Chest Waders... What kind is best for our area?

[MikeFishes]

It's time to replace my el cheapo rubber hip waders. Cracks in the knees and no protection against those occasional larger waves has convinced me that it's time to invest in some quality chest waders. But the question is, what kind? Neoprene? Breathable? Features?

I'm guessing Neoprene since I hope to be fishing for salmon throughout the season and maybe even steelhead. But aren't the other ones also good for cold weather?

[curado]

breatheables are nice for hot weather but if you are after steelhead in 30 degrees and lower neoprene are better

[G-Man]

Ok, let the debates begin. You'll find supporters of many different style waders. I prefer the 5mm neoprene with the boots already fitted having felt soles. I'm a thin person and loose heat quickly, I wouldn't be caught dead on a river in the winter without them. Being that they stretch they are cut so that you don't have as much loose material to deal with which lessens your drag in the water. I find Spring and fall aren't an issue either, once your in the water your comfortable. Summer is when you want something lighter, especially if you are fishing in the late morning and afternoon. Keep in mind that I use my neoprene waders in the summer fishing on the Cedar river. Get there early in the morning, it's cool, the water is cold, I leave by 9:00am, I feel great.

In my opinion, for river fishing, felt soles are a must. If you are not a believer, you probably haven't tried them. You can buy strap-on felt soles and those with spikes but I think it's best to have felt on the boots permanently.

I'm not a big fan of stocking foot waders, most likely due to my short wide feet. I've tried a few but trying to get all the material to lay so that they are comfortable was a pain and they never did feel as good as the attached boot versions. Putting on waders then putting on the wading shoes seems like a hassle. With the built in boots you just slip them on and go. Get to the car/truck and it's just as easy to get out of them, just make sure when you size them they aren't snug.

[returnofthefish]

I have the breathable waders with neoprene booties. I was wading into Puget Sound and my legs were cold. My feet were even colder. Overall, it was tolerable. I would wear nice wool socks next time and thick jeans. Just dress accordingly with any waders you buy.

[Anonymous]

In my opinion, for river fishing, felt soles are a must. If you are not a believer, you probably haven't tried them.

Let me echo this also, and say specificly that I wouldn't step in a river in any of the rubber sole wading shoes. On the mossy rock bottom it is like walking on ice. You can be in 1' of water, with a little current, and bam! on your butt.
Whether you get a seperate wading shoe or a built into the wader shoe...... get some felt bottoms.

[curado]

felt soles are a must but the only down side is HHS(High-Heel-Syndrome) caused by snow sticking to the bottom of them thats what my friends and i call it

[hanapaa808]

id say neo's for the winter and breathables for the summer. but yes, felt bottoms a must in the rivers! the reason i say neo's in the winter is that you use less things under them. long johns and shorts and im fine, yes even when its cold and snowing out. summer time you will be really hot in them. so you might just want to buy one of each... lol

[MikeFishes]

Okay, that's what I thought. Since the summers here are usually mild, I was thinking of neoprene anyhow.

Q on the felt shoes. Is the felt replacable? What if you have to hike down to where you are going to fish? Do you pack your waders down to the water?

Edit: Oh, and 3.5mm or 5mm? Big difference?

[MikeFishes]

Okay, that's what I thought. Since the summers here are usually mild, I was thinking of neoprene anyhow.

Q on the felt shoes. Is the felt replacable? What if you have to hike down to where you are going to fish? Do you pack your waders down to the water?

Edit: Oh, and 3.5mm or 5mm? Big difference?

Answered my felt shoes question. There are felt replacements at BassPro and I would assume other stores as well.

[Marc Martyn]

I haven't worn neoprenes in years. Breathable are the only way to go in my opinion.

Neo's don't let perspiration out of the waders. Your clothes get clammy and damp just from sweating, even in cold weather. They are also bulky to wear and are somewhat restricting. Also, they are harder to get into and out of.

In colder weather, wear breathable long underwear under the breathable waders and layer your clothes. I would suggest getting breathable waders with a neoprene foot and wearing wading boots with felt soles. I wouldn't suggest the rubber boot type. They don't give you the ankle support that a wading boot has. This is important when walking on rocks. If you are in very cold water, you can use electric socks to keep your toes warm. They work pretty well.

I have both breathable chest and hip waders with neoprene feet in them. When the water is very cold, say 37º, I wear my electric socks.

Neoprene waders will sometimes get "compression leaks" in them, especially if you are sitting in a float tube. These are leaks where the material gets compressed in a tight area and will then form a leak. Also, breathable waders are much easier to repair a tear in them.

Cabela's has a good set of breathable waders that start at about $125.00 and go up. They also have the insulated underwear that I wear all winter long. They are lightweight and breathe quite well.

Here is a link to the waders I have:

http://alturl.com/pxep

These are the wading boots that I have. I have been wearing the same pair for at least 10 years now and they are still in good shape. A very good inexpensive boot.

http://alturl.com/32w3

[Bodofish]

Neoprene waders suck anytime. I've owned both and I'd never put on another pair. Breathables are vastly superior, Cold, put on more cloths, hot take some off. A leak? fill'em up with water and look for the drip. Comfort? No comparison. Need to clean them, put'em the washer with some mild soap. My current pair I've owned for five years and not a single leak yet. I've never owned a pair of neos to go that far. Felt soles........ don't even get me started. In the water, no more traction than anything else. Out of the water, you're taking your life in your hands. They hold mud and rocks for ever. Launch your boat and you drag half the river bed in with you scratching the crap out of everthing and ruining the vinyl flooring. If you're fishing a river and moving from spot to spot your car is toast. Stink!!!!!! Pick up all the crap off the river bottom and wait till it starts to fester on the boots........

Neoprene waders = 70's technology = old bad
Breathable waders = 90's plus technology = good now

Felt = old bad
Soft rubber = now good

[shawn]

Breathable waders are the way to go. If you fish in the cold just layer the long johns and fleece.