by Mike Wilson, June 07, 2004

Each month I typically receive several great emails from my readers who are requesting further information on an article I have written or who have questions about equipment. Looking back at these emails, it appears that choosing a pair of waders is a great source of frustration for many fly fishermen. I hope this month’s article will arm you with all you need to know to buy the perfect set of waders.

Types of waders:

Waders are typically made out of three types of materials. The most common today is neoprene. Neoprene is a relatively light weight material that is water proof that also provides a moderate amount of insulation. Neoprene is tough to tear but it is very prone to punctures. When punctured, it can be tough to repair because the hole is really hard to see and is often small in size. Neoprene is sold in two thicknesses. 3 millimeter is your best choice for the spring and fall and 5 millimeter is your choice when spending long hours in cold water. Neoprene waders are available in stocking foot style so you can add your own wading boot and are also available with the boots already attached.

Breathable waders are very popular with summer time anglers. These waders are extremely light weight and allow moisture to pass through the material to the outside which helps keep you a bit cooler on the inside during that long hike to your favorite fishing hole then neoprene does. The down side is that they develop leaks easily and are also prone to tearing. Until recently, they have also been a lot more expensive. If you shop the various sales you should be able to locate a pair for under $90.

Vulcanized Rubber waders are still available for those who desire a heavy duty wader that can take some punishment. The trade off is weight. Rubber waders always come with insulated boots attached and the combine weight of the rubber and the boots results in a real work out for the angler. If you only fish shallow streams then a trade off that works for many anglers is hip waders. These weigh less then chest waders but still provide the footwear and durability.




Which Wader Is Best For Me?

This is probably the number one question I get asked. With all the brands and materials on the market today, it is hard to choose. Here is a breakdown of the ideal conditions for each wader. Obviously, the fishing season includes several months that are not ideal so you will need to experiment to determine which wader works best for you. (S= Spring, Sm=Summer, F=Fall, W= Winter)

If you are fishing in: Then this type of wader is a good starting point.

Eastside Lakes (W, S) 5mm thick neoprene or 3mm while dressed warmly.
(Sm, F) 3mm neoprene or Breathable

Westside Lakes (S, F, W) 3mm neoprene
(Sm) Breathable

Rivers (Sm, F) Breathable or 3mm
(W) 3mm or 5mm depending on climate

Commercial Rubber or 5mm due to the abuse factor


How Much Do They Cost?

There has never been a better time to purchase waders then right now. Prices have really fallen in the last two years as we sit in between technological advances. Neoprene frequently be found in the sub $50 category and breathable waders can be had for under $90. Brands like Cabela’s, Hodgeman, Browning and Fly Tech offer good quality neoprene waders at a great price. Many of the same brands offer breathable waders that are also a good buy. I do encourage you to consider how you are going to use your waders before you buy them though. If you are going to be hiking a lot or using them 25 times or more a year then a higher quality name like Simms may pay for itself in just a few seasons of use. It is cheaper to pay the extra for a higher quality brand name that last a number of seasons then it is to buy a cheaper wader multiple times.
Well, I hope that answers all your questions about waders. Grab a pair and get out there during these fabulous summer months in the Pacific Northwest!

Mike Wilson
Frugalflyguy@aol.com