Floatation suits/Expedition essentials

[Purple]

Having come back to beach fishing after a break of many years - I’ve now got the rods - the reels - enough tackle to be getting on with (all of which will need upgrading when circumstances allow) and even managed to scrounge a beach shelter.

Being a fan of over-nighters, and looking at some pretty remote places, it occurs to me that the next bit of kit I’m going to be looking for is a “flotation suit”. I’m not planning on floating off anywhere, but with winter coming at some point, and knowing how unpredictable the weather can be sometimes, I’d rather be “snug as a bug” than cold, wet and shivering, a long walk away from the car, and having to bail out of a session early to avoid suffering from exposure.

I’ve had a look on ebay, and it seems that “you get what you pay for” as with most things in life. But a couple of questions have come up, and I’d appreciate any advice I can get.

One piece or two piece ? - pros and cons of both types.

Recommendations on make or style - things to watch out for like hoods etc.

Doesn’t even have to be an actual float suit - just warm and waterproof is the minimum need here.

And finally - if the walk to the mark involves a bit of a hike - is it better to wear them or carry them. Trying to avoid getting overloaded with gear, but sometimes travelling light means you don’t have what you need for a long session.

Any and all experiences you can offer are welcomed, and things like paraffin lamps vs headlamps (scares bass ?) etc are going to be relevant soon too.

Just think “half mile walk - pitch black - no coming back for 6 hours” - you know the one. What would you pack for such an expedition ?

[slippery]

I would go with sundridge for floatation suits they seem to come up best time n time again on tests...............
IMAX are crap have one myself to replace my ole sundridge and wish i had'nt.........

[stevieboy]

Fladen are good for keeping the rain out, but if you're walking a long way to get to your spot, then forget it. The chafing on the inner thighs (fnar) means they split down the lining, even for a skinny git like me. Mine had holes in after about 4 months.

[topbanana]

sas m2 is what ive got no problem walking,keeps the rain and cold out,i use a coleman northstar lantern with a sheild turned towards the sea and just turn it down or off till i need it

[squideyebarnes]

I use a 2 piece seems better than my old 1 piece as for light keep it to a min I use a red led headlight for Bassing if I could afford it would get a 2 gen head set for night work ;D You know what the army have!

[ekyone]

I've just got the anyfish anywhere two peice, very lightweight and comfy compared to a floatation suit. You have to adjust your clothing underneath to the ambient temperature, the suit its self is simply waterproof and wind proof, don't know how it will fare over the winter but its been really good over this rainy spell, bone dry and warm with shorts and T shirt under it.

[upfalls]

Veals have a summer special of anyfish anywhere jacket + bib and brace trousers for £80 instead of the normal £139.

[dave phillips]

i have had the one peice sas for years loverly and warm( sometimes a bit to warm ) and it keeps the rain out as long as you spray with fabsil at the start of every season ,i even stick it the washing machine now and then dont do it any harm

i have just got a two peice sundridge for when its a bit warmer and theres a long walk to do