Hi ya,

The sawyer filters are very good. Also have a look at the Bachgold filter bottle, I have used this a lot in remote places.

https://amzn.eu/d/0fQXlaTj

Note on effectiveness..

These filters will pull out viruses and bacteria which is the primary concern. Chlorine or iodine tablets/drops does the same.

Just boiling water, to a rolling boil, for a minute also achieves the same thing. It kills any bacteria or viruses in the water.

So buy a filter by all means, but simply boiling the water does the same thing.

What none of these treatments do is address pollution in the water, so if you are fishing somewhere more urban, industrial or near agricultural land you need to think about contamination in the water. Run off from roads, farmers fields and nasty things from factories that might get into the water, won’t necessarily be fixed by a filter.

Hope that is useful.

In reply to Post #1
190 relates to height. So 1.9metres tall
120 relates to chest size in cm

Google nato sizing charts

I think the new goretex or mvp is just L/XL/XxL etc thought

Any recommendations for unlined bib and braces then?

I like layering stuff up and want a pair that I can put a pair of insulated trousers under.

I have a great pair but they are camo.. looking for a plain green pair..

That's great thanks all. I actually have a pram hood with overwrap in the loft so I'll resurrect that for what I want it for.

Cheers all.

Hi folks,

Any informed views on what are the most stable 1 man Bivvys for dealing with windy conditions?

What do people think sheds the wind best and remains most stable?

Cheers.

Hi ya

Anyone got any info on what's happening with fishing at Korda Lake (was BCSG?), Harefield Lake and Broadwater lake now that HS2 is carving through there?

Any info on fishing at any of these lakes appreciated.

Cheers

If you want decent kit buy it from an company that make quality outdoor kit. It will last and perform better in varying weather conditions. I do lots of outdoor stuff and mainly use a jetboil or MSR pocket rocket for that. However for fishing I use a vango..

Alpkit - good value and decent gear.
MSR - excellent quality, great performance premium price
Jetboil - fantastic performance, only good for boiling water as they are too fierce for slower cooking. If you want a fast brew or hot water then jetboil will save you a ton of gas as they are so effective. just dont plan to make pasta in it.

Vango - cheaper and decent. This one is pretty good, it's what I use year round for fishing:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vango-Folding-Camping-Stove-Silver/dp/B0039VXC4I/ref=asc_df_B0039VXC4I/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=218086929007&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17082997923309291689&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007016&hvtargid=pla-421789194193&th=1

Hope that helps.

In reply to Post #1
I use these, goretex fabric, fully waterproof, pockets, braces.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175943094832?hash=item28f7069230:g:6usAAOSwwrJlHrha&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4K5ffPFV8mZ0b2epIceZ7A8zcAacKxNOaV%2FN0ieuDgPPwBkdSmysNcVK6GkI%2Bf5H%2B6FGaSpgpXlMYVSO3ryr%2F7V%2BG1m3aQqjIsY%2FWOZD6lQAKXiJdpGEoC7rCgUyL7kpYV3qw7sCJ38xNcsu5gSaaEKhwXSTuwk4W9D%2FLVLI%2FKiGqjilemjSZBnV3eOGpra%2BTKE4ba2qTebjM2gxmMdYhwFAlmCzb9%2FXAgn7GgXsH21aRsfBOXXDwtwUWuLlS7xhl5Hk2OVcGEx7wIvcJaSUqUVamUlnM6btZpCcndDLPyxA%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_Sn84niYg

great bit of kit, far better than anything from a tackle shop, when its chilly I add a pair of insulted trousers underneath, like these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175940967153?hash=item28f6e61af1:g:04wAAOSwmFVlHVNj&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4Iq2R%2BfZAvz%2F2C35cl3L6%2B4CvqVi4psY2H0BwWCZjABMqEbEn8kU3lGFzB1qej%2BLfNWWQfNCXWi%2FdM3kNpp0Ro1DlhIX79hhiM1EtL%2F2DUlDgKX5FoLFPUS1br8UxXzpPtIBlgoDW686iDREUSybGtGhw7s%2FHGWazFs%2BaZ7xAr7lirgn48G3N3g0YBU416aaSqQsfW8nvQMylnXK7LlNA0%2FAq7GsLHqTMuMT3umjFJLX%2F1upu4cI0cbkhOYxyMk5PIrpywCFIdIUjcNtyERD6oDQ4RJY4K63gZwBNpWRt9Qb%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR66DhoriYg


I use the Snugpak Fortis insulated jacket on my top half and keep a goretex jacket in the bag as well in case it is wet.

In reply to Post #47
Reply to post 47. Merino or Wool socks (same thing really) are best as wool still provides warmth when damp.

As for why is this only temporary when wearing sealskinz? because Sealskins dont really breath and sweat will build up. sweaty feet = damp feet and damp = cold when you aren't moving about.

to offer a few views on this point:

Cold feet are caused by:
- Lack of insulation
- Being in contact with cold ground surfaces
- Moisture in socks/boots either from sweat or leaking boots
- Poor circulation

So, starting with moisture:
If your boots leak or you have a build up of sweat then your feet may get cold. Previous posts in this thread mention lined crocs and sorel caribou boots. the lined crocs will actually breath really well through their vents, so with some good socks plus the liner you achieve good insulation and low moisture - winner until you run outside in the rain, but as long as you keep them dry then its likely all good.

The sorel caribous are indeed an excellent boot, waterproof with a thick wool felt liner. So score well on insulation and keeping moisture out which is why they are popular in cold places where there is a risk of a bit of water (slush, ice fishing etc). The sorels will serve really well for a day or 24 hours. after then you will need to pull the liners out and dry them out. When I have been in really cold places I have two liners so I can wear one and dry one. Overkill for fishing in the UK, if you were really bothered though you could whip the liners out and wear them in your sleeping bag to force out any moisture.

Neoprene socks, such as sealskinz, are good but they will trap moisture next to your feet. They are good if you boots have got wet and you have some dry socks. In which case stick the sealskinz over a normal pair of wool socks, put your boots back on and your feet will start to dry out your boots. They aren't a solution for warming feet in anything but a short term basis.

For insulation, decent insoles, wool felt are very good and a couple of pairs of decent wool socks. Not cheap ones off the market, buy bridgedales or army surplus white arctic socks with the red band round the top. Two pairs of these and you should be fine. For the UK you really should be fine with a decent goretex lined walking boot, Lowa, Brasher, Meindl or scarpa are all good. Buy a size up so you can wear 2 pairs of socks.

The other point on insulation is what you put your feet on, if you slept on the floor directly you'd get really cold because the ground sucks heat away from you, faster if you are wet (back to the wet feet bit above) so put your feet, in your boots, on something insulting; cardboard, a nice neoprene bivvy mat, some astro turf, a log etc. Keep them off the cold ground and they will stay warmer longer.

In the UK two pairs of thick wool socks and decent walking boots should do you fine, if you really suffer, maybe because of poor circulation or bad luck, then the sorel caribous or skeetex field boots or their lined wellies called 'original' boots are just the ticket.

Hopefully that's some use, I have spent time in cold places so my comments are based on real life experience.

Stay warm and have fun!