Wader Materials

[Stonedfish]

I received this in an email from Feather Craft. I wasn’t even aware of the Toray material. I also didn’t know about the different levels of Gore-tex materials. I thought others might find this interesting.
SF

Fly Fishing Waders: GORE-TEX vs. Toray

GORE-TEX vs Toray fly fishing waders: compare waterproofing, breathability, durability, and comfort to choose the best waders for your fishing style.

feather-craft.com

 

[troutpocket]

I have two GoreTex Pro shell jackets that are almost 10 years old and still completely functional. My waders are a collection, mostly Patagonia, purchased on close out sales. No Gore technology or Toray to be found. I rotate through several sets rather than investing $$$ in one.

The article was a Simms infomercial but worth the read for the technical discussion.

 

[Brian Miller]

I have two GoreTex Pro shell jackets that are almost 10 years old and still completely functional. My waders are a collection, mostly Patagonia, purchased on close out sales. No Gore technology or Toray to be found. I rotate through several sets rather than investing $$$ in one.
The article was a Simms infomercial but worth the read for the technical discussion.

Slightly off subject but through many years being an backpacker, climber, and angler in the PNW, fabric waterproofing has always been interesting to me. And I took good care of my gear so it would take care of me.
After disappointment with early generations of Gore Tex I was an early adaopter of H2No with the Patagonia Storm Jacket and Pants shell in the early 1990s. Loaded with features, like pit zips, 2-way zippers that were easy to both open and close with one hand. The pants had a zip fly and the revolutionary "loop" suspenders with both attachment points in the front so the full zip legs could be zipped down when wearing shorts and a base layer or full zip leg fleece bottoms could be pulled down making it easier to relieve oneself. Interestingly the "bubble" coating merely had a loose mesh lining over it for protection and separation from clothing. I stopped climbing shortly after that but used the Storm Shell for backcountry skiing and backpacking for quite a number of years. Finally, in 2014 I went up to Seven Lakes Basin (carrying my WLBP float tube) with a couple of friends. On day two the cloud ceiling descended into the basin and it was pretty miserable. I put on my jacket and pants. A short while later there was a pile of "snow" at my feet that turned out to be the waterproofing had flaked off. I'm sure H2No has much better longevity now

I bought a Columbia "Titanium" Jacket and Pants with their similar propriatary coating and features as a replacement but it is heavier and feels clunky by comparison. I use it for backcountry travel. Also the US military invested quite a bit of money into Gore & Assoc research to come up with a durable mil-spec GT fabric for their ECWCS (Extended Cold Weather Clothing System). I've converted over to an EWCS Level 6 jacket when I'm not having to pack it in. Newest versions are moving away from PFAS to a chemically resistant polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) "Windstopper" membrane.

Back on topic, as recommended by @Greg Armstrong my latest waders are from Aquaz (S Korean & Japanese mfg?) who reportedly is a shadow OEM for well known brands; very robust & durable.

About AQUAZ

About AQUAZ™ For over 30 years our state-of-the-art facility in South Korea has been manufacturing premium water proof products for use in over 30 countries in a wide range of applications including scientific, military and recreational activities. AQUAZ products are used in a wide variety of...

aquazfishing.com

An older review

Review: Aquaz DRYZIP waders

In fly fishing – and the outdoors in general – we highly value what our friends and mentors think of the gear we use. I’d wager that more gear – rods especially – is sold based off a recommendation from a friend, than any number of reviews or ads. That’s how I first heard of Aquaz. I was fishing...

www.hatchmag.com

 

[Greg Armstrong]

Aquaz waders have held up very well for me, although I haven’t been able to put them to much use the last couple of years. They’re well designed and well made. I hope they do the same for you Brian.

 

[Russell]

California has made the forever materials like gortex illegal here lately. Can still find ways to get products but already getting cannot ship to CA messages on line. Had to send a msr tent and foot print to wa and pick it up.
Get ready for that in WA.
OR won’t have to worry since fishing and hunting will be illegal