What Makes For Great Cold-Weather Fly Fishing Gear?

There’s a simple answer. PrimaLoft insulation.

PrimaLoft has been making quality synthetic insulation for more than 40 years. | photo by Jasper Taback

Fly fishing in cold weather can be brutal. When your fly line is freezing in the rod guides and you’re trying to tie a size 24 midge onto 5x tippet with hands that lost feeling an hour ago, it’s tempting to pack it in and go home. 

If you want to spend more time on the water, investing in quality outerwear can make all the difference. 

The Story Behind PrimaLoft Insulation 

You may have missed the PrimaLoft label on your outdoor gear, but you’ve almost certainly worn it. Their insulation is used by Simms, Orvis, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Adidas, and a long list of other performance apparel brands.

PrimaLoft’s synthetic insulation was first developed in the 1980s for the U.S. Army – designed to keep clothes warm even when wet. It worked so well that outdoor brands picked it up – these days, it’s found in everything from waders to midlayers, ski jackets, sleeping bags, gloves, and footwear.

Stay Comfortable Outdoors in Changing Conditions

A couple weeks back, I woke up to temps in the mid-30s for a day on the Stillwater River in Montana. It was going to get up into the 70s by mid-afternoon – but the first few hours would be rough. It sparked the age-old question for a day outdoors in the mountains: how the hell do you dress?

The answer is to layer up. You want something warm enough to be comfortable early on, but light and compact enough to take off and stash when the sun climbs.

Lightweight Warmth that Works

PrimaLoft insulation hits that balance. It traps heat like down insulation does but dries faster and packs smaller – keeping you warm without the stiff, overstuffed feel that used to define cold-weather gear.

Fly Fishing In Changing Weather

I tested out several PrimaLoft-equipped layers on the water – midlayers in the mornings, a vest when it warmed up a bit, and a jacket when the wind picked up. As the weather changed, each one packed down small and fit in my daypack.

I have a bad habit of tossing my bag on the floor when I fish from a raft, so each layer took a handful of splashes. The good news is they were dry and ready to go the next time I needed them.

Outdoor Gear With the PrimaLoft Label

When we’re in the market for new fly fishing gear, most of us start with the brands that have done right by us in the past. We go with what we trust. 

There’s a good chance your favorite outdoor brand is already using PrimaLoft insulation. If not, take a look around for the hang-tag. Lots of brands make great outerwear – go with the one that has the right stuff inside.