So I'm looking to get into my first pair of chest waders. I know that I want breathable waders and I would like to stay under $200.

Suggestions?

That gives you a bit of a spread. Several options. I have a pair from Bass Pro that I'm quite pleased with. Orvis always has quality stuff as does Cabelas.

spend some extra dollars and get ones that have a zipper!!!! don't ask why, just do it!!

TB wrote: spend some extra dollars and get ones that have a zipper!!!! don't ask why, just do it!!



Hey T B - We all know why we like to unzip.... BUT

Dont the water just flow in when u unzip, hence defeating the purpose of wearing the waders ?

Plus, that fresh water, although and agreed it is prob more sanitary, AIN'T IT COLD ????

Thats why, when its time I just "let it rip", cause, wooo, what a relief, and plus, who doesn't like a blast of soothing and flowing warmth.

This does make the other guys get bitchy, upon realizing rich odors, in the car ride home.

I love my Simms waders. In 41 years of fly fishing the best customer service experience I had was with Simms.

Lots of ways to go. There are plenty of good manufacturers out there. The real difference between a $150 pair of waders and a $400 pair of waders is in the number of layers and the construction.

Look for something that has some reinforcement in the knees and seat and, if you can, try to find a pair with the seams offset. Most waders wear out on their inside seams where your legs rub together. Look for something that has build-in gravel guards.

For the boots, you will find there is a lot of back and forth about the types of sole. I will not get into the whole felt/no felt, but do a little research. My preferred boot has a rubber sole with studs but I can't wear them on the raft or drift boat, as they will tear up the bottom of the boat.

I would strongly encourage you to get a stocking foot wader with separate boots, as they give you much better ankle support than any boot foot wader ever will.

I couldn't agree more with castell's advice.

Got tired of leaky waders which I bought several times at a lesser cost. Cried once, and bought my wife & I Simms G3 SF waders. Never leaked, and never regretted the decision. Simms has sold us on their quality construction, and their CS.

Thanks for the quick respones... well most of them (you know who you are. )

Going to stocking-foot to save weight as well. Simms appears to be a very good brand, a little $$$.

Anyone had experince with Orvis, Caddis, or L.L. Bean? Gore-Tex vs. Non-Gore-tex?

I've excellent breathable waders from Hodgman. Be sure to use a wading belt. A pocket inside is handy for things like a camera or gloves.

I used to have felt wading boots, and got some Simms boots with rubber soles and added cleats last year. Those grip much better than felt soles, both on slippery rocks and when hiking to a fishing spot.

I've had extensive experience with Orvis. I used to work there, and I can say that their customer service is exceptional. Their waders are great.

Dan Bailey makes an awesome pair of breathable waders, too. When I worked at Tikchik Narrows in Alaska, we lived every day in our waders. Most of the guides either wore Simms or Dan Bailey.

I bought my first pair of Orvis breathable waders at their warehouse sale about... oh.... twelve or so years ago. I gave $50 for them.

I agree 100% with the comment about getting a wading belt. It can save your life.

Is there any disadvantage to going with a wader that doesn't have Gore-Tex?

Several use an different kind of membrane for water proofing.

I have owned about four brands of breathable waders and still feel that Gore-Tex is best (and so is Simms). My Simms G3 waders were purchased for an Arctic trip in 2006 and are still going strong (though they don't work as well when you get water in over the TOP of the waders as I did yesterday AM in Beaver's Bend.)

Mick, I'm no expert on trout fishing. But I'm pretty sure that if water is coming in over the top of your waders, that you are doing it wrong...

Not that I've done such a thing myself...

I would save your money and buy a more expensive pair. You will be much happier in the long run. I have a pair of redington waders that leaked after a winter of fishing. I then bought Simms G3 waders and have had no problems. On the felt versus rubber issue: I have Simms G3 Guide boots as well. I have no studs and have no problem with sliding. I used the setup primarily on the tribs of Lake Erie and was FAR better off than two of my friends that were wearing cleated felt. Maybe I just have great balance but I surely doubt that is the only reason. Two of us also pushed many two car garage sized pieces of ice(about 4 inches thick with a foot or two of "slush" on the bottom) using the legs of the waders as our power without a leak or hint of an issue. Good luck.

Generally speaking, GTX waders are going to be a bit more durable and well constructed vs. Non-GTX waders. Although there is an exception to every rule.

Most price-point budget oriented GTX will be have less features (bells and whistles) and more importantly, may be constructed with a lighter weight less-abrasion resistant GTX fabric.

GTX is not the be-all end all however. All of the alternative Waterproof/Breathable technologies available are 100% waterproof, and most are "almost as good" as GTX, often at a substantially lower asking price. Best value from a bang for the buck perspective would be to snag a high end offering (from Orvis, Patagonia, Simms, etc), featuring either GTX or a proprietary alternative, at end of season closeout. Established brands generally produce a higher quality, more reliable product.

In my mind, the best option is a pair of rugged, dirt cheap waders, or a high quality, well designed pair from a reputable manufacturer (as mentioned above).

I would avoid the middle of the road offerings from the lower priced/ higher volume brands, unless you come across a killer undeniable deal. But that's just me.

J.

Thanks, Rex. I appreciate your observation. Coming from a certifiable expert like you, it is most helpful.

15 replies and noone has yet to ask it...

YellowSub, just what are you planning on doing with these things?

Are you looking for a "fished 5 times a year" set or something that could withstand a tour in the vietnam war?

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_14464_-1?color=Khaki%2FGray&N=98860935

all you need click

I'll be using these about 5 times a year (Beavers Bend, White, and the Blue rivers).

Each trip will be about 4 days long and the majority of that time will be in the water. There will be some hiking/walking done at each location and they need to be able to hold up to some abuse.

In that case I would go with Redington, Orvis, or LL Bean. Something like the Orvis Endura or LL Bean Rapid River. That would be in your price bracket and get more than you need in protection.

You could also get Hodgemen at Academy. I have three sets of Hodgemen waders. But in the summer/early spring I may be on the water up to 4 times a week. All three sets leak. Megellan is affordable but I'm suspicious of the material. They use it on everything, from tents, tarps, to waders and the material never changes.

Simms you get what you pay for. They are the best out there. You will.spend just as much over the years buying cheap pairs.

I bought a pair of Cloudveil's this summer that were half off. I gave $200 for them and the are Goretex. I had the $200 Simms before I lost them, but I'm pretty glad they are gone, because these Cloudveils are way better. Cloudveil is getting out of the fishing industry but they made a damn good product. You might could find some online.

It would seem that I missed out on the Cloudveil (Dang it!) closeout.

Also need to be looking at wading boots as well. YAY

What about the Simms Freestone waders? I found some last-year models on sale.

Thanks!

simms, patagonia

I have worn/used both Simms and Patagucci boots, both are good. I own a pair of Simms now with the BOA system ... seems kind of gimmicky, and it sort of is, but the Boa system works really well.

Boots are easy on, easy off, allows for nice even distribution of lace tension, and the technology has proven to be reliable (has been in snowboard boots for years).

The Simms boots (RiverTek Boa) are by far the most comfortable wading shoes I have ever owned. The traction on the outsoles (Vibram rubber) is phenomenal as well.

Hate to sound like a fanboy, but it is what it is.

Alright... finally pulled the trigger... Simms Freestone waders on a closeout deal, $129. I know that they are last year models and don't have the offset seam but they're also $100 bucks cheaper.

The money saved will help towards boots!

Looking closely at the Simms boots as well. What about Korkers with the interchangeable sole?

From Cabelas I got these sweet waist waders (breatheable) with a tuck away chest extension that allows you to wade most of the day with waist waders, perfect for when you need to answer nature's call and especially perfect if you need to do so in a kayak or wearing a chest pack/backback/anythign with straps. Then if you reach deeper water, feel clumsy or want to help cut the wind you can pull up the extensions. The bungee rimmed extension also gives you another level of protection against water getting in from the top. Now, I've only taken these out 6 times but am happy with them and love their versatility. Paired em with cheapy wader boots til I can upgrade later.
www.Cabelas.com
"Cabela's Premium Dry-Plus® Breathable Stockingfoot Waders - Waist High"
Get Bent,