one.co.uk/c/q/clothing/clothes/merino

Chaps,

Thanks for all your help and suggestions I've now got a set of the XTM ones from TK MAX that Das-Bolt recommended, £40.00. They should do me as I doubt if I'll venture much north of Watford never mind Stockholm. Thanks again.

Tony

I'm sure they'll be fine but it can get a bit chilly around the Gap!

Much cheaper alternative is a pair of super market brand jogging pants made from some devilish modern material. I bought a pair last week to wear under my waterproof trousers whilst fishing on me punt in freezing conditions. Kept me nice and toasty. Please shoot to kill if ever you see me in public wearing said jogging pants without waterproof over trousers ; for it will be a sure sign I have been bitten by a rabid dog several days earlier and now infectious!