11-08-2013, 04:44 PM
It’s that time when we all need to start “dressing for the weather” to make our days outside warmer and enjoyable………… rather than a torturing ordeal.
So I bumped this great thread started by FishFight with its invaluable advice from MuskieBait up to current status ………… and I’ll add a few new discussion points:
One thing not mentioned before was the use of hand warmers. I’ve used and have all three types, which are:
Chemical (i.e “HotHands”)……….. not bad,… and the most simple,… they can actually get too hot directly against your skin. A lot of people who use these don’t realize that they need to be shook every once in a while to keep the reaction going better. The packets are environment friendly if properly disposed in the trash. Tip – use an old small or cutoff sock as a holder/shield.
Lighter Fluid fueled (i.e. Zippo style)… very good, but actually more expensive to use, get wow hot too. Some may not like messing with the lighter fluid. The authentic chromed Zippos are the best, stay away from the cheap copies. In the wow bitter cold these are the #1 best. Tip – if you go this route buy a zippo lighter or a Bic lighter to start them……….. also – buy a few extra burner heads.
Solid Fuel (vintage gear, not widely sold anymore)……… they work, are the cheapest and most simple, but current offshore fuel sticks available have an “oily” odour, and can be hard to light and kept lit. I used these for years, but the two types above are better.
How do I use these?..................
Simple approach – put one in each of my jacket pockets to warm my hands.
Better – Wear a light set of wool gloves inside a pair of large oversize mitts that have the heater(s) inside. This can be cumbersome if you need to move fast to grab a rod.
Best – Use my belted hand warmer muff and put one or two of them inside it.
Hope that helps someone..........
Cheers,
OldTimer
So I bumped this great thread started by FishFight with its invaluable advice from MuskieBait up to current status ………… and I’ll add a few new discussion points:
One thing not mentioned before was the use of hand warmers. I’ve used and have all three types, which are:
Chemical (i.e “HotHands”)……….. not bad,… and the most simple,… they can actually get too hot directly against your skin. A lot of people who use these don’t realize that they need to be shook every once in a while to keep the reaction going better. The packets are environment friendly if properly disposed in the trash. Tip – use an old small or cutoff sock as a holder/shield.
Lighter Fluid fueled (i.e. Zippo style)… very good, but actually more expensive to use, get wow hot too. Some may not like messing with the lighter fluid. The authentic chromed Zippos are the best, stay away from the cheap copies. In the wow bitter cold these are the #1 best. Tip – if you go this route buy a zippo lighter or a Bic lighter to start them……….. also – buy a few extra burner heads.
Solid Fuel (vintage gear, not widely sold anymore)……… they work, are the cheapest and most simple, but current offshore fuel sticks available have an “oily” odour, and can be hard to light and kept lit. I used these for years, but the two types above are better.
How do I use these?..................
Simple approach – put one in each of my jacket pockets to warm my hands.
Better – Wear a light set of wool gloves inside a pair of large oversize mitts that have the heater(s) inside. This can be cumbersome if you need to move fast to grab a rod.
Best – Use my belted hand warmer muff and put one or two of them inside it.
Hope that helps someone..........
Cheers,
OldTimer