Staying Warm In Winter
It’s no secret that the open ice can be unforgiving if you aren’t properly prepared.
But with the right shelter and clothing, the elements will be the furthest thing from your mind. Whether you’re in it for the long haul or just looking for a fun afternoon escape, we’ve got everything you’ll need to keep the cold at bay.
Otter Vortex Hub Series
Featuring easy exit, no-trip doors, and patented Otter ThermalTec Fabric, the Otter Vortex Pro Hub Series provides the perfect mix of comfort and convenience for your next ice fishing adventure!
Pop It
Pros
Easy to set up (pops up like a tent), lowest price per square foot
Cons
High winds can make it difficult to setup, needs to be anchored to the ice, sled to transport not included
Best For
Anglers who like to stay put for the day
Number of Anglers
2–9
Unit Weight
Avg. 40 lb. (22–62 lb.)
Price
Every price range
Flip It
Pros
Portable and easy to transport, comes with sled to store your gear
Cons
Highest price per square foot, heavier and can be difficult to drag manually, limited to a few anglers
Best For
Anglers who like to move around, or those who snowmobile or drive on the ice
Number of Anglers
1–3
Unit Weight
Avg. 96 lb. (36–134 lb.)
Price
$$–$$$$
The Art of Layering for Winter
With all the action happening below the ice, you can’t forget the gear you need to withstand the elements of a harsh winter.
Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops outfits your ice fishing adventure inside out and from head to toe, no matter how frigid the temperature and wind are. Dressing in layers assures the ideal temperature and increases your mobility while ice fishing.
Layer 1: Base Layer
Choose moisture-wicking pieces that stay tight to your skin. The prime responsibility for this layer is to wick any moisture away from your skin. If moisture is trapped, you will instantly feel cold when you stop moving. Choose a fabric weight appropriate for the temperatures you will fish in.
Tip: Adding extra bulk when you don’t need it may cause perspiration, making you cold once you get outside. When travelling to their destination, many outdoor enthusiasts wear only their base layer and opt to add other layers right before going out.
Layer 2: Mid-Layer
The main role of this layer is to add insulation. You’ll want to choose pieces that add warmth without bulking so you can still be mobile. Fleece is an excellent option for this layer.
Choose something not snug to the body but not too loose so that all your warmth escapes. If you are staying in an insulated and heated ice shelter, this will likely be all you need for most of the day.
Layer 3: Outerwear
This layer protects the layers within from the elements, such as wind and snow. Your outer layer should fit comfortably over your other layers but not too loose so that your body heat escapes. For an added benefit, Cabela's Canada also offers outerwear with FAST (Flotation Assistance Safety Technology) to provide buoyancy in case of a fall through the ice.
More Tips for Staying Warm
- Keep an extra pair of gloves or mitts in your vehicle. This is a good idea for other articles of clothing in the event of unexpected moisture or cold.
- Bring a towel or two to dry your skin without using the material or fabric from your clothing. This can cause heat loss and uncomfortable wetness.
- Stay active. If you sit in one place for a long period, you won’t work up any body heat to keep your blood flowing. Even though you might be near a heater, do your body a favour and get the internal body heat going with motion.
