Cheap Waders

[Dillo]

I'm not sure if this is in the right forum but none of the others seemed right and I figured that I will be using waders to fish for trout mostly, so here it is. I am looking for a good pair of waders and boots for not too much money. I'm thinking 100-150 for waders and 50-100 for boots. I want something that will last about a year or two of 30-40 fishing days, but something that's cheap. I am 16 years old, so I can't even wear the same pants as a few months ago; obviously I don't want to invest in a 700 pair of Simms I can wear for a year. I've seen some redingtons, frog toggs, and Herters in my range at cabelas, any comments on quality of these brands? Cabelas also has quitea few, but I've never had good experiences with thier products, so I don't want to consider those.

[Scott F]

Don't rule out Cabela's waders. Cabela's house brand clothing, including waders, are guaranteed for life. If you buy a pair and they start leaking after a couple of years, take them back and get a full refund (if you keep the receipt) or store credit if you don't have the receipt.  You could also exchange the leaking pair for a larger size if you need it.

No matter what brand of waders you buy, ALWAYS get a size bigger than you need. Most leaks come from stressing the seams. A generous size reduces the amount of stress that comes from climbing over rocks and bushwacking down to the river. Larger sizes also let you layer clothes underneath if the weather gets cold.

One more thing to remember. There are only 2 kinds of waders. Those that leak, and those that are going to leak. No waders, regardless of price, are bullet proof. The companies that stand behind their waders like Cabela's, Orvis, Simms and a few others are the only companies that I will buy waders from.

[Neil McCauley]

In my experience waders will last as long as you treat them nicely. Don't wear them hiking through thorn bushes and thick brush. In fact try not to walk far in them at all. Put them on before entering the water and take them off when leaving it. Hang them carefully to dry after every trip. Even a "cheap" $100-150 pair will last years if you do this.

[AdamsEye]

If you go with hip waders that will save you some coin, but also keep you a bit shallower. 

[einscodek]

Recommend also storing those in a cool place not in your garage

Even the best care though in my experience is not enuf when you accidentally puncture those waders on the field

I've not had good experience with repairing them to the best of satisfaction and they are just trouble after that