Waders And Boots, 101

[LarrySTL]

I realize that if I am going to wade without waiting for several months of warm weather, I need waders. I know next to nothing about them except what info BPS and Cabelas have online.

I want to get decent starter-level stuff, without spending a fortune, if that’s not too contradictory. I presume I need to go try all this on rather than doing it online. I would be using this to wade for smallmouth in spring and fall. I'm not a trout guy, and I wont be out there in January among the snowflakes.

Moderate priced breathable chest waders, stockingfoot, and separate wading boots look to me like it might be a good start, but what would those of you who know a lot about such things think or recommend ? Any ideas from general info to specific brands, etc would be appreciated.

Thanks

[strangercreek]

There are several online sources selling Simms Freestone waders (previous model) on closeout for $135-160 (originally $200). This is one of their lower line models, but not the lowest and they carry the Simms lifetime warranty. They are really true to fit as well. I own a pair in a large and I am 6' and have plenty of room in them.

I would buy those before Cabelas or Bass Pro (Bass Pro does have some decent gear in my opinion but their waders don't carry a lifetime warranty).

http://www.wyomingflyfishing.com/Simms-Freestone-Stockingfoot-Waders-Closeout-Sale-P6646C437.aspx

http://www.flyshack.com/DisplayItem.aspx?ItemID=100326

[Trout Commander]

I have the White River Fly Shop breathable chest waders with stocking feet and chest pockets. The chest pockets are worth the money no matter the brand in my opinion. Regular price on the WRFS waders is around $150 I think but can be found on sale for $99 or in the outlet for around $60. Mine developed a few pinhole leaks and before I repaired them I took them in without my receipt and asked if there was anything that could be done about it. They said sure and sent me back to grab a new pair.

My wading boots are Simms G4s with Vibram soles. I wouldn't have bought based on price alone had I not gotten a killer deal on them and I haven't used mush else to compare them to but I love them. I feel confident enough to wade where I really shouldn't on slippery river like the NFOW and 11pt.

[strangercreek]

I've had BPS waders as well, and they worked well, never had any leaks, I finally just upgraded to the Simms because I got a deal on them (and wanted the front pocket)

[Trout Commander]

(and wanted the front pocket)

Handy, eh?

[Al Agnew]

Ron's right that in cold weather neoprenes are good, but the breathables are far more versatile, and I'd recommend them for early spring/late fall wading. BPS and Cabelas sells pretty decent waders, not a durable as Simms but as Ron said, if you store them properly they'll last a long time, and if they develop a few leaks it's easy to repair them with Aquaseal.

[drew03cmc]

If you layer up appropriately, breathables are good all year long. I just bought a pair of new breathables for $24 from Academy and wouldn't trade them for anything. They also came with a prepaid TU membership, something I would never pay for myself living in Kansas. My primary need for these waders is for the creeks up here that I am a bit leery of touching the water with my most important part of my anatomy.

[dennis boatman]

Took my felt soled waders out for one last trip. They leaked terribly. Excellent timing.

[duckydoty]

If you layer up appropriately, breathables are good all year long. I just bought a pair of new breathables for $24 from Academy and wouldn't trade them for anything. They also came with a prepaid TU membership, something I would never pay for myself living in Kansas. My primary need for these waders is for the creeks up here that I am a bit leery of touching the water with my most important part of my anatomy.

$24 is a heck of a price. Cant beat that with a stick. You could get 16 pairs for the same price as a a mid range pair of Simms

[drew03cmc]

That's right Duane. Academy had Hodgman for half price. I got the Wadelite Wading Pants for $24 to go with my Korkers boots. I am set for this felt ban.