First Set Of Waders

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Orvis also make quality waders and boots.

Orvis customer service SUCKS! My dad got a pair of silver labels as a birthday gift about 2 months before he died. After 3 times in the water they were leaking, he explained to C/S that they were a gift. Didnt want money for them, just wanted them fixed or a new pair. Orvis said no, without a receipt they would do nothing. After he died, I got the waders and asked Orvis to replace them, told them dad had passed away etc etc. They told me that because I was not the original owner, I should either repair them myself or get new ones, but they would not take care of the leaking waders that had only been in the water 3 times. I will never purchase anything from orvis again.

[ness]

Orvis customer service SUCKS!

That's the exception, not the rule with them. I once returned a pair of wading boots that didn't measure up a couple years after I bought them -- without a receipt. No questions asked.

OP: You're buying two things -- waders and boots -- and you severely limit yourself if you try to shortcut this and get them together. If it's a money thing, consider starting with a good boot first and adding the waders later. You can wet-wade in a lot of circumstances with just a wading boot.

When you buy a wading boot, your first consideration should be the boot itself. It should offer the things you need in any good boot -- fit, comfort, support, etc. It's going to have a sole that helps with traction on rocks, allow water to move out and offer good support improving your stability in the water. And, those are all good things worth paying for. With a boot-foot wader, you'll get a slip-on boot, maybe one with some laces to tighten it up, but it's just not the same.

Lotsa good wader and boot choices already mentioned, but here's what I'm using: Simms Freestone boot and LL Bean breathable waders.

These are my second pair of Freestones. They're durable, comfortable and offer good stability. They have a felt sole. Approx $80. Maybe a little stiff though -- they're made of plastic. I might go with a Condura-type material and a studded sole next time.

Definitely go with breathable waders if you can swing it. They're so much lighter and more comfortable than rubber or neoprene. One handy feature to look for is a built-in gravel guard. It's a cuff sewn in above the ankle that covers the top of the boot and prevents gravel from coming in. Nice little feature, though you can just buy a separate cuff if your model doesn't have it.

[eric1978]

Orvis customer service SUCKS! My dad got a pair of silver labels as a birthday gift about 2 months before he died. After 3 times in the water they were leaking, he explained to C/S that they were a gift. Didnt want money for them, just wanted them fixed or a new pair. Orvis said no, without a receipt they would do nothing. After he died, I got the waders and asked Orvis to replace them, told them dad had passed away etc etc. They told me that because I was not the original owner, I should either repair them myself or get new ones, but they would not take care of the leaking waders that had only been in the water 3 times. I will never purchase anything from orvis again.

I've had a lot of Orvis stuff over the years and have yet to have an unresolvable problem with either the equipment or the customer service. No company is going to be perfect all the time. I guess you were just unlucky enough to be one of the dissatisfied customers. Just because they "sucked" for you doesn't mean they "suck" in general.

[Gavin]

Waders......Used to be Simms guy...but I was dissappointed with the last set of G3's that I had...only held up for 4 years....Switched to a Patagonia's for this go round. Cabela's makes some pretty good stuff at a lower price point, but the lack some of the features you will find on top line waders from Simm's or Patagonia.

Boots...Simms Freestones are OK...wore em for years...but I got a set of Chota's and I wouldnt want to go back to Freestones..Chota's are a lot lighter and they have been holding up well.

Orvis...call me a snob or a hater, but I think they should stick to selling ladies sweaters, khaki pants, and dog beds ;>)!

[eric1978]

Orvis...call me a snob or a hater, but I think they should stick to selling ladies sweaters, khaki pants, and dog beds ;>)!

I have a pair of Orvis wading boots that have lasted me years and had a pair of waders that I liked a lot until I traded up for Simms. I think their wading accessories are pretty good, but I don't buy much else from them. It's definitely higher quality than Cabela's or LL Bean. I have a ton of Patagonia stuff for backpacking...they make very high quality clothing and gear.

[Terry Beeson]

I LOVE my Chotas, but I have to say, Gavin, that the NEW Simms boots are much better and at least equal to Simms. Honestly, you'll have to do some arm twisting to get me out of Chotas unless they're Simms. Any other brand, you can keep.

As far as waders, Anyone have Cloudveil? I have some Orvis that I happened onto a few years back - right place, right time, right price - and have been mostly pleased with them, but my next ones will be either Simms or Cloudveil...

[eric1978]

I LOVE my Chotas, but I have to say, Gavin, that the NEW Simms boots are much better and at least equal to Simms. Honestly, you'll have to do some arm twisting to get me out of Chotas unless they're Simms. Any other brand, you can keep.

As far as waders, Anyone have Cloudveil? I have some Orvis that I happened onto a few years back - right place, right time, right price - and have been mostly pleased with them, but my next ones will be either Simms or Cloudveil...

I know Cloudveil makes ski-wear and other outdoor outerwear, and it is quality stuff. Never seen their waders.

[flyfishmaster]

I am looking for my first set of waders, mostly for use in the upper and lower Illinois River in Oklahoma.

Stocking foot or boot foot? Would one have an advantage over another? I will probably not spend more tha $150.00 since I don.t get to go that often, and who knows, I may not like wading but I am anxious to give it a try.

Thanks for your insight.

Wanabeflyer,

You have a good question and you are going to get multiple responces. Like the previous replies, I agree that the stocking foot style is a perfect choice.

To find the waders you like, create a check list to narrow down your choices. The top item is cost.

The reason I switched to stocking foot was "comfort". The bootfoot weights a bit more, so wearing them all day can be a factor to evaluate. Also, the bootfoot seam to rub my leg where the top of boot connects to the material. THe stocking foot and boot feels more natural.

The items I wear are the Cabela's Dry Plus pant waders and Chota quick lace boots.

So good luck with your purchase.

Later,

FFM

[OKFlyFisher44]

Like other have said, go with stockingfoot waders. You won't be sorry. I agree also to spend a little extra $$$ and get a quality pair of waders the 1st time out. You won't be sorry. If you think you're going to stick with fly fishing, which most do, then you'll be happy you bought good quality gear.

As far as brands, I'm wearing Orvis Silver Labels w/ Chota STL wading boots. I've had my Silver Labels for going on 3 years and they've been great. I've put them through the paces and not an issue yet. They've very comfortable and breathe very well even in HOT weather. Plus they were under $200! Now they don't have all the high-end features but I can do without.

I absolutely love my Chota boots. This is my 2nd pair. I had a pair of Abrams Creek boots and they are a great boot for the money. I'd definitely look at them for $70. I sold them to my nephew and he loves them as well. I have a pair of Chota STLs now that I just got about a month ago. I got 'em for just under $100 and they're amazing. Very comfortable and offer lots of support. I don't think I'll ever buy another pair of wading boots again.

My nephew just bought a pair of Hodgeman Lakestream breathables and I'm very impressed with them. They looked very "cheap" in the pictures but after getting my hands on them, I'm very impressed. They feel and look very well constructed, as good as my Silver Labels. Only time will tell how durable they are. I will say they have very good reviews on Cabelas and they're on sale right for $70 on Cabelas Bargain Cave site.

On the customer service issue with Orvis, I've only had to deal with them once with a broken rod that was my dads rod. I called them up and told them the situation. The rod was actually a discontinued model but they said to send it in and they would repair it or warranty the rod. Just over a week later, there was a brand new rod sitting on my door-step. No questions asked. I have nothing but good things to say about Orvis.

I say, if you want a lower price point...go with Hogdeman or Cabelas. If you're going to spend some money...definitely Simms, Patagonia, Orvis, etc....

[wanabeflyer]

Thanks to everyone for your input and much needed help and for shareing your experience and knowledge.

What a great group of people.

wanabeflyer(Morton Hatch)