I received my nice new Irbis winter suit the day after lockdown started. It was a real shame I couldn’t try it out instantly, as it keeps you warm down to -25 degrees C. I was thinking (when it arrived) that by the time we are able to go fishing again it could be +25!
Luckily, the Government guidance was clarified and we were allowed to fish on a day only basis and I could get out on the bank. The weather was max 3 degrees over the next few weeks, so my suit will get a brilliant test run. I had gone for a walk with it on and just my boxer on underneath and I was roasting hot! So, I thought it needed a fishing test run. I’m sure sitting on a day chair on the bank will be even more comfortable with this new suit, as I do suffer from the cold.
I spent an enjoyable 4 hours on the river and I didn’t realise that the temperature was only 2 degrees until I got back into the car!
I can completely say with 100% confidence, this is the best suit (bib & brace) I’ve every had and its going to make winter fishing so much more enjoyable.
SPEC
This winter suit “Irbis” from the SKANSON collection is a professional suit for hunters and fishers. It’s designed specifically for hunting on the go. The temperature range is -25⁰С to -10⁰С. It has the reliable silent fabric “Finland” and special waterproof zippers, resistant to friction and repeated bending. Furthermore, the ACTIVE membrane will provide reliable protection from wind and moisture.
Season: Winter
Comfortable operating temperature: from -25⁰С to -10⁰С
Material: Finland
Membrane:
-water resistance: 10000 mm.
– vapour permeability: 6000 gr. / m2.
Composition: 70% polyester, 30% nylon
Colour: Khaki / Multicam
The suit includes:
- hunter jacket with a hood
- hunter pants
- cross-shoulder suspenders.
Hunter jacket:
- Extra-Long Jacket for unrestrained movement and room for extra clothing.
- The jacket fastens with a moisture-resistant zipper.
- Two velcro windproof flaps.
- The hood is removable and adjustable with a rubber cord and fastened with Velcro.
- The sleeves have inner cuffs and Velcro on the outside.
- Moisture-resistant zip fastening to two upper and two lower pockets.
- Two interior pockets, one with zipping and one with mesh.
- At the bottom of the jacket, there is a windproof skirt and drawstring.
- Double elbow protection.
Hunter pants :
- Removable straps on the trousers, made of elastic tape.
- The bottom of the trousers is protected from the snow.
- The width is adjustable with a zipper and a patch.
- Anatomical patches in the knee area.
- Lining: fleece 100% polyester / Foil lining;
- Jacket insulation: 250 gr. / M2
- Pants insulation: 150 gr. / M2
My winter kit – from skin to outer..
Damart Thermolactyl long sleeved vest and long johns (Grade 5)
T-shirt …
Fleece pullover (actually one that was issued to Spar workers for in the chiller/freezer accesses. Cost me £1 from local market! Best £1 I spent but only bought the one and were all gone by the following weekend).
Fishing waistcoat (unpadded)
Waxed cotton jacket or my ordinary army camo coat…
Woolly socks … neoprene wellies … baseball cap or fleece beanie.
And usually I remove my jacket and waistcoat even in sub-zero temps on arrival at the waters edge – the exercise of carrying your tackle warms you up so much that you’re prone to heat exhaustion!!!. The Damart stuff is really that good!! Its used by Everest ascenders and Arctic/Antarctic expeditions! If you do get chilly then a 100 yard stroll down the bank and back and you’re toasty for another couple of hours!
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