Waders Buying Guide
Wader Uses:
Waders have many different uses such as Fishing Waders, Hunting Waders or just for cleaning out your fish pond. Waders also have many uses in commercial industries such as Marine Construction, Marine Biology and the Sanitation Industry.
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Wader Fit:
The level of comfort you experience in the water depends on choosing the right pair of waders. The goal is to stay dry and warm, but to accomplish that; you need to choose the right type, and correct wader material to fit your needs.
First, make sure the waders you choose fit properly. Many times, anglers buy waders that fit to snug and they have a hard time climbing in and out of the boat, bending down to release a fish or hiking long distances to get to that prime fishing spot. You should buy waders that leave you enough room to put sweats, or other warm clothes on underneath.
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Wader Materials:
Next, you’ll want to consider the wader material. While style and colors vary with waders, the other important difference is the material they are made of. Neoprene waders still lead the pack, but other types of waders work very efficiently for different functions.
- Neoprene: Neoprene waders generally come in two common thicknesses, 3mm or 5mm. Because the 3mm are lighter and cooler, they are often used in the early season. They are also very functional in the regular season if you are planning to do a lot of walking. When the temperature is cooler and you are sitting in a blind for hours, the 5mm are an ideal choice because they are thicker, warmer, and add a bit more protection from the elements.
- Breathable: Over the last few years, breathable waders have become huge in popularity. The biggest reason is that they are made from permeable membrane (SealDri®,Gore-Tex®, etc.), which allows moisture to escape through the wader even while in the water. They are also very versatile. They can be worn in the hot summer months and sweat will not become an issue, or they can be worn in the winter months with a set of micro-fleece wader pants that will keep moisture away and insulate from the cold water.
- Canvas: Canvas waders have been around for a long time. The improved technology of materials has made this wader less popular, but is still attractive because of it’s low cost. You tend to have less flexibility, lack of breathability, heavier weights, but they are also fairly puncture resistant. This is a great choice if you are an angler that is just starting out, and don’t plan to spend much time in the water, or are cleaning out ponds, this can be a good economical choice.
- Nylon: This style is great for beginners. Nylon waders are a step up from the rubber styles that anglers started out with, and they are lightweight and will keep you dry and warm. A disadvantage of nylon is that it can be hot, and is not breathable. This can be especially problematic in the colder months because when the condensation builds up, it has no place to escape. Once anglers become wet or damp, it doesn’t take long to get a chill or become cold. But if you are an angler that is just starting out, and don’t plan to spend much time in the water, this can be a good economical choice.
- Rubber: Just like its canvas counterpart, rubber waders have been around for a long time. The improved technology of materials has made this wader less popular, but is still attractive because of its low cost. You tend to have less flexibility, lack of breathability, heavier weights, but they are also fairly puncture resistant. This is a great choice if you are an angler that is just starting out, and don’t plan to spend much time in the water, or are cleaning out ponds, this can be a good economical choice.
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Wader Sole Types:
- Boot Foot: Boot foot waders have the boot connected to the wader in one piece. They are the ultimate in cold-water protection as most come insulated with Thinsulate. Another convenience is they are low maintenance, they are easy to put on and take off, rocks and sand can’t slip into the boot and rub your feet raw, you’ll never leave a boot at home, and there are no laces to come un-tied etc.
- Stocking Foot: Stocking foot waders have the same construction as boot foot waders with one difference; they do not have the attached rubber boot. Stocking foot waders have a neoprene sock attached to the bottom of the waders. You need to purchase a separate pair of wading boots to wear with this type of wader. Many people prefer these to the boot/foot because they are much lighter to wear. Buying stocking foot waders with a good pair of wading shoes can provide you with really good support and comfort. One disadvantage is that sand or gravel can find it’s way through your gravel guards, cause you to stop and clean out your wading shoes, and can eventually wear holes into the stocking foot, causing your waders to get wet.
- Lug soles: Works best on muddy-bottomed water.
- Felt Soles: Works best on rock or gravel-bottomed water.
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Wading Safety Tips:
- Walk out slowly and start wading in shallow water. This will allow you gage the water level when you start out and track the drop-offs.
- If you are in water that has a current, walking diagonally makes walking easier, and will help keep you on your feet.
- Due to the slime build up on underwater rocks, you want to be sure and walk between them, not on top of them. This may prevent you from falling.
- For added security, be sure to use a wading belt, and wading staff. The belt prevents water from flooding the waders if you fall in.
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