Dryft Waders - Anyone use or have experience with them?

[Brian Miller]

I'll let you know in about a week. 6 months ago my feet were measured at 11.5" with a ruler, but were measured a Brannock 11.5+ (12) EE-4E & Foot Scan 11.5 D, 11.6 DD at an Orthopedic shoe shop. Afterwards I bought all new shoes that have anatomically correct toe boxes fitted in 12-12.5, which really got me spoiled. I also just got some new Korkers River Ops lace ups size 13 and as of a trip last week I finally have "happy feet" while wading after several years of moderate discomfort.

The Large King Aquaz fit is different than my size Large Redington waist waders.
I'm a Large in Aquaz because of the 32"- 33" inseam and the size 10-12 neoprene stockingfoot for my my size 11.5-12 feet. I'm a LK because of my middle If I'm wearing any insulation.
The Aquaz waist is cut 3" ~lower than the Redington.
The Aquaz inseam is about 1" longer than the Redington and is a little longer than how trousers fit on me. As a result they bunch up a little just above the knees. It's pretty noticeable I think because the Aquaz legs are 5-layer and the Redington legs are 3 layer.
The Aquaz has 5 belt loops and a lightweight web belt with a cheap flimsy buckle instead of the Redington's stretch belt with velcro fasteners on the sides. I may replace it with a GI rigger's belt.
The thin "too much stretch" suspenders that attach to the belt loops are just like the Redington's and may get replaced with Helly-Hanson ski bib suspenders.
My size 13 River Ops boots slide on & off over the Aquaz size 10 - 12 - 4mm neoprene wader feet very easy.
And finally my $IMM$ G3 jacket extends well below the Aquaz waist when sitting
*Adding, the Aquaz didn't come with a mesh stuff sack like both pairs my Redington waders did so I'll use the Redington bag.
All in all, they are very nice waders and I think they're going to work well. I hope to see how well tomorrow.

 

[Greg Armstrong]

No waders have ever fit me perfectly over the years, and I’ve worn Orvis, Simms, Redingtons, Aquaz and probably a couple others way back that I can’t remember.

But the Aquaz so far have been great, well made waders, and have served me well both while wading as well as in my pontoon and float tube.

Aquaz makes waders for some of the well known brands from what I’ve heard, so that’s probably why we don’t see them in many of the usual retailers. I surmise it probably has something to do with licensing and marketing agreements. They get great reviews though.
I bought mine from the fly shop down in Maupin in Oregon.