Would it sound too Victorian if I said good underwear can make or break a day fishing? These arrived during a cold spell so of course I had warmth in mind first – add layers – stay warmer! These are exceptionally comfortable, soft inner surface and very thin fabric, so they feel good against my skin and under a shirt and trousers I don't suddely feel a lot fatter. My normal thermals have textured holes which trap air, these are noticebaly thinner and seem to achieve the same sort of air-trapping insulation job using a slightly fluffy or brushed inner surface. Wicking is a key component of how good thermals work, they take mosture away from the skin where it evaporates, rather than allowing it to chill on the skin – the blend of cotton, viscose and polyester in The Fourth Layer gear seems to wick pretty well.

Wicking underwear also comes in handy under waders. Stay dry and you stay far more comfortable inside any type of waders, so at any time of year thermal underwear under waders makes a fishing day more comfortable.