That was always a problem ice fishing up in michigan.
The best thing that we found that worked for us was the Elk Skin Chopper Mittens from Cabelas. The problem with any gloves that ive ever tried is there is no body heat to keep your fingers warm as every digit is isolated, were as mittens, you have your hand and 4 fingers emitting heat thus keeping even the very tips of your fingers warm. Buy them big so you can slide them on and off withouth the use of your other hand. We caked on a product called SnoSeal then "baked" it into the leather with a hair dryer making them 100% waterproof.
So for fishing, you wouldnt be able to "use" the mittens but go as long as you can while fishing, take a short break, blow a few good hot breaths into the mittens to warm them up before you slide your hands in and your hands will be super toasty in just a few seconds. And since they are water proof, if you dropped them on the ice or in the hole, the lining wouldnt get wet, so for kayaking they would be gret for paddling. They are pricy, about $60 a pair but ive had mine going on about 20 years and are still like new. Just seal them with SnoSeal every season and your ready to rock.
|