You need three basic layers to move moisture away from your body, regulate your body temperature, and protect you from outside elements: a base layer, a thermal (insulation) layer, and an outer shell made up of your jacket and waders. There are literally hundreds of products that will help you accomplish this goal. We have named a few important products here, and direct you to our bulletin board for more product suggestions and evaluation from other fly fishers. If you have anything to add, please join in to make this a more complete information base for fellow fly fishers. Base layer. Your base layer is the one that contacts your skin. It should be tight and stretchy for maximum mobility and contact with your skin. A tight base layer is less likely to bunch up when you pull the next layer over it. Stirrups on pants are a nice feature so they don't ride up, but some people find them uncomfortable for walking. The primary function of the base layer is to keep you dry by moving moisture away from your skin. Manufacturers call this "wicking."

You can often find varying "weights" of base layers. Thin, light weights are best when you expect to exert yourself or perspire--such as a long or steep hike into your favorite fishing hole. Thin layers wick more rapidly while thicker base layers offer more insulation. I prefer the performance of a thin base layer because I can wear it alone under my waders in the summer for maximum comfort, and just add thicker layers over it in the winter. Thick base layers are only good in one season. A new base layer on the market is Under Armour Heat Gear Leggings ($40) and Long Sleeve Turf Shirt ($35). This is the stuff NFL players wear under their uniforms so you know it manages moisture well and won't restrict your movement. In cold weather, try Under Armour Mock Turtleneck ($50) and Action Leggings ($50) as a base layer. Under Armour is introducing a line of base layer clothing in olive and tan colors for hunters and fishermen in 2005. Look for it in fly shops and the Cabelas catalog

Thermal layer. This is the layer that insulates your body and traps warm air between your base layer and your outer layer. Synthetic fleece is the best choice for fly fishers for a thermal layer because it wicks moisture from the base layer toward the outer layer, it breathable, and is warm for its weight. You can get fleece in many different weights to suit the conditions you are most likely to find on your local waters. It's wise to have at least two different fleeces, one a lightweight for late fall and early spring, and a heavier fleece you can wear mid winter. If you have the right fleece, your thermal layer should consist of just one garment, but in extremely cold weather, or if you just have two lighter fleeces, it's possible to have a thermal layer made up of two garments. Beware, this can get bulky, restrictive, and uncomfortable, depending on what you wear

Outer layer. Your outer shell should be a waterproof, windproof, breathable jacket and waders.