Perspiring should be avoided since the body will later use considerable heat to dry out damp inner clothing. Good headgear is particularly important. Up to 75 percent of the heat lost on a cold day leaves the body from the head and neck. A wool cap or parka hood can provide comfort when you feel a chill, and if you are on the verge of breaking into a sweat you can cool off merely by exposing your head. Comfortable long underwear worn next to the skin topped by insulated coveralls or a wool, down or fiberfill insulated snowmobile suit for a middle layer and a windproof, moisture repellent outer layer make a good combination.
Many anglers also wear a heavy parka for added warmth and as a barrier against the wind.
Gloves are also needed, although the importance placed on them varies among anglers. Some wear light gloves inside mittens and do all but the most delicate knot tying and hook baiting with the gloves on. Others wear bulky, loose-fitting mittens and put them aside to do most tasks. Some anglers use gloves only when lugging gear long distances, keeping their hands stuffed deep inside warm pockets the rest of the time. If you need gloves on the ice, take two pairs in case the first pair gets lost or wet.