Waders recomendation

[zaknorman75]

I think I need to finally take the dive and buy a set of waders. I've been a "shore" fisherman my entire life. Which always has translated into wading in shorts and sneakers, but that proves to be less than ideal more often than not. Considering I plan to trout fish heavily this spring, I'd like to buy a really solid set of waders.

Top of my list is durability. I often get off the beaten path and while I know no one is going to recommend bush-waking through stickers in a pair of waders, I'm letting it be known that durability is key for me. Hardcore warmth really isn't on the list for me. I don't plan to be using them heavily if at all in the winter, and spring / fall temps are not a huge concern for me. I'm durable.. haha.

Any help anyone could provide from personal experience would be great. If you have the knowledge, both a high end ($$$) and low end option would be great.

Thanks as always
zak

[reely]

neoprene waders are not the best to be doing a lot of walking in .they are heavy and you will sweat in them. Hip boots may be a option to consider.

[trout taco]

Look into the waist high waders. I use them more than chest waders. Great for walking and the warmish spring weather. Personally I have settled on patagonia. The Rio azul and the gunnison gorge waist high are perfect for me for under $300 They are well made and the best I could find that weren't $500.00 plus. One thing to consider with these models they aren't double ply from the waist down like the waders costing double. I'm roughish on my waders and walking through the thick nasty stuff and still no leaks.

[bigboy5522]

Simms are great, very durable. I got a acouple rips in the most outer layer and they are still going strong. But they are up there with the $$$

[Capt. Lou]

I use Aquaz bootfoots since I fish trout all winter ! I have the dry zip model with the Boggs boots feet never cold . I fishing daily in 36 to 40 degree water now & very comfortable & warm . Very durable in brush since mine are 4 layer lowers .
They also have several models in stocking foot as well .
Not cheap $300 to $500 range depending on model .

[nsell]

IMHO you cannot beat the Orvis Encounter Wader. They are pricey, but you will not buy a better wader which will last a long time if you treat it with care. This is a bootfoot chest high wader.

[briansnat]

LaCrosse has a line of Brush Tuff and Super Brush Tuff waders. I've never used them but they are designed specifically for what you want. Not cheap though.

Simms are good all around waders and durable.

[Mark B.]

One pair of waders for me: Neoprene stocking foot,…..Cabela’s are good.

Fall / winter for trout @ RVR & the South Branch. Early spring for shad on the Delaware R.

Then, late spring, summer & early fall, I’m in shorts & Simms wading boots for shad, smallies, walleyes, channel cats.

[NJ219bands]

LL Bean has free shipping and a great return policy.

[njflyfisher]

Originally Posted by NJ219bands

LL Bean has free shipping and a great return policy.

I heard their warranty is the best on the market. People would wear the waders for years and return then completely destroyed and get a new pair for free. You can't go wrong with them.