The Wader Guide

Every angler knows that the trout is always bigger on the other side - of the river, that is. Similarly, every hunter knows the ducks are more plentiful down in the flooded bottomlands than up on the dry, easily accessed fields. The challenge water presents in these sporting situations is one reason why they are considered sporting events, instead of just shopping trips for fish and fowl.

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The major wader styles are based on water depth. So first you need to have an idea of the maximum water depth where you'll be using them. Then remember to add a good 8 inches or so (or about a foot for flowing water), because "tipping" your waders is no fun and can ruin a good day of sporting. There are three coverage styles of waders: chest waders, hip waders and waist-high waders.

Chest Waders

The most versatile of all waders, chest waders provide the most coverage so you can venture into everything from ankle-deep streams to waist-deep river pools. Chest waders utilize suspenders to keep them securely positioned on your body, and usually are baggy to allow freedom of movement.

The added coverage provided by chest waders can really be an asset when you run into unexpected problems like hidden holes and drop-offs, faster currents, rogue waves, stubborn fish landings, stumbles or other situations where it becomes easy to tip your waders. Some of the key advantages of chest waders:

• The most versatile waders, for the widest range of water depths.
• Your only wader option if you plan to use a float tube (belly boat) or pontoon boat since you'll be so low in the water.
• They protect you when wading in water over thigh-deep or aggressively wading in rivers with stronger currents and deeper pools.
• They block wind and rain effectively in very wet weather, making them ideal for all-weather fishing.

Quick Tip: For safety reasons, always wear a wading belt when using chest waders to prevent flooding them in an accidental brief dunking.

Hip Waders

Hip waders are best for water no deeper than about the knees. They are designed in two separate pieces, with one for each leg, and attach to your belt with belt straps to prevent sliding down. Hip waders have several advantages. These waders are:

• Easy to put on and take off.
• Worn easily over your regular clothing.
• Often convertible to calf-high rubber boots for use in very shallow water.
• Comfortable in warm weather.
• Ideal for smaller streams or shallows.
• Packable and great to have on hand for activities like launching and trailering boats, digging for clams, or hunting in boggy terrain.

Waist-High Waders

Waist-high waders fall somewhere in between chest waders and hip waders. They have the same general style as a baggy pair of pants and are designed for waters up to thigh-deep. Like pants, these waders have belt loops to hold them up. Some advantages of waist-high waders:

• They keep your upper body completely exposed for comfort and breathability in warmer weather.
• Good for water up to about thigh-deep.
• Compared to chest waders, they also offer added upper-body and arm mobility for casting or swinging a shotgun.
• Somewhere in between hip and chest waders, these waders are best for moderately aggressive stream wading.

Wader construction is very important as the wrong styles can mean you're going to be either very cold or very hot and sweaty.

Insulated Waders

Most insulated waders are made of neoprene, the same material used to construct wetsuits. The neoprene in waders is very warm, waterproof, stretchy and durable, making it perfect for cold-water wading. Neoprene waders may come in varying thicknesses to offer different degrees of warmth, but are usually about 5 mm thick. These waders are generally inexpensive compared to other waders.

One drawback of neoprene waders is that they are not breathable, so if you work up a sweat the moisture stays with you. Also, since super-thick 7 mm neoprene has a lot of flotation, waders using this material can make you feel uncomfortably light in deeper, faster-flowing waters. For fall through spring wading, you might consider breathable waders insulated with Thinsulater, a synthetic fiber that offers insulation and breathability with less flotation.

Uninsulated, Breathable Waders

Uninsulated, breathable waders are much more lightweight than neoprene waders, and allow some body moisture to escape. These waders are generally constructed of nylon or polyester with a Gore-Texr or similar membrane that blocks outside moisture while allowing moisture from perspiration to escape.

Breathable waders are the best choice for warm-weather wading. This wader type is also the most versatile for multiple-season use. In the summer, breathable waders can be worn with a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. In colder weather, wear them with wicking base layers and some fleece for adequate warmth.

Since these thinner waders may be more prone to wearing down than neoprene waders, they are usually reinforced to provide durability in high-stress areas like the knees and seat. Also, they are often more expensive than neoprene waders.

Non-Breathable Waders

Non-breathable, uninsulated waders are similar to breathable waders except they do not allow moisture to escape. These waders are generally very inexpensive.

Rubber/PVC Waders

Almost all waders have some rubber or PVC in their construction, to offer 100% waterproof protection with added durability. The boot components of most neoprene waders are essentially galoshes built with PVC or rubber. Some hip waders are still constructed entirely of rubber, although virtually all higher-coverage styles utilize other materials in addition to rubber.

Wader Seams

The seams of any waders are sealed or welded to prevent entry of any water between the fabric panels. Over time, these seals can break down so you should inspect your waders before each use.

Wader Options by Boot Type

Many waders have the boots built right into them and are called bootfoot waders (or sometimes "barefoot waders"). You don't need a separate pair of shoes when wearing these boot-integrated waders; despite the name, you'll probably want to wear socks with them for warmth and comfort. Bootfoot waders are quick to pull on and off and you don't have to buy separate shoes to use them. However, a drawback to most bootfoot waders is their no-lace style, which means you can't tighten them for a better fit.

Stockingfoot waders, another type of waders, insulate your feet and keep them dry but require the use of a separate wading boot over the waders' neoprene-only booties. The boots themselves will get wet, but not your feet or anything inside the waders. An advantage to wearing these waders is that the separate boots offer a better fit than bootfoot waders, but you must purchase the wading boots separately. Wading boots come in multiple styles, and offer a "hiking boot" feel.

Soles

There are four main types of wader boot soles: felt, rubber, hiking and studded felt. These soles appear on both bootfoot waders and the wading boots used with stockingfoot waders.

• Felt Soles: Supreme traction for crossing slick-rock river bottoms, but not a good choice for muddy bottoms or long shore walks.
• Rubber Soles: Great for wading in muddy marshland, easy to clean and best for long walks out of the water.
• Hiking Soles: Usually found on the independent boots designed for stockingfoot waders, hiking soles are very durable and best for anglers that walk long distances while fishing.
• Studded Felt Soles: Ideal for very slippery river bottoms with algae-covered rocks and boulders, these soles utilize carbide spikes for added traction.

Quick Tip: Avoid using studded felt-sole waders if you will be using a boat, as the studs can damage the boat itself.

Wader Features/Technology

• Wader belts, included with some chest waders, prevent significant water entry if you take a momentary spill.
• Gravel guards are like aquatic gaiters. They are sleeves on the cuffs of stockingfoot waders that prevent gravel and dirt from entering your separate wading boots.
• Chest pockets are great for keeping necessary items on hand. Zippers with welded seams can help prevent accidental wetting of the contents.
• Handwarmer pockets are a life-saver on colder days or when you continually dip your hands in very cold water.
• Cordlocks on wader torsos help prevent water entry or an overly loose fit.
• Layered fabric adds durability and extra layers of waterproof protection.
• Knee pads stop holes from forming in this high-wear area.

Wader sizes can be based on either foot size or overall body size. For bootfoot waders, which have a built-in boot, pick your size based on your normal boot size. Stockingfoot waders, on the other hand, are sized based on your overall body size, since the neoprene booties can stretch to shape your feet. Don't worry - all waders are supposed to fit somewhat loosely, so you don't need a glove-like fit. Be sure to purchase a pair of wading boots to go with any stockingfoot waders.

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• Always hang your waders out to dry overnight after each use. This will extend their life and prevent wearing an uncomfortable, wet pair in the morning.
• Inspect your waders before every use to be sure there are no weak spots or punctures that will make them leak.
• When storing waders, be sure they are totally dry before hanging them up in a cool, dark place with no direct sunlight.