What are the best waders for under $200 for fishing creek smallies?

[Ohioguy25]

Do I need to spend more or can I get a good pair for under $100?

 

I’m completely new to wading and recently recovered from an injury that prevented me from walking so I’m excited to be back on my feet. Wading seems like a nice alternative to when I can’t get a full day of paddling in and just want to fish for an hour. 
 

I see a lot of people using Cabela’s, are those any good? What material do I want, is neoprene the best? I’d like to be able to use them from spring through late fall. Thanks!

[TnRiver46]

Neoprene is too hot for me, I’d go breathable 

[Ohioguy25]

Just now, TnRiver46 said:

Neoprene is too hot for me, I’d go breathable 

What brand do you recommend and how much would you spend?

[TnRiver46]

6 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

What brand do you recommend and how much would you spend?

Eh, they are all going to leak if you use them heavily. You should be able to get some for $75 bucks or so that work well. I honestly don’t think brand is important 

[Ohioguy25]

3 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

Eh, they are all going to leak if you use them heavily. You should be able to get some for $75 bucks or so that work well. I honestly don’t think brand is important 

Am I better off just not using waders and wearing a bathing suit and water shoes?

[TnRiver46]

Just now, Ohioguy25 said:

Am I better off just not using waders and wearing a bathing suit and water shoes?

I already waded in shorts in the smokies once. But there have been days since then that I probably couldn’t have done that, it depends on air temp and sunshine more than water temp for me . I can wade in 55 degree water in shorts as long as the air temp is like 70 or above. On the other hand, 60 degree water can feel frigid if the air temp is only 60 and it’s cloudy 

[Ohioguy25]

4 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I already waded in shorts in the smokies once. But there have been days since then that I probably couldn’t have done that, it depends on air temp and sunshine more than water temp for me . I can wade in 55 degree water in shorts as long as the air temp is like 70 or above. On the other hand, 60 degree water can feel frigid if the air temp is only 60 and it’s cloudy 

Good point. So summer I can prob pull off wet wading, shoulder seasons prob should get some waders.

[MIbassyaker]

Great question -- I want to know more about this too.  I have only waded June-August when I can get away with shorts and some grippy water shoes. 

[bulldog1935]

I've never paid retail for a pair of waders, but always search closeouts.  

Sierratradingpost used to be a great place before they sold and franchised, still worth looking, and MRFC (Madison River Fishing Company) has always been a great place for top quality gear.  

If you can raise the ante $100, right now MRFC has Simms for $150-off.  

You can get 10 years of hard wear from quality waders.  

 

Quick check at Sierra, they have have decent-looking breathables for $80-120 (up to half-off retail).  

 

[jimmyjoe]

   I have an old pair of neoprene Simms. Yes, I got neoprene for the colder seasons. But I sometimes wade in the Mississippi, and the first and foremost reason to wear waders is protection from whatever might be in the water.

   You're lucky, if that isn't a worry for you.  ?  

   Make your choice accordingly.                         jj

[throttleplate]

if you dont wear waders be sure to check your pockets for leaches when you get out.  Happened to me.

Your shoes will fill up with sand and if you wear socks you will be shaking sand out of them for weeks even after washing.

 

Some lakes can give you swimmers itch, I got that too where i got red little pinhead pimples on my legs and itched real bad for a month and thats when i bought my frogg togg chest waders for $64.00.

[volzfan59]

You can get a good pair of breathable waders at Bass Pro, Cabela's or Academy for under $100.00. I only use stocking foot waders and choose to buy good wading boots. If your feet aren't comfortable, you're not comfortable. Makes for a long day.

Edited March 25, 2021 by volzfan59
Forgot to mention boots

[Scott F]

You can save money now and buy cheap ones, but you’ll be replacing them next year when they fall apart if they last that long. The best waders have separate boots that give your ankles a lot of support when you are walking on rocky bottoms. The constant wet to dry conditions take a toll. Felt sole’s keep you from slipping on slick rocks. The best waders are lightweight and have good tight seams. Buy them larger so you don’t pull on the seams when climbing over down trees and rocks. 
Not using waders means rocks and sand will get into your shoes, the soles will cause you to slip, no ankle support, no protection from poison ivy, or bacteria in the water. 
I understand wanting to save some money. If you get serious about wading, you’ll see that you didn’t save anything if you have to buy twice. 

[Ohioguy25]

11 minutes ago, Scott F said:

You can save money now and buy cheap ones, but you’ll be replacing them next year when they fall apart if they last that long. The best waders have separate boots that give your ankles a lot of support when you are walking on rocky bottoms. The constant wet to dry conditions take a toll. Felt sole’s keep you from slipping on slick rocks. The best waders are lightweight and have good tight seams. Buy them larger so you don’t pull on the seams when climbing over down trees and rocks. 
Not using waders means rocks and sand will get into your shoes, the soles will cause you to slip, no ankle support, no protection from poison ivy, or bacteria in the water. 
I understand wanting to save some money. If you get serious about wading, you’ll see that you didn’t save anything if you have to buy twice. 

How much do I have to spend? Can you recommend me some?

[Scott F]

I haven’t purchased waders in some time as I can’t physically wade anymore.  I don’t keep up on what’s out there now. There are high priced brands like Simms , but you don’t have to spend that much. As suggested, try Cabelas. Just don’t buy the cheapest stuff they have. You can try fly shops too. They are pretty knowledgeable but often have higher end gear. 

[FishinBuck07]

Wet wading with a pair of shorts and a pair of wading boots is what I do in the creeks that I fish here in Ohio.  I do have a pair of neoprene waders that are Cabela's brand that I use when fishing from my float tube early and late in the season.  They have lasted for a while now with no leaks and were under $100.

[J Francho]

11 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Do I need to spend more or can I get a good pair for under $100?

You can usually find a nice pair of breathable sock foot waders for about $100.  My current pair are made by Frogg Toggs, and are around 6 years old.

[Chonch12]

Following as I am in the market as well. For those recommending the sock foot, what boots do you recommend? 

 

Thanks!

[J Francho]

I like Korkers.  In summer, I just slip on some water sandals, like my Keen Newport H20.

[FishinBuck07]

47 minutes ago, Chonch12 said:

Following as I am in the market as well. For those recommending the sock foot, what boots do you recommend? 

 

Thanks!

Frogg Togg makes decent wading boots also!  

 

[Kev-mo]

all good answers above. i primarily wade.

 

the answers to your questions depend on how you're going wade and what you value.

 

if you plan to wet wade in the summer i would recommend getting some columbia PFG pants or something similar. these will protect your legs a bit from poison ivy, sawgrass etc. on land and a little bit in the water from sticks, rocks etc. i would also recommend something a little sturdier than a gym shoe for foot protection. neoprene wading socks really help cushion.

 

if the stream you're wading is clean, clear, not too rocky, not too urban, you're not busting through brush you probably don't need all of the above.

 

as far as waders go i've had cabelas, simms and patagonia and one other but forget the brand. all of them purchased on sale. they will ALL leak eventually. so far i like my simms gore tex the best due ease of repair both at home or sending them in. the patagonias are new cause i couldn't get the simms repaired last year during the shut down so the jury is still out on longevity but initial eval is thumbs up.

 

you'll need to decide what kind of wading you plan to do now and in the future. if you don't plan to wade much with waders then get a cheap pair. if you think you'll be wading 5 years from now you may want to make an investment. also simms and patagonia have the most options in sizing, they are also the most expensive. i'm not saying an inexpensive won't last. it's been my experience that the gore tex from simms are pretty darn good. i get the 3 layer ones. 

 

as far as boots go... it depends on what fits your foot best. definitely try the boots on with the waders as some you'll need to go up a size and others are sized for the neoprene bootie. most companies make a decent boot. the longest i had a pair of boots last is 3 years and that was with tlc and glue for the sole the last 6 months of their lives. the constant wetting and drying delaminates the sole from the boot it's all glued. altho patagonia just came out with a sweet looking boot that the sole is stitched so it can be replaced. pretty darn pricey tho. it could be worth it for someone. price per wear is good measure of a goods value. 

 

again it all depends on what you are going to do with your gear and what you value.

[throttleplate]

the neoprene insulated waders are very heavy compared to the regular cheaper non insulated frogg toggs which i wear so consider that.

 

Also the reg froggs you really need to put a good sole cushion in the foot like a soft sole which i use because without they are painfull to walk in for an extended time.

 

When in the water i go deep up to mid stomach and if you have never worn them before understand that the water pressure will make the legs of the waders feel like someone plastic wrapped your legs or feel like vacuumed packed hot dogs.

 

I havnt gotten any holes yet but wont be surprised if they show up sometime as i wear mine traversing through prickly bushes, crawl over fallen trees, sit on rocks......

 

If leakage ever became a problem and it was bad enough to hinder my comfort i would consider purchasing a 4-3 mm wet suit or 2mm. You can get a full wetsuit or 2 piece where the bottoms go up to the chest and a zip up jacket.

 

When i lived in california i was an every weekend  gold miner using a suction dredge to get my gold and the water temps in the high sierras was 50 degrees and my 4-3 wetsuit kept me warm and protected.

[volzfan59]

12 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

How much do I have to spend? Can you recommend me some?

I just checked my new BPS catalog. Looks like they no longer carry either of my waders. I got my breathable's on sale for $79.00. My 5mm neoprenes were around the same, but I've had them for years. I've had my neoprene BPS waders for 10+ years. I've owned my breathable BPS waders for about 7 years now. Neither leak at all. I'm the first to say that is not the normal life expectancy, but I take care of my stuff.

 

No matter what you do, don't store them folded. I never fold mine, even when wet. I got some heavy duty wire hangers from the dry cleaners, the type that they hang blankets or comforters on. I hang them to dry and I store them one hangers.

[TriStateBassin106]

I'm creek fishing for trout and smallmouth starting next month and I'm also debating if I should get a pair of waders, cabelas and Bass Pro have a few pairs I've been looking at for the 120 dollar range. 

[TnRiver46]

On 3/25/2021 at 11:55 AM, Kev-mo said:

all good answers above. i primarily wade.

 

the answers to your questions depend on how you're going wade and what you value.

 

if you plan to wet wade in the summer i would recommend getting some columbia PFG pants or something similar. these will protect your legs a bit from poison ivy, sawgrass etc. on land and a little bit in the water from sticks, rocks etc. i would also recommend something a little sturdier than a gym shoe for foot protection. neoprene wading socks really help cushion.

 

if the stream you're wading is clean, clear, not too rocky, not too urban, you're not busting through brush you probably don't need all of the above.

 

as far as waders go i've had cabelas, simms and patagonia and one other but forget the brand. all of them purchased on sale. they will ALL leak eventually. so far i like my simms gore tex the best due ease of repair both at home or sending them in. the patagonias are new cause i couldn't get the simms repaired last year during the shut down so the jury is still out on longevity but initial eval is thumbs up.

 

you'll need to decide what kind of wading you plan to do now and in the future. if you don't plan to wade much with waders then get a cheap pair. if you think you'll be wading 5 years from now you may want to make an investment. also simms and patagonia have the most options in sizing, they are also the most expensive. i'm not saying an inexpensive won't last. it's been my experience that the gore tex from simms are pretty darn good. i get the 3 layer ones. 

 

as far as boots go... it depends on what fits your foot best. definitely try the boots on with the waders as some you'll need to go up a size and others are sized for the neoprene bootie. most companies make a decent boot. the longest i had a pair of boots last is 3 years and that was with tlc and glue for the sole the last 6 months of their lives. the constant wetting and drying delaminates the sole from the boot it's all glued. altho patagonia just came out with a sweet looking boot that the sole is stitched so it can be replaced. pretty darn pricey tho. it could be worth it for someone. price per wear is good measure of a goods value. 

 

again it all depends on what you are going to do with your gear and what you value.

A man with real experience. I’ve seen brand new top of the line $400 waders leak not long  after the purchase date. And I’ve seen $100 waders that last a decade. They are pretty much all the same, but people think “you get what you pay for” so they can charge whatever they want. 
 

if you use them, they will all eventually leak. So far I can go through 2-3 $100 pairs in about 30 years