Waders And Boots, 101

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

Larry, I am also from STL, and know that BPS and Cabellas can be a drive. Maybe that is why you are going online. I found a decent pair of thigh high waders from Bucheits for approx $50.00. Dunns sporting goods also has some deals. I use mine in the creeks around Jeffco, and have used them in Roaring River. I use sweat pants with wool socks in cold waters. The sweats keep me warm and keep the chafing down. Mine have rubber soles and I have never used felt soled, nor studded soles. I am not "experienced" in any way. Just wanted to try to help where I felt I could.

[eric1978]

There are several online sources selling Simms Freestone waders (previous model) on closeout for $135-160 (originally $200).

X2 on this. If you can get the Freestones for $160, jump on it. If you know you'll really use them, best to get quality waders that'll last instead of buying garbage that you'll have to constantly replace when they fall apart and leak. Only problem with the Freestones is they don't come in odd sizes. I had to get the Headwaters because they were the cheapest Simms had in Med-Short. $300, but still totally worth it to stay dry and comfortable.

[drew03cmc]

Eric, how are you a medium? I figured that your gut would necessitate a large, like my butt does me. Oh well, just had to poke you for a minute there.

[eric1978]

Eric, how are you a medium? I figured that your gut would necessitate a large, like my butt does me. Oh well, just had to poke you for a minute there.

I'm like Oprah...I gain and lose about 30 pounds every year. Right now they're a little snug in the gut. When I'm the size I should be and not a fat disgusting pig, they fit just right. Larges are huge, even for me when I'm a lardass.

[stlfisher]

I would recommend these without question. Going on two years for me and they fit great. I use them 20-30 times per year and have had zero problems. I am hard on equipment so for a good value these get my vote. They were also $30 cheaper a month ago...spring prices can be a bit higher.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Dry-Plus8482-G-II-Stockingfoot-Chest-Waders-Regular/749369.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D60%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dwaders%26Ntx%3Dmode%252Bmatchallpartial%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts%26WTz_st%3D%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26form_state%3DsearchForm%26search%3Dwaders%26searchTypeByFilter%3DAllProducts&Ntt=waders&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

[3wt]

Go with breathable stocking foots and decent boots.

I wouldn't buy anything from BPS as far as waders.

I would consider Cabelas but probably not the lowest line. They seem to have some okay boots.

I think at the right time of year you can get closeout Simms at a good price, I did a couple years ago.

In general BPS and Cabelas breathables will develop the dreaded seam leaks, probably at your crotch, and that can't be fixed. Cabelas my stand behind their product and replace, but I doubt BPS will.

Once you try Simms or another higher end brand you will know the difference in quality.

[drew03cmc]

I'm like Oprah...I gain and lose about 30 pounds every year. Right now they're a little snug in the gut. When I'm the size I should be and not a fat disgusting pig, they fit just right. Larges are huge, even for me when I'm a lardass.

Well, I have the butt of a black chick...it doesn't help me much to buy anything small. It doesn't matter. In the summer, I lose about 35 pounds from work and I can fit into some smaller stuff, but in winter...lardass is me.

[Wayne SW/MO]

You really only need breathables if you fish coldwater streams in the summer. I always kept a pair neoprenes for late fall and winter smallie fishing. If you go swimming nothing will do you more good than a pair of belted neoprenes.

[drew03cmc]

I like to fish coldwater streams in the summer...it is rather nice to go in shorts and sandals, but the waders were too good a price to pass up, so I have retired my neos, thank goodness.

[Idylwilde]

• http://www.rmresole.com/ This may or may not help some folks.