Chest Waders

[Narragansett]

Ok, realizing that for many when they do not have a gun in their strong hand, they have a fishing rod, and for many that means chest waders.

So my preference is boot foot non neoprene.

The question is what is your recommendation for a pair?

Thanks

 

[SS336]

I have a pair of Redington waders that have served me well for a few years. Reasonably priced, lots for features. But they are stocking foot waders.
I find them more comfortable and sometimes you can get them to last longer than bootfoot. They are better if you have to do any walking.

 

[m75rlg]

Redington breathable stocking foot zip waders from late October to mid April. Remainder of year just wet wade with neopreme booties inside my Korkers boots.

Some days it is a bit cold, but I find that better than sweating inside waders. If air tempertature is in the mid 60's and water temps above 45, I find wet wading pretty comfortable in the small streams I usually fish.

 

[hsguy]

My preference is breathable waders with a Neoprene foot. I wear long johns under the waders and heavy socks. I fish in water that is snow melt and quite cold, have a neuropathy problem with my feet and this combination works well. I have used Korker boots in the past but purchased a pair of Orvis with the BOA lacing system and am anxious to try them.

 

[4barrel]

My postman drowned at the local lake with his waders on fishing at night.

 

[arjay]

My postman drowned at the local lake with his waders on fishing at night.

I was cornered by a moose on a sandbar with the option of jumping into a deep,fast current wearing chest waders or standing my ground. Luckily he backed off

 

[pittpa]

My postman drowned at the local lake with his waders on fishing at night.

This explains only a small part of the USPS shortcomings.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Kanewpadle]

Second Reddington. Just don’t fall in. Many people aren’t strong enough to overcome the additional weight. And if you’re in swift water, you might be done for.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Smart sportsmen wear a belt around the waiders if in deep water or fast currents.

The foam thickness is good for cold days but you will break into a sweat in 70* days.
I prefer hip boots if in just 3 foot of water or just shore fishing.

Many like the type with felt boots for added grip and safety on slippery rocks and weeds in streams.

I have four types for my hunting & fishing and also shorts and sneekers for hot summer days.

 

[dasnake]

What I did.

Got the soft sock waders and wear a river boot, have the neoprene rubber boot style, I can wear both in the dual bladder belly boat, nevada talks a belt, I like a clipon belt with a co2 inflatable just in case I faw down go bloop.

 

[6518John]

Smart sportsmen wear a belt around the waiders if in deep water or fast currents.

Keep a sharp knife clipped on that belt too by your dominant hand to cut out of the waders if necessary.

 

[Narragansett]

First off, thanks for the replies!. I suppose I should have said that I am a saltwater user, and always wear a belt. I went under once and it saved me. I do no freshwater at all, but I should. My reason for asking is I have been using LL Bean products, and just returned a set yesterday for replacement under warranty, as they leak in both legs at the boot joint.

I like boot foot, because they are easier than wading shoes. I do have Simms wading boots. I am looking for reliability. Something I can get a few years out of. If there is such a thing without going to 750.00 Simms. I have Orvis guide waders, stockingfoot, and they leak.

I am hesitant to try the BOA system on boots. I have heard of sand getting in the mechanism.

Guess i will look at the Reddington offerings

 

[steelslaver]

Lost a HS friend to waters and a river. The belt trick didn't work they kept his feet up, but not his head, his brother had the misfortune of witnessing the whole thing. I simply get wet.

 

[6518John]

This is why to always have a knife. You can puncture the legs and let out the air pockets. Also slashing the front from the crotch up to the chest will usually release enough of the suction to pull out of them. Don’t ask me how I know.

 

[ameridaddy]

++1 on belt and knife. I used an old Korean war era pistol belt for its quick release, and carried my fillet knife for it's sharpness. I would add to the sharp belt knife and belt - have the knife on a lanyard. When you go down, or over or under, things happen fast, especially in swift water or in chilly fall/spring surf, where is where I've used waders. In streams around here, the water's warm enough to forgo waders.

 

[waffles]

I've beat the snot out of my Patagonia Rio Azul waders I got on sale some years ago. Highly recommend them, great quality and patagonia has unbeatable customer service.

 

[hsguy]

This is why to always have a knife. You can puncture the legs and let out the air pockets. Also slashing the front from the crotch up to the chest will usually release enough of the suction to pull out of them. Don’t ask me how I know.

Excellent advice! I was a cold water rescue diver and when wearing a dry suit or exposure suit it was easy to trap enough air in the lower area of those suits to invert you. not a big problem when you were using a SCUBA unit as you had time to solve the problem such as overinflating your BC to keep you upright. With chest waders keep a knife accessible and wear a snug wading belt! An inflatable PFD is also a good idea. An old wading man who needs to follow his own advice.

 

[vt_shooter]

When I was a kid I watched a guy fishing on the others side of a stream from me almost drown in waders. 'Not sure how he got into too deep water, maybe he slipped or found some mud, but he floundered around for several minutes trying to keep his head above water, he eventually got out and he quickly departed the stream. After watching that I vowed to never wear more than hip boots.

 

[Kanewpadle]

This is why to always have a knife. You can puncture the legs and let out the air pockets. Also slashing the front from the crotch up to the chest will usually release enough of the suction to pull out of them. Don’t ask me how I know.

John, I know a guy that carries two fixed blade knives, one for each suspender. He fell in once and grabbed a branch with his right hand. His knife being on his right was difficult to reach.

 

[CalmerThanYou]

Belt, good, knife, good. I have 3 years on some Simms Stocking foots. I fish a different game though. Thick brush, crawling over logs, occasional barb wire from abandoned fence lines.
Aquaseal is my friend. If you do not abuse them like me a pair of Simms should be a good investment.
To the guy considering the Boa system. I am hard on equipment as stated above, but I had trouble with the Boa wire snapping. I had to carry zip ties. I would stick with laces.