could use some recommendations on waders 2025

crankbait2009 reply :

Hey all

at the end of last year, i began to wade in the local rivers with my good ol' tennis shoes. at the beginning of this year, i have been wading 99% of the time and needless to say the water is turning colder.

so i have been looking at BPS at all the wader options. from rubber waders, to knee highs, to actual wading boots with the felt on the bottom as well as felt with metal stubs for traction. out of all the wading options that are out there, id really hate to drop $100+ on a pair of waders that arnt that great.

can anyone with experience pass on some recommendations and some "don't buy" advice?

i am in the cincinnati area, so you can imagine how cold the waters get here int he winter.

NateFollmer reply :

I have an 80 dollar pair of Hodgman waders from wal mart. They sell them at Dicks too. They are neoprene chest waders with boots. I use them in mid winter with no problem at all. Great for the money and lots of pockets and hand warmers

boneil reply :

in my past experience with waders, you get what you pay for. I use duck hunting waders for everything. I use the redhead bonedry extremes and couldn't be happier. Get the 5mm thickness at a min. for cold temps. You want the knee pads. I have taken these waders through everything you might come across from rocks to thorn bushes with no punctures through 2 years of use so far. my last pair became a home for a mouse since I left the waders out in the shed.

RobbyZ5001 reply :

I probably spend more time in waders then the majority of people here. I wear waders very hard with both fishing and work. If you wear them as much as I do it will be hard to get a pair that will last more then 2 seasons.

Neoprene waders are great in the cold, but are dreadful in the heat. If you are looking for year round use do not buy them.

I suggest buying full length stocking foot waders. In my opinion the booted waders are more likely to wear away at the seams.

I really like the waders that are reinforced in the shins and knees, because that is typically where you get a tear from kneeling or walking through brush.

If you take my advice, and go with stocking foot you will need to choose boots. There are many choices here as well. What you choose needs to fit your needs. If you are walking on slippery surfaces I would suggest felt with the steel studs.

The brand I like is Cabelas. I choose Cabelas mainly because of their customer service. Waders will typically fail within one season of heavy use. If you take them to customer service with a receipt you will get your money back or exchange depending how long since the purchase.,

It would be tough to get everything I mentioned in $100 range.

If you want to designate a price range, conditions, and any other factors I can try to help pick a few out that look decent.

crankbait2009 reply :

i notice that the majority of the waders are around 100 bucks or less. i have no price range at the moment. i will pay decent money for a good set up. but i wont pay the price if i have to repurchase every year to 2.

i guess int he summers i could buy a wading boot, then use the waders for colder waters......thats always an option too.

other than the walking through brush to get to the wading locations, i am primarily on slippery rock with green algae all over them, if not slippery, then just wet rock. very rarely am i on mud or anythign else. rock is it.

i do want something that can handle me walking on flat land as well. i usually wade for a while, then head up to the road while i go back to my truck.

also need something with good ankle support. with the rocks being slick, im ALWAYS sliding off or rolling my ankle..............not fun!!

RobbyZ5001 reply :

Boot wise definitely get felt, and if possible studded. Studded boots aren't the greatest to walk on dry rocks or road, but I really don't mind it at all. If you take care of a good pair of waders, and boots they can last fairly long. I am typically in my waders over 100 days a year.

NateFollmer reply :

yeah I should have mentioned I'm not too rough on my waders I'm typically on paths, some dry rock and very rarely go through brush. They have knee pads and felt bottoms, but the felt isn't enough sometimes.

I did have a concern about the boots being connected, looks like it would rip but I've been lucky so far

Neoprene does suck in the heat, but that's when I switch to shorts and shoes ha ha

5bass reply :

[movedhere] General Bass Fishing Forum [move by] five.bass.limit.

BossHoss reply :

I don't know how deep your pockets are, but if you want a pair of waders you can hand down to your kids someday go with Simms. If you want a pair that your kids can hand down to you grand kids then go with the Simms G4Z...

Here is a link..

http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/g4_guide_stgft_wader_2007.html#

I am exaggerating a little with them being a family heirloom. But one of my good friends is a full-time fly fishing guide in Jackson Hole, and he and his co-workers swear by those things.

RobbyZ5001 reply :

Quote
I don't know how deep your pockets are, but if you want a pair of waders you can hand down to your kids someday go with Simms. If you want a pair that your kids can hand down to you grand kids then go with the Simms G4Z...
Here is a link..

http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/g4_guide_stgft_wader_2007.html#

I am exaggerating a little with them being a family heirloom. But one of my good friends is a full-time fly fishing guide in Jackson Hole, and he and his co-workers swear by those things.

They are pricey, but they will take care of you. Read up on the warranty. Also Jackson Hole is about an hour from me... fun town, and lucky guy.

Off topic.. does he guide on the snake?

NorcalBassin reply :

Simms are made in the USA and they have a great warranty. I have a couple pair for flyfishing and couldn't be happier with the way they've held up.

baluga reply :

Always go for breathable waders. I use the foot stocking with croc sandals. Comfortable on the feet.

Albright has a sale on Trinity waders for $44.95 w/ free shipping

http://www.albrightflyfish.com/closeouts/trinity-waders.html

LL Bean

Flyweight II for 59 free shipping - this one is thin but durable.

Emerger waders --- better than flyweight II but cost almost twice

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1109?page=waders-wading-shoes&nav=vm

These LL beans waders are better than hodgeman waders.

As for the trinity waders, I just order one so no first hand info on this.

RobbyZ5001 reply :

Quote
Always go for breathable waders. I use the foot stocking with croc sandals. Comfortable on the feet.
Albright has a sale on Trinity waders for $44.95 w/ free shipping

http://www.albrightflyfish.com/closeouts/trinity-waders.html

LL Bean

Flyweight II for 59 free shipping - this one is thin but durable.

Emerger waders --- better than flyweight II but cost almost twice

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1109?page=waders-wading-shoes&nav=vm

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1109?page=waders-wading-shoes&nav=vm

These LL beans waders are better than hodgeman waders.

As for the trinity waders, I just order one so no first hand info on this.

I am not quite sure if I would trust someone who wears Crocs with waders, but you make your own decision. ;D

NateFollmer reply :

How the heck are you wading in crocs? I tried that once in the summer time and all I did was slip on rocks (no grip at all). Maybe the river was trying to get rid of them? I feel like a huge turd in crocs, but man are they comfortable

baluga reply :

Quote

Quote
Always go for breathable waders. I use the foot stocking with croc sandals. Comfortable on the feet.
Albright has a sale on Trinity waders for $44.95 w/ free shipping

http://www.albrightflyfish.com/closeouts/trinity-waders.html

LL Bean

Flyweight II for 59 free shipping - this one is thin but durable.

Emerger waders --- better than flyweight II but cost almost twice

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1109?page=waders-wading-shoes&nav=vm

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1109?page=waders-wading-shoes&nav=vm

These LL beans waders are better than hodgeman waders.

As for the trinity waders, I just order one so no first hand info on this.

I am not quite sure if I would trust someone who wears Crocs with waders, but you make your own decision. ;D

I use the crocs when wading in the sandy areas. Wading in muddy bottom yes, it's best to use boots but not on sandy beach. It's a pain in the arse when sand gets into your boots when wading in the surf. Waders gets more beating when used it in saltwater. I've gone thru two hodgeman breathable waders and they started leaking after a year compared to LL beans flyweight II, two years before it started leaking and its half the price.

BTW, you looked like Bantam1 in your avatar. I thought it was Bantam1 until I read your monicker.

Quote
How the heck are you wading in crocs? I tried that once in the summer time and all I did was slip on rocks (no grip at all). Maybe the river was trying to get rid of them? I feel like a huge turd in crocs, but man are they comfortable

I guess I have good balance, its true that crocs does not give you that grip when stepping on slippery rocks. But Crocs are definitely comfy specially for those who develope lower back pain easily from standing and walking for hours like me.

crankbait2009 reply :

thanks for the advice thus far.

it looks like it will probably be best to have two types of waders for the two season (hot as hell and cold). i guess the boots with the felt/studs would be good for summer time so that way i can get cooled off as well . the chest highs would probably be best for the colder waters, ones with built in boot and felt underneath. even if i go with boots for summer time and the chest waders for coler weather, im still around $200. thats not bad at all.

dont mind getting wet but not in the fall/winter

i cant see spending $300+ for one pair of waders.....

BossHoss reply :

Quote

Quote
I don't know how deep your pockets are, but if you want a pair of waders you can hand down to your kids someday go with Simms. If you want a pair that your kids can hand down to you grand kids then go with the Simms G4Z...
Here is a link..

http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/g4_guide_stgft_wader_2007.html#

I am exaggerating a little with them being a family heirloom. But one of my good friends is a full-time fly fishing guide in Jackson Hole, and he and his co-workers swear by those things.

They are pricey, but they will take care of you. Read up on the warranty. Also Jackson Hole is about an hour from me... fun town, and lucky guy.

Off topic.. does he guide on the snake?

To be honest I am not sure. I know he fishes the Snake and all around the Palisades. Last I spoke he was guiding for a private outfitter. I am not sure if they have their own stretch of water or what.

oteymc reply :

I'm not in mine more than 30 days a year, but getting insulated waders for the winter time, which you can't stand to wear in the summer makes no sense to me. I have some that are good in the summer, then I just wear under armor or long handles when it gets cold.

Maybe I'm missing something.

SuskyDude reply :

Breathables.

They're lighter, more comfortable, and just as warm when you layer underneath.

Neoprenes are ok if you're on a budget and just want a wader for a few short trips during the coldest part of winter.

Oh, and get stocking foot and seperate boots. If you take care of your waders, you'll wear through your boots first. Buy the combo deals, and that means you have to buy a whole new set of waders when the boots wear out. Buy the stocking foot waders, and you just have to replace the boots.

Cabela's makes great breathables, are reasonably priced, and have amazing customer service. I got a pair of their Pro Welded Waders and I love them

MrWrinkle reply :

Quote
Breathables.
They're lighter, more comfortable, and just as warm when you layer underneath.

Neoprenes are ok if you're on a budget and just want a wader for a few short trips during the coldest part of winter.

Oh, and get stocking foot and seperate boots. If you take care of your waders, you'll wear through your boots first. Buy the combo deals, and that means you have to buy a whole new set of waders when the boots wear out. Buy the stocking foot waders, and you just have to replace the boots.

Cabela's makes great breathables, are reasonably priced, and have amazing customer service. I got a pair of their Pro Welded Waders and I love them

X2 on pretty much all of that.

Good quality breathables are perfect for all-round -- light in the summer, and you can layer up in the winter. Stockingfoot absolutely! Different river bottoms need different boot soles, plus boots will likely wear out faster.

Keep an eye on Cabelas bargain cave -- they frequently offload waders at very low prices. They also have lots of cheap wading boots in there too. Also try Ebay: I got a fantastic new pair of $300 Simms waders a couple of years ago for about $90.

crankbait2009 reply :

i get the whole breathable for all year round but do they even sell a comfortable boot that is 100% waterproof for winter months? i have seen some knee high rubber boots but dont look like they have much ankle support.

if i were to get breathable waders, can anyone recommend a waterproof boot that i wouldnt have to worry about getting wet in? the waters i typically wade in go up to my knees. i have seen pictures of people wading in these up to there knees but not sure which boot they are using..................

SuskyDude reply :

Quote
i get the whole breathable for all year round but do they even sell a comfortable boot that is 100% waterproof for winter months? i have seen some knee high rubber boots but dont look like they have much ankle support.
if i were to get breathable waders, can anyone recommend a waterproof boot that i wouldnt have to worry about getting wet in? the waters i typically wade in go up to my knees. i have seen pictures of people wading in these up to there knees but not sure which boot they are using..................

A waterproof boot...for the waders? I'm confused. Do you mean for wearing with stocking foot waders? Any wading boot will do. I have a pair of Cabela's Vibram-Sole Wading boots that I really like.

Or do you mean something like a hip-boot, for wearing without the waders?

crankbait2009 reply :

sorry about that. after actually thinking about it i kinda answered my own question.

rather than buying the stocking foot waders, i think it would probably be best to buy the boot waders so i can have them all year round and not have to worry about buying something separate for winter time...........

i will definitley go "breathable" though.............

thanks again

SuskyDude reply :

Quote
sorry about that. after actually thinking about it i kinda answered my own question.
rather than buying the stocking foot waders, i think it would probably be best to buy the boot waders so i can have them all year round and not have to worry about buying something separate for winter time...........

i will definitley go "breathable" though.............

thanks again

Why would you need to buy anything seperate for the winter time? The boots you use in spring and fall will be the same you use in winter. I don't wear waders in the summer, but if, I did it would be the same get-up just without the layers and thick socks.

I guess thats what Im confused about.

Grey Wolf reply :

Quote

Quote
sorry about that. after actually thinking about it i kinda answered my own question.
rather than buying the stocking foot waders, i think it would probably be best to buy the boot waders so i can have them all year round and not have to worry about buying something separate for winter time...........

i will definitley go "breathable" though.............

thanks again

Why would you need to buy anything seperate for the winter time? The boots you use in spring and fall will be the same you use in winter. I don't wear waders in the summer, but if, I did it would be the same get-up just without the layers and thick socks.

I guess thats what Im confused about.

You're not as confused as he is.

Dave P reply :

Breatheables and studded felts. You can always layer up with fleece in the cold weather.

crankbait2009 reply :

ok....let me explain what im trying to say.

you buy waders with the stocking feet. those stockings are NOT waterproof, correct?

soooo, if you buy those waders and buy the wading boots separatley, those boots are also NOT waterproof..............therefore, freezing during the winter months once you get wet.

unless there is a waterproof boot that goes well with the stocking foot waders.....

did i clarify this?

Grey Wolf reply :

Quote
ok....let me explain what im trying to say.
you buy waders with the stocking feet. those stockings are NOT waterproof, correct?

soooo, if you buy those waders and buy the wading boots separatley, those boots are also NOT waterproof..............therefore, freezing during the winter months once you get wet.

unless there is a waterproof boot that goes well with the stocking foot waders.....

did i clarify this?

Stocking foot waders are 100 % water-proof , what ever made you think they weren't ?

SuskyDude reply :

Quote
you buy waders with the stocking feet. those stockings are NOT waterproof, correct?

Incorrect! The "stockings" are neoprene booties. Totally waterproof.

Now you have more considering to do. ;D

Whatever you do, make sure you try every thing on first, with extra layers and socks. Walk around in them. Make sure every thing is very comfrotable. Especially your feet. They cant be too tight. It will cut off your circulation causing you to get cold quick. Your feet should have plenty of wiggle room.

crankbait2009 reply :

hmm, i DID NOT know that. i thought they were almost like wet suit booties.

well, if thats the case, then i can buy that and buy the wading boots and use the boots all year round............

i see the light now!!!

Grey Wolf reply :

Quote
hmm, i DID NOT know that. i thought they were almost like wet suit booties.
well, if thats the case, then i can buy that and buy the wading boots and use the boots all year round............

i see the light now!!!

Makes it a whole lot simpler , doesn't it ?

crankbait2009 reply :

:-[

thanks again......

=Matt 5.0= reply :

When it comes to boots, the new Korkers are awesome. I have the Cross Currents with the Omnitrax soles. AWESOME! 8-) 8-) 8-)

7970

could use some recommendations on waders 2025

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