Let's Talk Waders 2024

bass1980 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

On 11/6/2014 at 4:30 AM, CWB said:

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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

bass1980 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

On 11/6/2014 at 5:18 AM, bass1980 said:

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 reply :

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 reply :

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

J Francho reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

On 11/6/2014 at 4:58 AM, Scott F said:

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.

bass1980 reply :

Also I went to 3 different sporting good store and they all frown upon the thought of breathables even under layers of appropriate clothing. I am 100% sure they are just sale staff suggesting by the books and not actual knowledge. I'm sure you guys know what you are talking about and actually used it with success. Just like how I never ask them about fishing reels. Most staffs aren't enthusiast and don't really know the reels. They just know fishing in general and suggest general ideas.

Scott F reply :

That's too bad. I returned a 5 year old pair of waders a couple of years ago and got full price that I paid back. On their website, the guarantee is posted. Waders were part of the clothing/footwear category.

Our Guarantee to You

Since 1961, it has been our ongoing mission to provide outdoor enthusiasts like you with the finest quality gear and the highest level of customer service in the industry. The way we look at it, we have no business asking for your next order unless you are satisfied with your last order. To make sure we meet your expectations, we back every purchase with Cabela's Legendary Guarantee.

You can buy with confidence, knowing that if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we will provide a refund or exchange the item within 90 days* of purchase. In addition, Cabela's brand clothing and footwear is guaranteed for the lifetime of the product under normal wear and tear and defects in workmanship. All other Cabela's brand merchandise is guaranteed for one full year.

We've always believed the true measure of our company is how we treat our customers. So, with every order, we make this promise to you - the best quality, the best value, the best selection, the best service all from the World’s Legendary Outfitter®. Guaranteed.

Dick Cabela

Jim Cabela

desmobob reply :

On 11/6/2014 at 11:51 AM, bass1980 said:

Also I went to 3 different sporting good store and they all frown upon the thought of breathables even under layers of appropriate clothing.

Here you go: I'm in my Orvis Silver Label bootfoot breathables comfortably fishing while slush and small chunks of ice are bouncing off me in the C-O-L-D currents of the West Branch of the Ausable River up near Lake Placid, NY.

Tight lines,

Bob

bass1980 reply :

On 11/6/2014 at 11:54 AM, Scott F said:

That's too bad. I returned a 5 year old pair of waders a couple of years ago and got full price that I paid back. On their website, the guarantee is posted. Waders were part of the clothing/footwear category.

Our Guarantee to You
Since 1961, it has been our ongoing mission to provide outdoor enthusiasts like you with the finest quality gear and the highest level of customer service in the industry. The way we look at it, we have no business asking for your next order unless you are satisfied with your last order. To make sure we meet your expectations, we back every purchase with Cabela's Legendary Guarantee.

You can buy with confidence, knowing that if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we will provide a refund or exchange the item within 90 days* of purchase. In addition, Cabela's brand clothing and footwear is guaranteed for the lifetime of the product under normal wear and tear and defects in workmanship. All other Cabela's brand merchandise is guaranteed for one full year.

We've always believed the true measure of our company is how we treat our customers. So, with every order, we make this promise to you - the best quality, the best value, the best selection, the best service all from the World’s Legendary Outfitter®. Guaranteed.
Dick Cabela
Jim Cabela

Scott, where did you get this? I want to go directly to them and show them this next time. The funny thing is they said even though wader is consider clothing, they are really footwear. Well this actually say clothing and footwear.

Scott F reply :

At the bottom of any page on their website on the lefthand side, under "Customer Service" is a heading that says "Legendary Guarantee"

J Francho reply :

Anyone that recommends neoprene over breathables has never been nuts deep in the Salmon River in February.

J Francho reply :

A good article: http://globalflyfisher.com/fishbetter/dont_freeze/

Another: http://www.orvis.com/news/fly-fishing/Layering-for-Comfort/

bass1980 reply :

The best thing comes to those who wait.....

Funny story with my breathable wader purchase a few minutes ago at Cabelas. I talked to another manager and showed him the guarantee policy and showed him a quick Google search online that customers had their wader covered and he agree that as long as it's not torn to pieces and leaks in seams they'll honor it or prorate my money back. Then I bought a set that I saw online. If bought separately the wader and boot would cost $256. If bought in a package/set it'll cost $205 but it was online only. The staff said they will honor it at the check out.

As I got to the checkout I showed my phone of the package online. The clerk was a new guy and got a manager to come help do the price adjustment. She had trouble too. Then another manager came and she figured it out. She was in a hurry and told another clerk how to adjust the price. Get this, cabela had a buy over $200 and get $50 rebate card.

I was in a hurry to pick up my wife and they had taken about 8 minutes now. The newest lady started to scan and adjust the price. It went down from 256 to 204, and then she scanned the rebate to knock off $50. My total was 154 plus tax. I was puzzled at first since rebate said to use on next purchase only. Oh well I was in a hurry. Then shE gave me two reciepts and I walked out. As I got to the car I looked and I got a reciept and another 50 rebate. I thought of being a honest customer but after 10 minutes of waiting, and having to do my research to dispute the guarantee/warranty I said the heck with it. I drove away smiling.

OkobojiEagle reply :

You know that as soon as you use the second $50 rebate your waders will begin leaking like a sieve!...

7770

Let's Talk Waders 2024

related Fishing Tackle topic

previous topic

next topic

most viewed Fishing Tackle topic