Tim L. from Oakdale writes:
Hi Joel,
I watched your Youtube video posted in September about the Striker Ice Trekker suit. I just bought the Trekker bibs and jacket…they feel as heavy and warm as what I've worn in the past while ice fishing. But have yet to test them outside of the house.What is your take on their warmth level mid-winter, as opposed to early/late season? I typically wear base layer with sweat shirt/jeans, and am hoping this will work sufficiently for mid winter with the Trekker.
Thank you.
Tim
PS - I plan on attending the St Paul Ice Show opening day Friday. If you'll be there, I'll introduce myself.
If you’re active on ice at all, you’ll need to focus on venting to keep sweat from making you cold.
Pictured - Otter XT X-Over Lodge
Thanks for the question Tim - I’ve had a chance to wear these for most of last season, and can tell you, if you’re hole-hopping or even slightly mobile, the Trekker suit is plenty warm for the middle-ice-belt and lower. I reside in southern MN and we just don’t get the extreme temps that the northern portions of the Midwest get. My heater runs hot and everyone is different, but when I put on a base layer like yourself, that suit is very warm even without adding the jacket.
Quite often, we’re wearing too much suit for the conditions and need to fight sweat, which is a bigger enemy than cold by far. That’s where the venting comes in. This past weekend was a warm one on ice, so I vented from the hips down to my knees with the side zippers, then didn’t wear a coat and just had a hoodie. I was perfectly comfortable in 30 degree weather.
Certainly, if you’re in extreme cold, you may want double-up with a baselayer, then midweight layer before the suit, but the Trekker shell will stop wind and moisture while providing a good amount of insulation to boot. You should also consider wearing a wicking baselayer bottom, with anything but jeans or cotton on top. Jeans are nice for getting out at the gas station or going out to eat, but can really rob you of warmth for an all-day fish in cold conditions. A nicer set of sweatpants can look good too, while being the perfect compliment to a base layer. It can really make a difference in cold weather especially.
Congrats on the purchase and stop by the St. Paul show, see you there!
Joel