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Armor Up to Conquer Any Weather Battle

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 As a professional fishing guide and someone who spends the vast majority of his time either on the water or upon the ice, one of the most common questions I hear from folks is; how do you stay comfortable while fishing in extreme weather? Now, truthfully, this question usually comes up in two scenarios: scenario number one involves someone hears a discussion, or two, of me crashing back to the dock through a nor’easter that is producing 4 footers and scenario number two involves folks catching up to me after cruising back to shore on my Arctic Cat, in below zero temps and a blowing snow storm. But, from either scenario, my initial response to anyone asking about comfort in extreme weather is, cold weather gear. And not just any old cold weather gear. Its gear, as my wife says, that keeps you “BOMB PROOF” in any weather curveball that Mother Nature can throw.

And when it is all said and done, no other company on the market has cold weather gear that performs like the products Clam Corporation puts out on the market in the way of Ice Armor. But, it is not just because they have a great two piece suit or a great hat. No, no, no, this is not the smoke and mirror show of other would be competitors. The reason to get Armored up? Because Ice Armor offers a one stop shop, having an entire system to keep us extreme outdoor enthusiasts, as we say, “Bomb Proof”. Let’s delve a bit into this system.

And a system it is. From the first piece of clothing you slip on first to the last garment that covers up the rest, the Ice Armor system allows for breathability, moisture control, and enhanced heat retention along with giving you a great range of mobility and dexterity while fishing or doing what you love to do outside in extreme weather.

So, where do we start for our layering system? From the skin and then outward for me. And with Ice Armor this begins with the Ice Armor Base Layer that includes a top and bottom made from Merino Wool that you can consider to be the Cadillac of wool due to properties that allows it to wick moisture away naturally. This wicking feature given to us by Merino Wool is the most key ingredient to staying warm and not chilled all day long. And, personally when talking a total layering system, this is the reason not to skimp on the base layer part of the equation. No cotton here, Ice Armor has put to rest the days of our grandpas old style long johns. Oh, and why no cotton? Because it does the exact opposite of wool, holding moisture against your body. Tis the reason so many of us shivered and shook after walking a ways to our ice fishing spot and then sat for an hour or two. And just as important as our core body, our feet need guarded from dampness, so why not nestle them into Merino Wool too, right? Yup, Ice Armor Socks are made just the same as the base layers, bonus, as most of us are all too familiar with sweaty feet and pack boots at one time or another. But, with the advent of socks like these, they will help greatly in pulling away this moisture and help retain heat and keep ya going.

From here we move to the secondary layer. One we can think of that is great to wear when it is really cold and we are not moving much but can also leave at home on days we are going to be very active and the weather is warmer. The beauty of layers, you can dress for success by adding or decreasing the amount of clothing depending on your level of activity or what the weather throws at ya. For this layer, look to wear Ice Armor Wind Pants, Ice Armor Reversible Jacket, Ice Armor Reversible Vest and Ice Armor Hooded Sweatshirt to keep ya snug as a bug. All are made to be worn with another Ice Armor garment over them but are also tough and weatherproof enough to be worn by themselves or couples with base layers during those not so cold and nasty days.

On to the next step of our mission to become Bomb Proof, the outerwear itself. And just as with the other layers to the system, no other company has you covered (literally) as well as Ice Armor does. Starting with the famed Blue Suit, one that revolutionized the outwear market and has lead all other companies to follow suit (literally) with their products. This waterproof, windproof and downright weatherproof outer‐shell is insulated just enough to be worn with all other layering systems mentioned and to keep all elements out of your way. Combine this with padded knees and enough pockets and compartments for any serious gadget collector, your set for a day outside in our balmy January days or nights. Now, this same serious outerwear toughness is brought into the other entire line of Ice Armor outerwear as well. The Extreme Suit, another jacket and bib combo, but one that that is a step above stand by Blue with its extreme insulation properties. For the coldest days or to forget about the mid‐layer system, this is your choice. Next, Ice Armor deals with lady and kid outdoor enthusiasts with a special Extreme Suit. A suit specifically designed for their differing body styles but still holds the same great cold and weather stopping properties that the rest of the Ice Armor suits have. And just to be different, Ice Armor allows you to customize your suit with a variety of different color jackets along with purchasing your bibs separate, where the jacket now includes camouflage for the hunter.

And as those in the fashion industry say, you’re not show ready until you accessorize. Same goes for the outdoor world as well. We need quality footwear, gloves and mitts and headwear. Again, head to toe, Ice Armor has you covered in items that are about warmth but also are designed for dexterity and ease of use to make accomplishing tasks while in the elements a breeze. Ice Armor Onyx Boots, warm and waterproof, but also have cut‐outs to help you slide them on easier, a first in pack boot design. Ice Armor Head Wear, from balaclavas to bomber hats to neck gaiters to toques that provide windproof and weatherproof amenities. And lastly, we have Ice Armor Gloves and Mitts, from Extreme gauntlet styles to Glomitts to Casual Styles to a handy Hand Muff that allow you to keep your hands both dry and warm. Agreed, you will be well accessorized and in the world of outerwear, that means staying warm.

No doubt, Clam Corp and Ice Armor is your one‐stop‐shop for all you’re layering and outerwear needs. No worries now, top to bottom, and everything in‐between, do yourself a favor and meet the elements head on this winter by getting Bomb Proof in your Armor.

Editors Note: Author, Jim Hudson, is a member of our elite Clam Pro Staff, where he owns and operates the premier guide service on Lake Superior, Hudson’s On the Spot Guide Service. Also, Jim along with a host of other Clam Pro Staff, educate new and experienced anglers through his Ice Roads Schools. To learn more contact Jim through http://www.fishchequamegonbay.com

 

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