Thread: Waders

So after gifting some lures to the river gods I went to look at waders today (and replenish the gift selection).

Owwww my! The selection, the brands, some even needed their own boots! Mine I purchased a couple of decades ago are obviously wanted for some form of display at the Smithsonian institute.

I’m trying to see the features and benefits of neoprene verse non, boot verse bootless and what brands to stay away from.

given I have very little experience in this space I thought I would ask those with a lot more real world experience, and are not trying to upsell me!

Cheers

Ask what sort of neoprene .. if its Yamamoto it will be a good product. Neoprene isnt just neoprene.

I've recently bought some breathable waders off AliExpress. They're really good considering. They are stocking foot so need boots.
NZ$ 124.67 35％ Off | Men's Hunting wader Breathable Stocking foot Wader Light weight Convertible Fishing Chest Waders Wading Pants For Fly Fishing
https://a.aliexpress.com/_dTuIFx2
For the money they're pretty good. I did but local boots just to get the foot size right but I can't see too many issues getting the AliExpress boots. They are a lot cooler than neoprene as expected so are no surprise but you do need to wear warm clothes underneath. They are way better for getting around in and are lighter so take up less room so once the finished they dry off fast.
I've worn neoprene waders all my fishing life but will never go back.

No leaks? I’m going to be honest, I’d expect most of the brands would be Chinese manufactured, the price is exceedingly good compared to some of the versions I saw today, as long as it doesn’t fall apart in 6 months to a year! I don’t mind buy once cry once, as long as I’m not getting taken advantage of

I appreciate the comments re not owning neoprene again and the benefits of the version you have

Originally Posted by Tertle

No leaks? I’m going to be honest, I’d expect most of the brands would be Chinese manufactured, the price is exceedingly good compared to some of the versions I saw today, as long as it doesn’t fall apart in 6 months to a year! I don’t mind buy once cry once, as long as I’m not getting taken advantage of

I appreciate the comments re not owning neoprene again and the benefits of the version you have

When I fell over in the lake and landed on my knees I tore both the wader and the pair of pants I was wearing underneath. They have not leaked other than that. I do recommend tenacious tape as a perfect repair. They certainly will not be as durable as 5mm neoprene but I'm not expecting they will be. Most of my fishing is in lakes so I should not expect to encounter too much problem. Compared to Simms and Orvis I really can't see the difference the extra 4 billion dollars offers. The left boot hook rivet feel out in the first run which was disappointing but not the end of the world. If it ever stops raining I hope to fish the Tongariro this winter again in the same pair.

I wore magnum neoprene waders for a few years before getting breathable/boot combo. I used to get sore feet walking a long way in the gumboots, and on the odd occasion, being of slighter build, started to “float away” if I ventured too deep.
The breathables are night and day better IMHO, and I wouldn’t go back now, way more comfortable and mobile. Got mine second hand as new, and did as Kiwiijames done, got the boots new to get the sizing right. My g/f got her waders on line, frogs toggs that are very reasonable price wise, and seem to be going well. Both our waders have had minor leaks on the seams last year or so(damp feet, not wet) but easily fixed with aqua seal..
No need to spend a fortune for a first pair, some great deals out there, both local and the net.
Cheers

I only use neoprene as that all there was years ago,got 3 pairs. Neoprene takes the knocks and wear a wading belt, kept a guy afloat giving me time to get to him. Ypu sink ery fast in cold fresh water

@kiwijames how did your waders hold up? Still using them? I'm looking at going down same path.
What boot did you buy local?

Originally Posted by wsm junkie

@kiwijames how did your waders hold up? Still using them? I'm looking at going down same path.
What boot did you buy local?

Still going strong but TBF I seldom use them. Last time was June 2023 in the Hine. The boots we some cheaper ones from HnF. I think Riverworks. They're kinda shitty but work.

Sweet, cheers @kiwijames