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.