Waders

[Brian K. Shaffer]

LL Bean has the same lifetime warranty. I got a tip fixed on a rod for free that I bought in 1998.

I bought their bootfoot hippers for $49... which is a steal of a deal!

[ness]

LL Bean has the same lifetime warranty. I got a tip fixed on a rod for free that I bought in 1998.

I bought their bootfoot hippers for $49... which is a steal of a deal!

I've got the mid-range breathable stocking-foot LLBeans, and really like them. I don't know what they cost off the top of my head -- but I think around $150. Everything they sell is no-questions-asked guaranteed, like Orvis. They're paired with Simms Freestone boots that cost about $80. The boots are awfully durable, and can be resoled if needed.

Concerning boot-foot v. stocking-foot: If you can swing it cost-wise, I'd suggest stocking-foot -- especially if you're out covering a lot of ground. The separate boot can be fitted better and laced properly, and a good-fitting boot means good-feeling feet at the end of the day. Cabela's probably has something that will fit within your budget, but you might be sacrificing quality.

Boot-foot would be fine if you're fishing the parks, or staying pretty close to the accesses.

[ozark trout fisher]

I am looking to get my first pair of waders so I can go hit the steams in the colder months and cooler trout waters. I am on a budget and can afford 150.00 bucks. I was wondering if anyone has some suggestions on brands? Also should I get sock waders and get boots or should I go for boot waders? Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks and good fishing!

I'd get stocking foot waders, preferably neoprene. They're way more comfortable than boot waders in my opinion. I've done both, and boot waders are unpleasant in the extreme.

I have a pair of Hodgman waders bought at Walmart, for $35. Cheap, yes, but they work great, and they're pretty comfortable.

Chest waders are really a necessity outside of the parks... You can get by with hip boots in the shallower streams, but you'll be really limited in larger streams.

[drew03cmc]

Neos are great, but also pick up some neoprene wading socks with gaiters for when you wet wade.

[BlueWave]

After years of forking out big bucks for Simms, I changed to just getting seconds and blems from ebay. I have 2 pairs of Orvis and one Cabela's and if i can recall correctly they were less than a third of retail price. Go with stocking foot and wear over a good pair of fleece wading pants. You can often find discontinued Simms or Orvis boots or you can just go with Hodgmans as they are decent boot. BTW I have never had a pair of these seconds or blem's leak when bought.

[stlfisher]

I bought a pair of Cabela's stocking foot 3mm Neoprene when I first started (back in September). They were $50 and the boots cost $60. They work great, seem tough, and I haven't had any problems. I think I would spend much more on any breathable's as I haven't seen good reviews on cheap breathable's. I really like the Neoprene for winter fishing. I will at some point purchase a pair of breathable waders for the warmer months as I find that walking long distances in Neoprene's can really wear me out. It can also really make you cold fast if you sweat in the Neoprene's in winter.

If you buy the breathable's I would be interested to hear what you bought and how you like them. I will be in the market once the weather warms.

[ness]

Neoprene is far too hot for me. In winter, I just put on some heavier fleece under my breathables. I think if you go with neoprene, you'll have a big gap between wet-wading temperatures and very cold, where those neoprenes are gonna be uncomfortable -- especially if you're walking a lot.

Sweat + airtight + crotch = ouch.

[trout fanatic]

Two years ago I bought a pair of Cabelas breathable stocking foot waders. So far so good. I love the added mobility and the wading boots certainly adds ankle support (especially for that big round rock in zone 2 that has my name on it). I'd rather get wet than pay simms prices tho.

[Adam B]

If you wait a little while and hit www.Patagoina.com and go to the top left and look down a little for the web specials you can usually find a 300.00 pair for around what your looking for. There warranty is the best and I love mine. The web specials just came off the other day but they should be back soon if you can wait. Sign up for there newsletter and they will send you an e-mail when they come back. Just my opinion though.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

I would suggest you stay away from neoprene as well.

Once breathables hit the scene.. they have all but taken over in even some terribly frigid areas.

Just watch for good taped feet. I always liked the tape Simms used and found out why. It outlasts others. I think they use Goodyear welted tape on the better models.

Worth every penny.