Ice Fishing

Getting Ready For Ice. (Continued)                     

The Gadgets

There is a plethora of neat gadgets that you can purchase to keep you comfortable and warm while out in the cold. The outdoor industry is full of useful gadgets to keep us warm and comfortable, when it’s cold outside. Here are some additions for you to add to your outdoor arsenal. There are so many gadgets I may miss something here, so feel free to add your favorites by posting a comment.

Heated socks might seem like a gimmick, but these wired tubes can help keep your feet toasty and warm in cold weather temperatures. They are particularly handy when out for long-periods with little movement, and can be turned on whenever feet start to get cold.
Like heated socks, air-activated heat packs like hot shots are a lightweight accessory that can be utilized to keep hands and feet warm when standing or sitting for long periods of time.

I keep a headlamp in my outdoor gear year round. It’s particularly useful when walking trails in low light. It’s also useful when I’m trying to quickly pack up my car in the dark, in the cold of a winter evening. I use this headlamp for night fishing in the summer and never take it out of my backpack. These headlamps are fairly cheep and come in very handy at all times and all seasons.

Sunglasses are often forgotten when ice fishing in the winter, but that’s a big mistake and often means either going to the nearest store to buy some, or packing up and leaving. Glare from snow and ice as well as stinging, cold wind can leave you squinting all day and reduce your visibility. High quality sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and blowing wind and ice. Keep a check list of items you will need and tick them off one by one before you leave the house, this way you will be ready for anything mother nature throws at you.