I am thinking about getting some waders for myself to do some fishing in the Olentangy, Scioto and Little/Big Darby. Sports Authority is having a 20% off sale on theirs this week. Curious if anyone could lend me some advice as I've never purchased a pair of waders before and I'd like to get a decent pair...
Wader Advice :: Help?
fid
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
Joined
·
51 Posts
I am thinking about getting some waders for myself to do some fishing in the Olentangy, Scioto and Little/Big Darby. Sports Authority is having a 20% off sale on theirs this week. Curious if anyone could lend me some advice as I've never purchased a pair of waders before and I'd like to get a decent pair...
Joined
·
2,144 Posts
tip #1, they all leak 
if you plan on wading during the summer, save yourself the $ and sweat and wear an old pair of shorts instead.
if you plan on wading during the summer, save yourself the $ and sweat and wear an old pair of shorts instead.
Joined
·
3,413 Posts
Tip #2 - you get what you pay for to a point. Don't go budget or you will regret it. Think about what type of wading you do, how often, etc. For example, in summer I wet wade, in fall through spring I use waders. For me the neoprene was a good choice b/c they give you extra layer of insulation. If you plan on wearing them in the summer you should get the lighter breathable kind. You can always put layers under these for more insulation.
I have heard preference for both but I recommend waders with the boot built right in so you don't have to worry about losing the boots or getting gravel in your feet during the wade. Wear the thickest socks you will wear wading when you go to try them on or you may be dissappointed come fall when you can't get thick socks on for insulation.
You should be able to get decent pair of neoprene waders with boot for $75-$110. Add another $20-$40 for a decent pair of breathable waders. Watch for deals.
I have heard preference for both but I recommend waders with the boot built right in so you don't have to worry about losing the boots or getting gravel in your feet during the wade. Wear the thickest socks you will wear wading when you go to try them on or you may be dissappointed come fall when you can't get thick socks on for insulation.
You should be able to get decent pair of neoprene waders with boot for $75-$110. Add another $20-$40 for a decent pair of breathable waders. Watch for deals.
Joined
·
702 Posts
Spend the money on breathable waders. They are worth it. Cool in the summer and if you wear thermal, non cotton in the winter you will be warm. Also, stocking foot are far more comfortable than boot foot. Yeah you will need to buy wading boots as well but if you are doing any walking on the banks you will appreciate them. Check my post on Hot Deals at Dick's. 15 off 75 coupon. Dicks has some good deals right now.
Joined
·
2,436 Posts
get felt sole!! i prefer the nepprene but to each his own i guesse. try on both kinds and see what you like best but def get felt soel make those algae cover rocks seem like walking on th ebank
I agree 110%
Neoprene BAD. Unless you're going to use them when the air temps are below freezing, breathables are the way to go.
Neoprenes don't let moisture out. So even when the temps are cold, you work up a sweat in them. The sweat gets trapped, you get cold.
I stay MUCH warmer in wicking pants, fleece bottoms, and breathables.
I have both, and I wear stocking foot breathables 99% of the time. Way, way more comfortable.
Who loses their boots? And almost any pair has gravel guards anymore.
Get a $99 pair of breathables, and spend your money on a good wading boot. You'll be happy you did.
LL Bean, in my opinion, 'nuff said!
Yup, I agree the lower cost ones I can afford do leak BUT Bean will exchange them no problem...
I just got off the phone with them, this is the second pair of the Flyweights II that have seam leaks...no problem,.
I am going to exchange them for the next step up-Emergers...see if that helps.
They ship the replacements out right away and credit when return is received...bought another big brand and they leaked as well but there response was basically "so sad too bad".
Yup, I agree the lower cost ones I can afford do leak BUT Bean will exchange them no problem...
I just got off the phone with them, this is the second pair of the Flyweights II that have seam leaks...no problem,.
I am going to exchange them for the next step up-Emergers...see if that helps.
They ship the replacements out right away and credit when return is received...bought another big brand and they leaked as well but there response was basically "so sad too bad".
Joined
·
217 Posts
search the threads for this topic- you'll get more info than you can use.
I have neoprenes with the boot and breathable with felt tip boots. I wore them today on a 6 hour kayak float and I didn't get too hot. In early spring I just put sweats on underneath. Felt bottom is great to prevent slipping on the creek rocks.
My waders were from Dick's and were about 60 dollars plus maybe 20 for the boots.
Of course you can wear shorts, but I have found that it is nice to have waders on when entering and exiting the water. Don't get jigger bites!
I have neoprenes with the boot and breathable with felt tip boots. I wore them today on a 6 hour kayak float and I didn't get too hot. In early spring I just put sweats on underneath. Felt bottom is great to prevent slipping on the creek rocks.
My waders were from Dick's and were about 60 dollars plus maybe 20 for the boots.
Of course you can wear shorts, but I have found that it is nice to have waders on when entering and exiting the water. Don't get jigger bites!
Joined
·
172 Posts
I have boot neos, however if I were to get another pair (and I may) I would get breathable w/ felt boots. I purchased mine at Meijer so everytime I get out of the water it looks like I pissed my pants because of a seam leak in the back.
Joined
·
64 Posts
I bought a pair of White River, stocking foot, waist high breathables last year and have not been disappointed. They're warm enough when used in late Fall and early Spring if you put on a layer of UnderArmour cold gear pants and not too hot this time of year. Keep a look out at basspro because they'll occasionally have them on sale. I think mine were just over $50. Ditto to everyone who suggested buying a pair of felt sole boots--they make a huge difference when wading.
I bought a pair of breathable, neoprene stocking foot waders from Field and Stream. Soles of both wore out in under two weeks. Exchanged them for "Hogeman" and have been very happy. Hogeman are much better quality although cheaper in price. All the seams are taped and the material is very durable. Field and Stream didn't have taped seams. I do wear ankle-high wading boots over the stocking feet. Better grip and easier walking on all the stones. Remember to buy a good wading belt. Critical to wear it tight to prevent a bad moment from turning deadly.
Hope this helps. Enjoy the wading life!
BigRed
Hope this helps. Enjoy the wading life!
BigRed
Joined
·
51 Posts
Well I picked up a pair of breathable waders at Dicks on Saturday morning (35% sale) along with some felt bottom boots with a friend of mine. We took them out to the Olentangy for a few hours and had a blast, only caught a few fish but it's a start. Thanks for all the help and advice from everyone...
Joined
·
499 Posts
Nice job fid, you wont be dissapointed. Just remember to take it slow and easy when wading unknown areas.
2 more things you want to consider. Someone mentioned a belt. Any belt will really work, just make sure it is tight enought that water cannot fill the legs if you should happen to fall.
The other is a pair of polarized glasses. IMO- they make wading(and fishing) much easier.
2 more things you want to consider. Someone mentioned a belt. Any belt will really work, just make sure it is tight enought that water cannot fill the legs if you should happen to fall.
The other is a pair of polarized glasses. IMO- they make wading(and fishing) much easier.
Joined
·
172 Posts
No doubt. Polarized glasses and a belt are a must.
In my humble opinion, for the fishing I do, "breathable" waders are overrated. I wear 3mm neoprene stocking foot waders. I wear waders when the water is cold. I fished WV streams this year in early February and busted ice on the edge to get in the water. With neoprenes, even the lighter 3mm, I don't have to bulk up big to stay warm in very cold water. The 3mm lighter neoprenes are a lot easier to walk long distances in, too, if that needs to be done. When the water warms up and the air temps warm up, that's when breathable waders would make more sense to me...but in those conditions I wet-wade because it feels great! Wearing any waders in 75 degree weather and warm water is overkill, in my opinion. I saw a guy in breathables in the Hocking a week or so back...when I was standing in the water in shorts and old sneakers to cool off.
I say stocking foot because I like the versatility of wading boots. If I am wearing my waders, I wear the boots...if I am wet-wading, I can still wear the wading boots for traction. I also like that if the boots wear out, I can just buy new boots and not need a new set of waders.
Just my $.02 worth.
I say stocking foot because I like the versatility of wading boots. If I am wearing my waders, I wear the boots...if I am wet-wading, I can still wear the wading boots for traction. I also like that if the boots wear out, I can just buy new boots and not need a new set of waders.
Just my $.02 worth.
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
