Buying fishing waders means putting preferences before price. The choice of material, style of the waders, and quality all play a role in a set of waders you will enjoy wearing. Buying waders simply based on price is a mistake as they will likely be not suited to your style of fishing. In other words, take the time to match your preferences to how you fish and then look at prices.
Material Choice When Buying Fishing Waders
Waders come in a choice of materials affecting durability, comfort, and thermal properties. In the cold weather and water, neoprene will keep you warm but be too hot at other times of the year. As a result, breathable materials are best for waders being used all year. This is an important factor in buying waders. Do not overlook the materials when buying.
Neoprene
Neoprene is a rubber compound which means that it will keep you dry and warm. The waders come in various thicknesses of neoprene and it makes a difference. Thicker material has less flexibility and will hold in more heat, consequently lighter material will allow you to move easier.
Neoprene waders require proper care and maintenance. There are a few things you need to do to make them last longer. These waders require regular cleaning to keep sand and chemical off them. Rinse the waders after every use and wash with soap occasionally. Then store them in a cool, dark place to prevent the neoprene from breaking down.
Breathable Material
This material is likely the better choice for many anglers. It allows the waders to breathe adding to your comfort while fishing. If cold is a concern use a set of thermal undergarments to keep warm. They will provide the year-long use of the waders.
Breathable waders are made with many different materials that generally affect cost. Nylon will be the cheapest and other better materials raising the cost. Look for waders with multiple-layer technology in the fabric. They are less likely to leak or wear out as fast as single-ply nylon.
These materials require the same care as neoprene waders. Use caution with cleaning agents, however, as some chemicals will harm the synthetic materials used in these waders.
Choosing a Style of Fishing Waders
Waders come in three styles and the water depth specifies the type needed. Deeper water uses chest waders and shallow water can use hip or waist models. Choose the type based on your needs then look at the price.
Chest Waders
Fly fishermen and other anglers who frequent multiple streams know the benefit of chest waders. You can wade in water up to your ribcage with this style. A good set of chest waders is going to cost a few hundred dollars going cheap is not an option with chest waders.
Chest waders come in low to extremely high prices. Judging how much to spend depends on the frequency of use. If you are using them frequently plan on spending more money. The occasional user can get by with a cheaper pair. In other words, you get what you pay for with chest waders.
Chest waders come with or without boots and this needs consideration. Boots built into waders are not recommended. They will not provide a good fit compared to bootless waders that have the boots bought separately. It is better to have good-fitting boots to avoid your feet slipping around.
Waist Waders
An in-between option to the chest and hip waders, allows an angler to wade in water up to the crotch area. Some anglers are not comfortable in chest waders. These anglers want a lighter and more comfortable set of waders. The lower waders do not trap as much body heat, however, you are limited to shallower water.
Hip Waders
Hip boots are shallow water models for use on small streams consequently, you can only go to about mid-thigh with these boots. These are an option for someone fishing streams with low water levels. If you fish other places look at waders that allow you to wade in deeper water. The only advantage to this type of waders is lower cost, so consider the aforementioned styles if you are using waders frequently.
Safety with Fishing Waders
Use a waist belt to cinch the waders. This slows the water from filling the leg portion. You should practice what you do in case you fall with waders on. A swimming pool is a good place and get a friend to help. The proper size will also help with safety. Waders too big make moving difficult and produce more drag in the current.
Properly fitting boots allow you more control while walking in the water. A loose boot on slippery or loose rocks is a disaster waiting to happen. Shuffle your feet instead of stepping in areas with a swift current, rocky or loose gravel. Above all, take it slow while moving and read the water.
Use a walking or wading staff to help with balance. Swift water makes balancing difficult and the staff makes it easier. If the water is deeper use a floatation device. Water above your head while sitting is a good guideline to use a life vest. As a result, it will help keep your head above the water if you fall and the water is deeper.
Buying Quality Fishing Waders
You should have an idea of the needs you have in waders before buying. Then set a budget for your purchase. Buying waders for some anglers is an investment while for others it will be an impulse purchase. You need to know what category applies to you. Investing in waders means spending more money than an impulse buy. Include money for a pair of boots to go along with the waders also.
Conclusion
Your preferences will determine the choice in a set of waders. Every angler has different needs based on how much and where they fish. You have to look at all the features and choose what is best. Decide on the features then look for waders in your price range. It is likely, that there are waders that are suited to your needs and budget.
Check out the river app to check on stream and river levels and warnings.
Keeping fishing simple for tight lines and bragging rights.
John McIntyre