Wader advice

[scott123]

I am going to invest in a new pair of waders and would like some advice on what type to purchase. Do I want neoprene? How should they fit, tight or lose? Do I wear close under them? Boots or no boots?

[Jerkyourcroaker]

Get breathable waders. I would recommend sock foot waders and then buy a pair of durable/comfortable wading boots. You might consider ray guards too.

I buy my waders large enough to a wear a shirt/sweatshirt inside my waders. I wear my wading jacket outside my waders. If I buy my 'normal' size, I usually have enough room to get the sweatshirt and layers on without buying waders oversized.

I would recommend spending as much as you can afford on waders if you plan to use them regularly. I have a pair of Simms G3s. They are expensive but I use them hard and they have lasted 5 seasons (winter in Texas, summer in Colorado) with no issues. Great warranty too.

I have a pair of Magellan Paragons that I keep as a back up/spare. I like them but I am worried about their durability and water tightness over time.

I would avoid neoprene.

JYC

[SUPER SPOOK]

you will never get cold in neoprenes and have to wear less clothes under them. I had a pair of hodgemans i wore for 8yrs. they are a pain to get on and off. if you plan on wearing them all year get the breathables.

[KennyWayne]

If you get breathable, sock feet waders, make sure to try them on and try on wading boots at the same time. I had to buy new boots two sizes bigger. Simms are the most recommended and most expensive, but Gulf coast waders are made here. Might check them out too.

[Ibtsoom]

I wear breathables and in the winter I wear at least a couple of layers on top and bottom. Generally long johns, sweats, tee shirt, a fleece pullover and some thick socks. Hate being cold! You can always take clothes off - better to have on too much than not enough.

[Ibtsoom]

Check out gulfcoastwaders.com. I've had good luck with their stuff and they're local.

[SUPER SPOOK]

If you get breathable, sock feet waders, make sure to try them on and try on wading boots at the same time. I had to buy new boots two sizes bigger. Simms are the most recommended and most expensive, but Gulf coast waders are made here. Might check them out too.

yep

[imhammer]

Always bought cheap Breathables and threw them away after a year but my wife finally bought me a pair of Sims so I wouldn't have to buy new ones next year.
I had one pair of neoprenes and would sweat in them so bad I would be soaked after a few hours. Breathables are the only way to go.

[Explorer21]

X2. Sims are the way to go. You get what you pay for!

Always bought cheap Breathables and threw them away after a year but my wife finally bought me a pair of Sims so I wouldn't have to buy new ones next year.
I had one pair of neoprenes and would sweat in them so bad I would be soaked after a few hours. Breathables are the only way to go.

[SUPER SPOOK]

I hate the cold, have to put so many clothes on under breathables I can hardly move. need a pair of both really.

[Exodus Outfitters]

Simms G3 is what I have and I don't know how I ever made it w/o them! They are $449.00, which is nothing to sneeze at, but man the old saying you get what you pay for has never been more relevant than w/ Waders. The G3 is the lowest level Simms that have a flip out waterproof pocket and hand warmer pocket. They also have 5 layer GoreTex in the seat and legs, 3 layers up top. Simms also come in "KING" sizes which refer to extra room in the chest and gut only. That's the only regret I have is not getting the KING. The first day I went out aftyer a Norther and the wind was howling I wish I had more room for layers. Regarding the comment about Simms Boots, they are already fitted and sized to fit over Stockingfoor waders. If you wear a 10, you buy a 10. I have the Simms OceanTek Boots and boy o boy, they be nice! I am a guy that if I cant afford top notch gear, I wait and save up for it rather than buy crap, then tell everyone how I think its stupid to spend that much on gear, all the while pretending that my left leg isn't frozen solid from a leak. IMHO, buy it once, be comfortable and confident, take care of it and we wont have this chat again for ten years or so......Merry Christmas everyone. and God Bless!

[Root Canal]

First advice is do Not buy the ones with boots attached. They will start hurting your feet.
I wear breathables and layer up like the others have stated as the water gets colder.
Once the water temp. gets to 55 degrees I swicth to neoprene and also layer up.
Guess I am thin blooded. That's why I need both.

[chandler]

Simms are the real deal! You will stay warm in them and they are well worth the money..

[plugger]

What root canal said and others . Stocking feet only . Main thing is to have plenty of room to clothes layer under neath . You would rather have extrà room than too tight fitting waders after dressing . Same goes for a wade jacket . Save the skinny jeans look for the night clubs . Ain't no women out there to impress . Neoprene is definitely warmer , harder to get into and you sweat like a dope dealer at church . But if you are standing long in cooold water , you'll be warmer . I have a pair of lined neoprene socks from bass pro shop . Wool socks , then those and you are good . Nothing worse than cold feet and legs fishing .

[SUPER SPOOK]

First advice is do Not buy the ones with boots attached. They will start hurting your feet.
I wear breathables and layer up like the others have stated as the water gets colder.
Once the water temp. gets to 55 degrees I swicth to neoprene and also layer up.
Guess I am thin blooded. That's why I need both.

good advice, not all of us have $500 dollars for waders. u can get a pair of both for under $200. if you take care of them they will last a few years. wash them off good and keep them in the house after every use, not in the back of your truck or in the boat. I have had my $50 pair of breathables for 2yrs now and they are still like new. still going to get some neoprene ones for when the water is under 50 or will freeze to death. lol