Waders that will last me at least 5 seasons
- Thread starter speedbird
- Start date
I got about 7 years out of my Orvis Pros. I wore them basically all during winter during that time, so a lot of pretty solid days with a fair bit of bushwhacking. I've patched them on the rare occasion just like anyone who bushwhacks for winter steelhead knows, but I got those 7 years out of them for use as my primary waders. They're still my backups (2nd year with my Patagonia's). My summer use is either wet wading or wearing waist highs for musky fishing, so I never wear full waders then.
I have often heard about the neoprene booties never holding up, with seam issues. I have never had a problem, but I am very diligent on how I take my waders off. I never pull on the bootie, seems to me (pardon the pun), that is asking for problems. I pull my waders down all the way, then from the inside, use my hand to hold the bootie while I gently pull my foot out. I've had 3 pairs of Simm G3 or G4 overs 20+ years, while in Bend (2 pairs in 10 years) probably 70 to 100 days fishing per year. Pinholes, tears, yes, all repairable - bootie issues, never.
Breck
The Whisk(e)y Dick
My Pataguccis are holding strong after four seasons. I still have a pair of Simms G4s that are still going after 10+ years. I made the switch to Patagonia due to losing a bunch of weight. I still wear the Simms if I’m wearing a bunch of layers underneath. The Patagonias definitely have a better fit for my body type, though. I’m short legged and long torsoed.
That's an interesting comment as well, inseam length. I got long in my last waders and I think overall stress on the lower part of the system is better. I also religiously unbuckle the shoulder straps when driving spot to spot. I thinks it's made a difference as well.
When breathables first came out you would see Harry Lemire and other old timers doing that while fishing the Skagit/Sauk.
Personally I think it is unreasonable for an avid fisherman to expect a five year lifespan of their waders. The fleece socks over the booties is the real deal when trying to cut down the wear and tear. Delicate on/off action will also help prolong the life.
I inherited a used pair of Frogg Togg waist hi waders that are currently on their fourth year. I wear them when wading, (except winter steelheading) and when boating in March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November. The only place they leak is in the big hole at the top. After I had gotten two years out of them I was impressed enough to get a second pair expecting them to fail. They are still in the garage, unworn. So...in spite of my previous comment I might actually get five years out of them.
I inherited a used pair of Frogg Togg waist hi waders that are currently on their fourth year. I wear them when wading, (except winter steelheading) and when boating in March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November. The only place they leak is in the big hole at the top. After I had gotten two years out of them I was impressed enough to get a second pair expecting them to fail. They are still in the garage, unworn. So...in spite of my previous comment I might actually get five years out of them.
Old406Kid
Legend
I've had good luck with my Frog Toggs waist highs as well. They went well beyond 5 years but on my last multi day outing they finally developed a very slow leak at the point were the neoprene meets the breathable fabric at the ankle. I haven't taken the time to try to find the problem and repair them yet but like you, I had purchased an extra pair which I kept in my wader bag since they don't take much space.
IMO, there's two real 'day wreckers', leaky waders and a broken rod so I always pack a spare of both.
On our last trip the spare rod came into play when my buddy broke his Winston rod.
Aah the leaky wader game!
The only waders I have used that were likely to last 5 years of about any kind of use was the 1970s rubberize canvas type waders (aka walking saunas). I never was so glad to finally wear out my wader and convert to the more modern lighter/breathable waders. The tradeoff of course was those newer style waders had a shorter life expectation, especially those that do a lot of hiking.
For me there was a clear relation between the amount of hiking and wader life. In more than 40 years of hard wader use they would typical begin leaking at about 150 miles of hiking use and I don't think none of the many different waders made it to the 200-mile mark. Based on that experience I have a couple recommendations for those that hope to extend their wader life with hard use.
First pay careful attention to the fit. If possible, try them on and take a few steps and especially pay attention to any rubbing on the inseams a couple failure point.
When not in use hang them up, I use pegs in my fishing/hunting gear room which is dark most of the time.
Stay away from those neoprene boots, with a lot of hiking the cells in the boot (especially the lighter variety) collapse leading to seepage without a define source.
Getting sand etc in the wading boot can lead to excessive wear. Make sure to secure the gravel guard and if fishing waters with a lot of fine material the use of a cover sock is an excellent suggestion.
Learn to find and repair leaks; aqua seal is your friend. For me the quickest way to a leak is to fill the hanging dry wader with water to at least the level of suspected leak. Any droplet or damp spot is a leak. I often hang the wader in the shower (surprised my wife the first time I did it), Mark the leaking sites and after drying the wader inside and out treat the leak and let dry.
I would typically have two pairs of waders going; one that had been patched a number of times and a newer pair. That way I would have backups when repairing leaks and I would often carry that second pair along with a change of clothes in the field (especially in the winter) in case there were a wader failure.
To protect the wader from hikes through the brush I would take a discarded pair of waders, cut the feet off and wear it over the good pair. Always seemed to have several candidates for that duty handy.
Finally, if I was going to go on an extended hike (3 or miles) to reach the use site I would consider carrying them in a backpack and would typically wear the wading boot (with an extra pair of heavy socks to improve the fit) as hiking boots.
Curt
The only waders I have used that were likely to last 5 years of about any kind of use was the 1970s rubberize canvas type waders (aka walking saunas). I never was so glad to finally wear out my wader and convert to the more modern lighter/breathable waders. The tradeoff of course was those newer style waders had a shorter life expectation, especially those that do a lot of hiking.
For me there was a clear relation between the amount of hiking and wader life. In more than 40 years of hard wader use they would typical begin leaking at about 150 miles of hiking use and I don't think none of the many different waders made it to the 200-mile mark. Based on that experience I have a couple recommendations for those that hope to extend their wader life with hard use.
First pay careful attention to the fit. If possible, try them on and take a few steps and especially pay attention to any rubbing on the inseams a couple failure point.
When not in use hang them up, I use pegs in my fishing/hunting gear room which is dark most of the time.
Stay away from those neoprene boots, with a lot of hiking the cells in the boot (especially the lighter variety) collapse leading to seepage without a define source.
Getting sand etc in the wading boot can lead to excessive wear. Make sure to secure the gravel guard and if fishing waters with a lot of fine material the use of a cover sock is an excellent suggestion.
Learn to find and repair leaks; aqua seal is your friend. For me the quickest way to a leak is to fill the hanging dry wader with water to at least the level of suspected leak. Any droplet or damp spot is a leak. I often hang the wader in the shower (surprised my wife the first time I did it), Mark the leaking sites and after drying the wader inside and out treat the leak and let dry.
I would typically have two pairs of waders going; one that had been patched a number of times and a newer pair. That way I would have backups when repairing leaks and I would often carry that second pair along with a change of clothes in the field (especially in the winter) in case there were a wader failure.
To protect the wader from hikes through the brush I would take a discarded pair of waders, cut the feet off and wear it over the good pair. Always seemed to have several candidates for that duty handy.
Finally, if I was going to go on an extended hike (3 or miles) to reach the use site I would consider carrying them in a backpack and would typically wear the wading boot (with an extra pair of heavy socks to improve the fit) as hiking boots.
Curt
my Frogg Toggs, bought at half price on Sierra Trading Post, have proven to be fairly bulletproof, and I treat waders harshly. During my decades of float tubing (anyone have an old Woods River they would part with?), I preferred neoprene waders for fall - spring...inexpensive, warm, easy to patch with a bit of glue.
I'll second the Patagucci's. I probably only fish 25-30 days per year, but mine are 6 years old and in great shape. As far as removing them, I generally have a fishing partner pull on the heel while I point my toes to loosen them up. If I'm alone, it's harder to get them off. I've had one leak on the leg caused by an errant hook, but patched it up and no issues. But they are expensive. My prior pair developed an issue and Patagoinia provided outstanding service. I think those lasted at least 7 years, but I was only fishing maybe 15 times per year.
Another pro for Dryft: I just put my money where my mouth is and ordered another set, but I was able to skip shipping fees and arrange a time to pick them up from their HQ in Bellingham. Obviously that may not work for everyone but it's a great perk for those that are in or planning a trip to the area.
I have a rotation of SIMMS G3 and G4 waders that have been solid for 11 years now. Both have been repaired (booties) once. You must keep them dry and well ventilated (hang them upside down by the booties). At the first sign of mildew wash them in the tub with mild powder laundry detergent and add Revivex anti-mildew treatment afterwards. Send them in for repair before they are beyond repair. If you need to hike in a long ways to reach the water, just put the waders in a pack and put them on at the water's edge. As others have said, make sure your clothing inside the waders won't cause damage.
I keep a rotation of mid-priced waders going rather than investing in one set of $$$$ with all the extra features. I think my strategies to prolong service have been covered, but in summary:
- Shop the sales and buy backups before you need them
- Find a brand that makes waders that fit you
- Hike with your waders in the pack and put them on at your destination
- Turn them inside out and hang them up to dry after every use
Doh! didn’t know you could do that…
Patagonia Fan here as it pertains to expensive waders. Their customer service is unparalleled. Been fishing in them for 35 plus years. On only my third pair. I can live with 1 pair every 10-12 years. Historically, within reason, if Patagonia cant fix the wader, you can often receive a rebate, for your next pair of waders, depending on date/year of purchase.
I also buy a cheap pair of inexpensive, Bimart, "Gallen", Neoprenes, for their durability, ease of repair and warmth. Great for float tubes and/or getting in and out of the Drift Boat.
My good friend has a pair of the inexpensive, "Gallen", Breathables. He is very hard on his waders. They have lasted him 3 years of heavy use, with only one small, Aquaseal, Patch. Impressive to say the least. I may switch over to these, when I need to replace my Neoprenes.
I always wear a pair of old tube socks, over my wader booties, under the boot, to avoid abrasion on the fabric.
I change into/out of waders, on a piece of closed cell foam. This avoids, gathering volcanic pebbles/dirt and the dreaded Goats Head Thorns.
When I get out of my waders, I sit in a foldable chair or on the tailgate. Drop the waders to the calf area. Slip my hand between my heel and wader, to help it over the foot, basically, "shoe horning", the wader material off. As mentioned above, I also believe that pulling on or near any seam, stresses it and creates failures.
Good luck in your search.
Bob
I also buy a cheap pair of inexpensive, Bimart, "Gallen", Neoprenes, for their durability, ease of repair and warmth. Great for float tubes and/or getting in and out of the Drift Boat.
My good friend has a pair of the inexpensive, "Gallen", Breathables. He is very hard on his waders. They have lasted him 3 years of heavy use, with only one small, Aquaseal, Patch. Impressive to say the least. I may switch over to these, when I need to replace my Neoprenes.
I always wear a pair of old tube socks, over my wader booties, under the boot, to avoid abrasion on the fabric.
I change into/out of waders, on a piece of closed cell foam. This avoids, gathering volcanic pebbles/dirt and the dreaded Goats Head Thorns.
When I get out of my waders, I sit in a foldable chair or on the tailgate. Drop the waders to the calf area. Slip my hand between my heel and wader, to help it over the foot, basically, "shoe horning", the wader material off. As mentioned above, I also believe that pulling on or near any seam, stresses it and creates failures.
Good luck in your search.
Bob
In my experience, the only waders which last forever were my old ( and I do mean old) Red Ball rubber waders. They were horrible to wear, but you almost couldn't cut them with a knife.
Now I alternate between a pair of LL Bean zipper fronts ( no linger sold) and waist high Dryft. I actually use the Dryft about 80% as the short height keeps me from going deep and doing something stupid.
Now I alternate between a pair of LL Bean zipper fronts ( no linger sold) and waist high Dryft. I actually use the Dryft about 80% as the short height keeps me from going deep and doing something stupid.