Stuff I Use: UnderArmour HeatGear Leggings

As a general rule I thumb, I’m always cold. An exception would be walking a long (or short distance) in waders in 90-degree August heat, blazing sunshine, and stinking Connecticut humidity. Even with breathable waders, my lower body is rendered a soggy hot mess. Fleece becomes the enemy. Enter UnderArmour HeatGear Leggings.

This performance base layer is a revelation. Form-fitting and stretchy, they serve as a protective layer between you and your waders. After a hike, you’re still warm, and you still sweat, but they do a fantastic job of wicking moisture away from your body. After a 15-minute walk, all you need to do is drop your waders and let the fabric do its thing. These leggings are very fast drying, and you can actually feel the cooling effect on your legs as the sweat evaporates. I’m 6′-2″, 185, and I wear a men’s large. Great stuff! Highly recommended.

My new summer kit. I’m not going to win any fashion points, but no one needs to know that I look like a dork under my waders. I stole this idea from Chris Steinbeck and Pat Dorsey when I fished the South Platte last summer. UnderArmour HeatGear Leggings come with an outer patch pocket, but I’m a lefty and the pocket is on the right side only. Some cheap breathable athletic shorts solve that problem.