Winter sessions are quieter, harder and often more rewarding. The air bites, the margins steam, and the fish you do catch feel twice as earned. Staying comfortable lets you stay focused. The right layering keeps you warm without bulk so you can move when it matters.
Start with the base: control heat and moisture
Your base layer sits closest to the skin and works the hardest. It moves sweat away before it chills and keeps heat where you need it. A good base layer feels invisible when you’re active and comforting when you sit still, waiting for alarms to break the silence.
What to look for
- Quick-drying fabrics
- Soft next-to-skin feel
- No restriction around shoulders and waist
The mid layer: build warmth that breathes
This is your heat engine. Insulation traps warm air but still lets moisture escape so you stay dry inside. Too little and the cold creeps in. Too much and you overheat on the move. Balance is everything.
Our mid layers use loft and smart fabrics to give warmth without weight. On crisp days, a single fleece might be all you need. When a north wind cuts across the lake, add a second layer or a lightweight insulated jacket to build heat fast.
Real-world cues
- If you can feel a gentle chill while walking, you’ll be perfect once you’re set up.
- If you’re sweating before you reach your swim, remove a layer.
The outer layer: your shield against the elements
Waterproofs keep wind, rain and damp from draining your body heat. Look for protection that feels strong without turning you into a statue. Freedom of movement matters when you need to land a fish quickly or sort the net by feel in the dark.
Good winter outerwear keeps your microclimate steady. Storm passes? You’re still ready. A bitter crosswind? You can stay in the zone. Read more about waterproof performance
It’s not just about staying dry. Modern waterproofs balance protection with breathability. If sweat can escape, your inner layers stay dry, warm and comfortable across long hours. Durable fabrics prevent damp patches from robbing heat when you sit or kneel near the water.
Build your system
Think in three steps and adjust based on effort and forecast:
- Base manages moisture
- Mid builds warmth
- Outer blocks wind and water
Try your full system at home before a long trip. Move, kneel, cast. Make sure nothing pulls or restricts. You want comfort that lets you forget about clothing completely.
Recommended Fortis layering for winter
- Fleece Tundra – premium warmth without weight, perfect as a main mid layer.
- Trail Insulated Jacket – lightweight warmth for mobility and roaming.
- Námořnická bunda – waterproof and windproof outer protection for the toughest weather.
If you need a single outfit to trust all winter: Tundra Fleece + Trail Insulation under the Marine Jacket keeps heat in and weather out while letting you move.
Explore our technical clothing:


