Fishing waders
BC Fishn
A good pair of waders can be the difference between spending the day with boots full of mud or with dry toes. This article will offer answers to your questions about selecting the right waders to get the most out of your experience on the water.
Choosing The Right Type of Waders For You
There are several different wader designs available to anglers today, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the kind of fishing activity you are involved in or the type of water you fish most often in, you might prefer one over another. The most common types you will see in fly shops and tackle stores are hip waders, waist high waders or wading pants, and chest high waders.
Hip waders
Hip waders are typically the least expensive and most convenient type of wading system available. They are a dream for the casual fisherman who prefers to stay in shallower water and appreciates the convenience of having the boot and wader attached to one another. Basically, they are a pair of wading boots with a waterproof fabric upper section that reaches up to hip height, fastening to the belt. As long as you don’t need to wade very deep and aren’t relying on them for warmth, they are a great option.
Waist High Waders
Waist high waders work like a pair of waterproof pants, only differing from chest waders in that the waterproof material does not reach above the waist. The main advantage is that they are easier to put on and remove and help you stay cooler on hot, sunny days. This style of wader is preferred by anglers who mostly fish during warmer months or in hot climates.
Chest High Waders
By far the most common style of waders, chest highs are the most versatile and best all-around choice if you don’t mind spending the money. They can certainly be used for shallow wading and in warmer weather, but they also allow for deeper wading and provide anglers with the added weather protection needed for fishing in colder climates.
Understanding Modern Materials
Waders can be made of any waterproof material, from rubber to waxed canvas, but the most popular and common choices you will see are either neoprene or lightweight, breathable fabrics such as GoreTex. You may see other outdated materials on sale in discount bins or at thrift stores, but you are better off spending the money on more modern and durable materials.
Neoprene
Neoprene has been a top choice for wader materials since the 1970s and still has its following. Neoprene waders are lightweight, flexible, and – best of all – warm. For anglers who fish in cold weather, it’s hard to beat neoprene. They are also typically much less expensive than breathable waders. Neoprene comes in different thicknesses, from 2 mm up to 7 mm. The thicker the material, the warmer it will keep you. However, be aware that thicker neoprene is bulkier and less flexible. One disadvantage is that the material tends to degrade over time and become brittle, decreasing the useful life of the wader.
Breathable Fabrics
GoreTex, Toray, or other fabrics marketed as being waterproof and breathable are becoming the most popular option for fishing waders, and for good reason: they keep the water out while simultaneously allowing sweat and moisture to pass through. This attribute makes breathable waders extremely versatile. Like modern ski clothing, you can simply add or remove layers underneath to stay as warm or as cool as you like. You will often see breathable waders marketed in different thicknesses. However, with breathable waders, the thickness is measured in terms of layers and has more to do with the durability of the material than warmth. Five-layer Gore-Tex is thicker and more durable than three-layer, so it is important to take material thickness into account when selecting a pair of breathables. You will often see waders in this style with more layers on the lower legs and less layers on the chest since the lower portion of the wader is the most likely area subjected to wear and tear. It is also important to pay attention to the fabric itself, which is typically a heavy nylon. Higher end waders will be made of thick, heavy-duty nylon while cheap waders consist of paper-thin nylon that is prone to tearing.
Originally published here.