Waders

[strangercreek]

I am looking at breathable waders and wonder how they are in cold weather. My 3.5mm neoprene's keep me warm (besided the trapped moisture thing) but they are almost miserable in the summer unless I am wading waste deep which helps me stay cool (once out of the water they become an inferno). Is it possible to stay warm in breathables during sub 50 & 40 degree weather? I have heard they are alot more comfortable and that one usually doesn't want to go back to neoprenes.

Thanks

[Danoinark]

Howdy stranger...its the only way to go. Mine keep me very comfortable in the cold weather, and with proper layering of clothing will keep you toasty in the coldest of temps. In this hot summer nothing will keep you completely comfortable...but right now all you need are a pair of shorts under them and you will be just right. Breathables will wick any moisture (sweat) and does not leave you with that clammy feeling that neoprenes or rubber will.....Dano

[denjac]

In this heat, I think I am going back to wet wading, geeez its hot!

[97procraft]

I love my breathable waders. They give me more mobility any time of year. As far as how warm they are in the winter. I was fishing Tanney this past Feburary while it was snowing and I was very comfortable. All you need on your legs is a good pair of insulated underwear and some sweatpants. Since in the winter the water is usually warmer than the air, the water will keep your legs warm. Silly thought, I know, but 40 deg water feels better than 20 deg air.

[patv]

Does anyone have a particular pair or brand they'd recommend? I am ready to invest in a pair. Thanks

[Danoinark]

Does anyone have a particular pair or brand they'd recommend? I am ready to invest in a pair. Thanks

Many will say Simms and I would agree, but for a mid priced pair, I don't think you can beat the Orvis Silver Labels. I have had a pair for about 5 years, used them alot, and didn't have a problem with them until this year. They developed a leak in one of the neoprene boot feet. Orvis has a lifetime warranty, I sent them in for repair thinking I would pay the 30 dollars for the repair. They sent me a brand new pair because they couldn't be fixed. No questions asked. I think they sell for around 179.00. Getting the correct fit is also not a problem. They seem to come in more sizes than many of the leading brands. I had always heard that Orvis' products were overpriced and inferior, but I beg to differ now....Remember this is just my 02. worth....Dano

ps. There is another forum member that had a positive experience with the Orvis wader warranty.

[rainbow]

I agree with Dano. I bought some Orvis three years ago and they are great. I have used them in almost every month of the year. Longjohns and sweats in the winter and shorts in the summer. They are a lot easier to walk around in too.

[Micheal Kyle]

Strangercreek,

I would have to say buy an american manufactured wader which would be Simms.

The L2 would be the mid range wader from Simms they retail for $229 and have a three layer gortex from the thigh down and a two layer upper, and they have the built in gravel guards. The warrinty is the same life time.

Michael

[Aeronikl]

I agree that the Silver Labels are great, and breathable is the only way to go, hot or cold weather. In the fall/winter, I use fleece pants, get them with stirrups if you can, but not necessary and I always wear fleece socks over a light pair of regular sports socks. I've spent 6-8 hours on a winter night in Taneycomo or in the cold water below Beaver and I don't get cold. I've used them in Alaska, and have never gone back to my last pair of neoprene. In the heat, like now, I do wear a pair of very thin, high tech underwear, that wicks and doesn't really add heat under the waders. They take the "edge" off the cool water, especially when wading up to the waist for long periods. I also use the fleece socks in hot weather, since the feet never get hot in the water! The last 2 pairs I bought, they seem to last forever, came from LL Bean, close-out in a winter catalog for about $6 a pair. Every pair of breathable I've purchased was in the fall, when many shops are closing out the current year's stuff or lowering inventory. Great time of year to get waders or upgrade your boots.

[Kicknbass]

I am looking at breathable waders and wonder how they are in cold weather. My 3.5mm neoprene's keep me warm (besided the trapped moisture thing) but they are almost miserable in the summer unless I am wading waste deep which helps me stay cool (once out of the water they become an inferno). Is it possible to stay warm in breathables during sub 50 & 40 degree weather? I have heard they are alot more comfortable and that one usually doesn't want to go back to neoprenes.

Thanks

I Duck hunt in mine and they work fine if I can keep my feet warm.