Clothing
Wading Boots: Felt soled boots are best but, rubber soled (Stream Tread) style wading boots are sufficient for the majority of the wading we do and dry faster for when you pack up for your trip back home. Simms, and Patagonia make some very good models to consider. No Studded Boots Please! Studs are tough on the rafts and boats.
Wading Equipment: Stocking foot, breathable waders are the best way to go. You will experience little or no moisture build-up inside the waders, even after a long hike and are comfortable to be in all day. All waders should be worn with synthetic fiber under-wader wear for maximum comfort, minimum moisture retention, and warmth. For safety we strongly recommend wearing a wading belt at all times. We highly recommend the following brands of waders, boots and rain jackets: Patagonia and Simms. A collapsible wading staff can be useful at times. We have several available at the lodge.
Clothing: The weather in Patagonia is constantly changing. One afternoon it may be 70° (+) and sunny, down right hot; then only a few hours later it may be rainy, damp, windy and in the low 50°s or cooler. It is not uncommon to have morning temperatures in the mid to low 40’s, especially when clear weather prevails, warming to a balmy 50° or 60° degrees by the end of the day. Clothing strategies should be based on the "layering system." By using the "layering system," anglers can adapt to whatever Mother Nature dishes out. The whole idea behind layering is to trap heated air (generated by your body and stored between the different layers of insulation), thus keeping you warm.
1... Base Layer: Start off with a synthetic fabric next to your skin. This often is a pair of thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) and they usually come in three weights: light, mid and expedition. According to your individual metabolism, pick what is best for you. Synthetic (non-cotton) materials retain little moisture and "wick" moisture away from your skin. This is very important when you are walking in waders or when outside temperatures heat up.
2... Thermal Layer: Your second layer of insulation should match the weather and conditions you are going to be fishing in. Lightweight insulation for cool weather, mid-weight for colder conditions and heavy weight for really =frigid days. Fleece is an outstanding choice here in either tops and bottoms, or overalls. Merino Wool is also a good choice as it stays warm when damp, though dries very slowly.
3... Outer Shell (Rain jacket & Waders): Your final layer should be a breathable rain jacket and waders. • 1 set midweight Simms "WaderWick" Wading Underwear, or Patagonia Capilene (tops and bottoms) • 1 set fleece pants--Simms Power Stretch Guide Bibs or Pants, or Patagonia Capilene Fleece • 1 Fleece jacket--Simms Wind Stopper, or Patagonia Synchilla
Rain Jacket: High quality Gore-Tex® type products are the best. Your rain jacket should be 100% waterproof and breathable. Again and Patagonia are excellent choices in fine breathable raingear. The shorter length rain jackets specifically designed for fly fishermen are the best choice.
Socks: Anglers should bring enough socks to alternate on a daily basis. For a week's fishing trip, 4 pairs should be fine. Do not wear the same socks every day, but alternate, leaving one pair to dry and air while wearing the other set. Wool, polypro or, a combination of both, are the best choices in sock material. Try on your socks with your waders and wading boots before you leave for your trip to insure that you have plenty of room to move your toes. Being unable to move your toes and cramping of your feet in your wading boots are the biggest reasons for numb toes and cold feet. • 3 to 6 pairs of Simms or Patagonia Wading Socks.
Wool or Polypropylene Gloves: Fingerless gloves are great for cold, rainy days. Neoprene gloves are fine, but retain a lot of water when wet. We have had the best success with synthetic or wool gloves. • Simms Flip-mitt or Patagonia Half-finger Gloves are good.
Fishing Vest or Tackle/Vest Pack: For vests, we like a high quality product, in a 'shorty' model. Choose one that has room for a rain jacket, or camera in the back. Brands we like are Simms and Patagonia. If you prefer a tackle pack, take a good look at the Simms, Sage, Fish Pond or Patagonia models. The waterproof type are best.
Small Day Pack: This can be an important article to include while packing. We like a waterproof, top-loader daypack that can hold extra gear, clothes, flies, camera, snacks, etc. Patagonia, Simms and Fishpond all make nice waterproof day packs.
Boat Bag: Instead of a daypack you could bring a waterproof boat "dry bag" which can be very handy for storing extra clothes, tackle and camera equipment while on a raft.
Fishing Hat: Look for a hat that is comfortable, relatively waterproof, and that has a good size brim to shade your eyes and face. We have a variety of high quality La Posada de los Farios baseball hats for sale at the lodge.
