Let's Talk Waders

[bass1980]

I hope this is the right section for this thread. I'm in the market for a nice neoprene wader or whatever kind that insulates heat. I'll be doing some wader fishing for smallies and need one that last.

I'm debating if I should go with the ones with a rubber boots attached or one without and you have to buy a wader boot that slips on the outside. I would like to find one or set under $300 but hoping to find one or set around $200.

Suggestions and pros and cons of each type of waders. I will be in cold water.

[flyfisher]

how cold of water and air temperature are we talking about? I prefer breathable stocking foot waders that allow me to layer underneath according to the temperature.  I have used them wading just above freezing degree mountain streams with below freezing temperatures and i used them yesterday wading when water was probably in the 50's and air in the 60's.  I prefer having a separate boot as it allows you to get the right fit for your boot.  

 

Neoprene is nice but their use is more limited as you will sweat to death in anything other than really cold situations in my experience 

[bass1980]

Air Temps 20-40 degrees. Water temp...well let's just say winter up north lol. Some river doesn't freeze over. So I do need something that I will sweat in or I'll freeze up.

[einscodek]

I got the built in boots cause I didnt want to spend time washing and airing out the separate boots with all their ties and straps and nooks and crannies.

One piece.. hose it off, dry and keep it away from the sun.. reuse.. no hassles

[Siebert Outdoors]

For that cold of weather I'd use a good neoprene wader.  Probably something centered around duck hunting. That is what I use.  Most of them have a nylon outside that will hold up better to the ice and sticks then just a neoprene outside.  They are not cheap.

[fishballer06]

I prefer to have the stocking foot as well, and buy the boot separate. And also as mentioned, duck hunting gear is going to be better suited for warmth. 

[Preytorien]

Both neoprene and breathables have their place, and I've used both.

 

I would suggest for VERY cold water the neoprene. I have breathable Orvis Silver Sonic waders, and while the layering option is very nice, and allows me to fish in darn cold conditions, I would be hesitant to fish waters less than 40F. The thickness of layering so many clothes to keep warm would cause movement issues, and when there's an outside chance of slipping and falling in icy water (which happened to me this weekend), movement becomes much more of an importance.

 

That said, your budget is good. Waders, like other fishing purchases tend to follow the "you get what you pay for" rule. My Orvis waders are far nicer than any of the others I've ever used. It's worth it to spend some bucks on good wicking base layers, socks, gloves, and other cold-weather wading gear. It'll pay for itself on the water when you're nice and toasty.

 

A handy tip, even though you'll use the attached boot waders, buy the hot-hands sole or toe warmers. Maybe your feet aren't going to freeze without them, but with them your experience will be so much more enjoyable when you're not toe-frozen.

[bass1980]

Thanks for all the advise guys. Love this forum. Anymore suggestion is welcome. I will buy one this weekend and I feel like I'm already on the right path. I'll look for duck hunting waders first or at least I know what to avoid.

Now I just need to decide on built in boots or stocking socks one. I have used waders with built in boots before and I feel very clumsy walking around in them. Thats why I was wondering if the ones where you have to buy shoes will feel more natural and have better grips? It's not really rocky where I'll be wadering.

[J Francho]

Unless you're fishing sand or crushed shell, stocking foot waders and separate wading boots are the best way to go.  I fish in cold temps,and I prefer breathable.  I like to keep water proof layers separate from insulation layers.  For waders, I buy whatever fits well, and get the extended warranty, knowing I will make a claim at least once.  Boots, I like Korkers, and get a couple different sole inserts: studded felt for fall and spring, studded rubber for freezing/snowy temps.

 

Toasty and dry on Christmas eve a few years ago:

 

[J Francho]

And a little note about neoprene.  I own both two pairs of neoprene and several pairs of breathable.  Anyone, myself included will 99.9999999999999999% pick breathable over neoprene, once they've used breathables.  There's a ton of reasons, but the big thing is you sweat in them.  And I mean a lot.  There's zero air circulation, and the only time I ever got frostbite was wearing neoprene.  I didn't realize how much sweat had accumulated in the stocking, and got a little on my big toe.  Neoprene also develops leaks easier, tears, smells bad after a couple wearings, bird-ox sticks to it, and range of motion sucks.  Never mind getting in and out of the things.

 

For sub freezing days, here's my insulation plan:

 

wicking undergarments, including poly dress socks

Fleece lined wool wading socks that go over the knee

Fleece sweat pants, turtleneck, loose fit

wool sweater, then a hoodie

bib waders over that - make sure you have a tight wader belt

boots, and a water/wind proof parka or jacket

[CWB]

JF- (and others)

What brand of breathables do you prefer?

Need something to put on my Chrismas list for the wife.

I have 2 pairs of neoprenes and both developed leaks in less than 1 season.

Looking for some for colder weather.

Thanks.

[Scott F]

JF- (and others)

What brand of breathables do you prefer?

Need something to put on my Chrismas list for the wife.

I have 2 pairs of neoprenes and both developed leaks in less than 1 season.

Looking for some for colder weather.

Thanks.

As I have said in the past, there are only 2 kinds of waders. Those that leak, and those that are going to leak. Knowing that, I'd choose from either Simms, if price is not a concern because of their quality and service, or Cabela's house brand. Cabela's brand clothing is warranted for life and waders fall under that category. Assuming you don't rip the waders to shreds, they will replace or refund waders that leak for life. They will prorate the refund if they show a lot of wear.

I'm also not a fan of neoprene or boot foot waders. MUCH more ankle support and comfort in stocking foot and boots.

If you are going to wade in winter, please use extreme caution. One slip and hypothermia or even death are possible.

[J Francho]

Scott's dead on.

 

My current pair are from Frog Toggs - they were around $150.  I have a tiny leak that will be repaired before next trip.  They're around 3 years old.  My buddy's Simms leaked right out of the box, but they took care of that with another leaky pair, lol.  LL Bean makes a nice pair, and they have a lifetime warranty.  I just get a pair that fit, have the pockets I like, and aren't too pricey.  Simms probably makes one of the nicer waders, but you pay.

[bass1980]

Hummmm never heard of breathables but I will get that. I'm at Gander now and their selection sucks lol. I maY have to hit up Cabela for their warranty.

[fishballer06]

Simms price tags aren't for the faint of heart...

[bass1980]

Wow I looked at a breathable. You guys sure it can keep me warm in MN winters? Lol.

Also does beeathable hold up against water pressure? Especially around your shin/lower leg area?

[KritterGitter]

Oh and just a FYI through all of this, if buying soles make sure felt is legal in your area. MD felt is not legal to use as a sole for boots....

[J Francho]

Wow I looked at a breathable. You guys sure it can keep me warm in MN winters? Lol.

Also does beeathable hold up against water pressure? Especially around your shin/lower leg area?

 

It's not for keeping you warm, it's to waterproof your warm under layers.  Water pressure?  You're wading, not deep sea diving.  I generally will fish with air temps 10°F and up.  Since the river isn't frozen, it's actually warmer in the water.

[bass1980]

Hummmm well I've used the cheap plastic waders and the neoprene. The cheap plastic ones when at waiste level you can feel the water pressure. It's bareable but something I don't really like.

[bass1980]

And also I'll use it for smelting in lake superior in the early spring.

[J Francho]

The pressure is the same as if you waded into the water without waders.  There is no way around physics.  Do you mean is your mobility limited?  I answered that already, but for reference: Breathable > Neoprene > rubber hip boats, in terms of mobility.

[bass1980]

No I do litterly mean water pressure as in squeezing your shin and calf super tight. This is with those cheap plastic waders you can get for $50 or so. Without a wader you don't feel it at all. I don't think I'm the only one feeling this effect as all my buddies hate plastic waders because of the cold and water pressure. Maybe your breathables cancles it out like neoprene waders.

[J Francho]

Dude, water pressure is a constant.  If you don't like it, don't wade.  It doesn't change based on wader material.  Some materials are more restrictive than others.

[desmobob]

Once you try breathables, you will probably never use anything else.  I still use Cordura-clad neoprenes duck hunting when I'm going to be in the button brush and beaver cuts.  Otherwise, I'll just layer up under my breathables.

 

I prefer the quick on-off convenience of boot foot waders, but stocking foots allow you to get a better fit for comfortable walking/wading.  You can usually get a much better fit by having a couple of different sizes of wading shoes: one pair for warm water use and a larger pair to accommodate double layers of thick socks for cold water.

 

I have had outstanding service from my old Orvis Silver Label breathable boot foots and love my newer Orvis Silver Sonic stocking foots.  I also have a pair of Grey's boot foots that have been an excellent buy.  I've only had them two seasons so I can't say too much about them yet, other than I'm really happy with them so far.

 

I have neoprenes from Cabelas and Herters and both have taken a lot of abuse and still keep me warm and dry.

 

Tight lines,

Bob 

[bass1980]

As I have said in the past, there are only 2 kinds of waders. Those that leak, and those that are going to leak. Knowing that, I'd choose from either Simms, if price is not a concern because of their quality and service, or Cabela's house brand. Cabela's brand clothing is warranted for life and waders fall under that category. Assuming you don't rip the waders to shreds, they will replace or refund waders that leak for life. They will prorate the refund if they show a lot of wear.

I'm also not a fan of neoprene or boot foot waders. MUCH more ankle support and comfort in stocking foot and boots.

If you are going to wade in winter, please use extreme caution. One slip and hypothermia or even death are possible.

Scott F, I went to Cabelas and ask about their warranty and ask if it was under apparel and they told me no. It's only covered by a 1 year warranty but it's limited. Basically if the hole is not a leak from defect. The worker went to ask his manager about the warranty policy too. I think tomorrow I will just call another Cabelas and ask the manager directly.