Waders - The awesome, the bad, the leaky

[BigSplashTom]

last month I purchased a pair of Dryft pant waders $399 to replace a 3 year old pair of Paramount waders. Apparently 40+ trips each year was too much for Paramount waders because the seams just gave out all at once. Real BUMMER because I really liked the discount waders. Light weight, easy to get in and out of but most importantly super easy to unzip and recycle coffee or a can of beer.
The Dryft waders are easy to get in/out of but access to the plumbing is not as easy as the Paramount product.
I tried to purchase another pair of Paramount waders but was not successful in locating my specific size.
Paramount waders typically run $249 and I would have purchased them again even knowing I was only going to get 3 years use out of them. Meanwhile my 12 year old Simms chest waders only serve as back up. Grrr I just don't like using the over priced Simms Bio bubble

 

[Zak]

FYI: GoreTex fabric has PFAS. It can not be bought or even shipped to NY or CA. If that concerns someone, buy nylon or polyester.

Woah, those are new (but not unwelcome) laws!

The pfas is in the gortex membrane applied to/sandwiched between the nylon or polyester, of course. Patagonia has a pfas free alternative now.

 

[Paige]

Simms quality went to shiiiiiiiit and so went their warrenty, my last pair of g3 lasted less than 3 years before a full on complete failuer of the entire upper half.

 

[Evan B]

last month I purchased a pair of Dryft pant waders $399 to replace a 3 year old pair of Paramount waders. Apparently 40+ trips each year was too much for Paramount waders because the seams just gave out all at once. Real BUMMER because I really liked the discount waders. Light weight, easy to get in and out of but most importantly super easy to unzip and recycle coffee or a can of beer.
The Dryft waders are easy to get in/out of but access to the plumbing is not as easy as the Paramount product.
I tried to purchase another pair of Paramount waders but was not successful in locating my specific size.
Paramount waders typically run $249 and I would have purchased them again even knowing I was only going to get 3 years use out of them. Meanwhile my 12 year old Simms chest waders only serve as back up. Grrr I just don't like using the over priced Simms Bio bubble

40 trips a year for 3yrs on a pair of budget waders is actually really good.

 

[Scottybs]

Patagucci HAD the best warenty around, the cutt is not all that great unless your calves are smaller than my wrist. But the have held up very well!

Seems as if they aren’t repairing as much lately, and the credits they issue are getting smaller. Currently have 3 pairs of Guccis (1 in box) and a pair of Dan Bailey zippers in the box. After they sunset, I’ll migrate to Grundens.

 

[Scottybs]

My friend Leonard, the Publisher of Wading List, has a saying, "David, sometimes cheap is expensive."

I used to buy mid priced waders from Cabelas. The quality has nosedived and I gave up on them years ago. Couldn't get get a season's use out of them before they start leaking.

Bought a pair of Simms waders years ago and fish them hard and they work great and are trouble-free.

Sometimes cheap is expensive.

Cabela’s had great self branded gear, fly fishing boots especially right up until Bass Pro bought them… once was in a jam and bought some White River felt boots, soles delaminated within hours of first use and they weren’t cheap. I swore off Cabela’s entirely after Bass Pro entered the picture.

 

[RRSmith]

I've had a pair of the Dryft Primo zipper waders for about 9 years now without issue, I don't use them as much as I used to but when I do, it involves a fair amount of blackberry bushwacking along with a handful of days climbing in and out of a duck blind. I love the fit and durability. That said, I see the price has almost doubled since I purchased them back in 2017,

My buddy purchased a pair of Grundens two years ago that he absolutely loves.

 

[_WW_]

In spite of the recent post about garage sale Frogg Toggs I will sing the praises of these:

Frogg Toggs® Hellbender Stockingfoot Guide Pant

Elevate your fishing game with the Hellbender Stockingfoot Guide Pant, designed for the dedicated angler. Constructed in durable 4-ply nylon upper material, these pants are engineered to withstand the toughest conditions. Enjoy a customized fit and secure comfort with the adjustable wading belt...

www.froggtoggs.com

Waist high you say? Yes! these will actually pull up over my belly button to almost the rib cage. I ain't going in deeper than that on the waters I fish locally. They are all I need for the pontoon and with a jug in the saddle bag I can pee while on the lake! They make great boat pants and awesome rain pants.

I am currently on year five of a pair that I inherited. That includes four month-long trips to Montana, two weeks in the boat at Baker Lake yearly, two months in the boat coho fishing yearly, and yearly spring sojourns up to BC. I wear them when launching the sled and fishing out of it.

After a couple of years I decided to buy a backup pair because the price was $125. I see they are more expensive now, of course.

 

[up2nogood]

I also currently in need to replace my leaking waders. Can't remember exactly when I got them but its be a long while.
They are vison waders which is a Finnish company that I had an acquaintance that was repping. I've looked and many of the brands mentioned. One issue I have is I want a zipper. Makes getting in and out easier plus the obvious benefit. I don't necessarily want the heavier weight fabric. Many brands only offer the zipper in the heavy wt version. Nor am I likely to spend nearly a grand on a pair.
I am leaning towards Patagonia's Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip waders. I would consider Dryft if their lighter version had a zipper.

I have a pair of the Swiftcurrent waist high, had them for a few years now , no leaks so far . Only drawback is they do not have a zipper, that would be nice to have , but they are not bad to deal with . Overall Patagonia seems to make pretty good waders .

 

[Buzzy]

Following - my waist high Redington must be one of those on the far right end of the bell curve, they're still going strong and have been abused. No leaks (jinx saying this?).

It must be nice to have a uniform, standard physique (WTFTI) where off the shelf waders fit the way they should.

 

[Wadin' Boot]

10 years on Orvis Silver Sonics, they are at the end of their life, the elastic is loose, the crotch gets a little moist, the zipper is gummed and the once translucent cell phone holder pocket looks like a monument to yellowed polyurethane. They did great and were way more durable than I was expecting. The feet are still really good. I barely ever rinse these things and now and then a sprinkle of anti-fungal foot powder and a solid dry between trips keeps the odors kind. They are still my go-to but note to self, shoe goo is not as good as aquaseal for wader fix. Aiming for some new waders this year so this is timely, I'm a little tired of pulling the waders off and looking like I am incontinent. Which I am not.

Incompetent on wader fix (see shoe goo)- yes; incontinent re the dribbles, no.

 

[Porter2]

I have only had Orvis and Patagonia. My Orvis clearwaters purchased back in early 2000’s lasted me 10+ years. Simple but tough. Did a lot of bushwhacking with them and practically lived in them for 10 days in Alaska, besides many Puget Sound beach and Oregonian outings. I currently have the old Patagonia SST’s and they are still going strong but also don’t fish as much as I did when I had the clearwaters.
SST’s are nothing fancy and the shoulder straps need attention when putting them on or you’ll pull up and realize they had fallen and now riding up your crotch …. last fall when avid angler was selling Patagonia swift currents and tractor boots for 40% off I picked myself a new outfit. These are the most comfortable waders I have ever owned.

Heading to the OP. But I think I’ll be wet wading. Need to pack light. Taking the dog so not sure how much quality time I’ll get on the waters.

 

[DimeBrite]

I guess if we want forever waders we need the forever chemicals.

 

[Brian Miller]

I have no personal experience, but am pretty sure Auqez makes the Patagonia waders.
I’ve had a couple pairs of Patagonia, one pair of G3 Simms and a couple pairs of Redingtons - the sonic pros were the best bang for the buck, the HDZ only okay. Probably going Grundens for the next pair, I had issues with both the Gucci's and the Simms pre buyout G3’s
I hike and bushwhack so am hard on waders. Winter fishing…love it!
Backcountry Skniz for the shoulder season, quick dry pants in the summer.

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; one is rumored to be Patagonia. They are robust & durable.

FYI: GoreTex fabric has PFAS. It can not be bought or even shipped to NY or CA. If that concerns someone, buy nylon or polyester.

The proprietary base fabric of the Aquaz AQUALEX® fabric relies on a multi-layered polyurethane resin for its waterproof and breathable qualities (Patagonia's H2No?). (I did not know that...) The topical Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings are what often contain PFAS.

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

 

[Evan B]

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; one is rumored to be Patagonia. They are robust & durable.


The proprietary base fabric of the Aquaz AQUALEX® fabric relies on a multi-layered polyurethane resin for its waterproof and breathable qualities (Patagonia's H2No?). (I did not know that...) The topical Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings are what often contain PFAS.

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

Not so much a rumor. They absolutely made Patagonia. Last I heard, Patagonia was moving away from them though. I believe Patagonia waders are now made in Vietnam, but I don't have all the details.

 

[downriver79]

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; one is rumored to be Patagonia. They are robust & durable.


The proprietary base fabric of the Aquaz AQUALEX® fabric relies on a multi-layered polyurethane resin for its waterproof and breathable qualities (Patagonia's H2No?). (I did not know that...) The topical Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings are what often contain PFAS.

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

I'm currently in a basic pair of Aquaz I got for $120 in Dec. 2024. After 2 winters of hard fishing with plenty of brush busting they're holding up great. Starting to leak ever so slightly where the neoprene boots connect to the legs, and had to Aqua Seal a spot on the knee after taking a hard fall on a slick rock. I've definitely gotten more than my money's worth out of them.

 

[chrome/22]

I've had two pairs of Simms waders both of them I bought brand new. They both leaked within the first couple years of service and I'm very easy on waders.

The 1st ones I actually sold to forum member Yard Sale without knowing they had developed a leak. We worked it out with a refund & return but it took me a few years to get a refund from Simms. Apparently they were going through a change of ownership right at the point where I returned them. Credit to them the check showed up after I'd pretty much forgotten about the whole affair

The new repair of the flyweight waders, now that return actually went pretty smooth and they were fixed at no charge to me, still using them

 

[rattlesnake]

I tend to roll with 2 pairs (one older and one slightly newer). The patagucci’s I have are still holding up decently well but I’ve also been using the orvis pro for a bit and they have been great. A little warm but that doesn’t bother me as I mostly wear waders as needed, not all year.

 

[Josh]

All I know is that my next pair of waders will be zip ones. Fit is more important than brand to me. But I'll probably start with Dryft to support a PNW company. If not them, then maybe look for sale Patagonia or Orvis.

 

[Mossback]

3 pairs of Simms over the last 30 years...
Good enough for me.

YMMV