repairing Leaking waders

[Kicknbass]

I have a pair of Orvis breathable waders that I have used for 3-4 years now. They don't have any holes that I can tell, but they have been leaking in around the neoprene stocking feet. I believe they are leaking around the seams where the neoprene feet and the breathable material are connected. Anyone have any ideas as to how to reseal these seams? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

You could repatch and repatch the problem area (as I havew done) but I would just send them in for repair, Orvis should take good care of you.

If they happen to give you the run-around.. ask them to replace just both feet for one price, and ask them to disclose this price. Simms does this at a very nominal fee.. but Orvis still regulates that "pro-rated" deal.. so I am not sure what they will tell you.

Hold strong.. tell them you need only both feet done.. and see what they say.

It might mean Orvis could lose your business.. but you could decide to jump into some higher quality duds too!

let ME know how you make out - Brian

[Kicknbass]

Thanks Brian.

[John Berry]

Brian,

My suggestion is to hang the waders up in the shower and fill the feet with water. Note where the wader leaks and mark it. My experience has been that most of the leaks are in the sole. Which can easily be repaired. If the leak is in the tape it will be better to send them back to Orvis. But if it is not in the tape just dab on some Loon Outdoors UV Wader Patch (in the shade) and carry it into sunshine. It will set instantly and be ready to use instantly. I have done this on several occassions and it works like a charm.

John Berry

[catman70]

I'll ususally turn mine inside out before filling them with water. Then you can make the repair to the inside of the waders, which will remain dry. It should be noted that I once fixed a pair of leaky waders by drinking less beer on the next trip.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

The last pair of waders I patched was the Simms Leightweights.

I made a deal from a buddy who wore them 4 times, tore a hole in them and didnt want them anymore.

I used a patch kit : Duraflex - which I strongly recommened. The patch goes on the inside as intructed and the glue is both strong and flexible when dried. This is by far the best stuff I have found so far for repairs.

Although not anyways near as fast as the Loon product, which I have also used - this stuff works really well.

best fishes - Brian

[Kicknbass]

Brian,

I took your advice and sent my waders in to Orvis.

I fortunately had kept my receipt w/ the repair kit that you get w/ the purchase of the waders, and was able to send a copy of the reciept w/ the waders. I got a call from Orvis last week, and talked to service department. I hoped that they would be able to repair the waders, and was willing to pay a reasonable price for the repair. Wrong..... They explained that the waders were not repairable.

I figured they might sell me another pair for a reduced price. Wrong..... She said the didn't have the same waders for sale any more. I was kinda bummed until she said, we have another color. I asked how much? Oh, no charge, I just wanted you to know that the color was differant and that you approved before the waders were shipped.

I was floored... 3 + years of use 20 -30 dates a year fishing and duck hunting and they are sending me a new pair for no cost, not even shipping cost. They just thanked me for keeping the reciept and making things easy for them.

I think I can live with the light green color in lieu of the dark green...

Kudo's to Orvis. and thanks for the advise Brian.

[Danoinark]

I have a pair of Orvis Silver Labels but there is a leak in the right neoprene stocking foot. I wasn't sure if neoprene could even be patched...and dang it I have no idea where the receipt is.....Dano

[Kicknbass]

The person I spoke with was Judy at 540-345-6789 Ex 351. Give her a call, and maybe she can direct you accordingly.

[Danoinark]

Kickn

I actually talked with Judy. Gave me the address to send them and said if they are repairable the cost is only 30 dollars. Seems resonable to me. I think I will give them a try. Thanks for the info.

Dano