I hike a lot and fish mostly rocky areas. I am currently in a pair of leaky neoprene rangers with the attached rubber boots. Work ok but I can certainly relate to the recent post of swamp ass and stank after a long night.

I think my next investment will be waders. Who likes what? I'm thinking of the soft sock foot with some kind of over shoe. I definitely like the look of the Cabellas ultralight shot with the warebars.

I like the LL Bean ultra light stocking foot waders

Any particular model? Seems to be a few?

I saw the one with the pockets attached to the chest but it looks like it would last about a week on the canal.

Patagonia are very nice and pretty durable - pricey though. Best I've tried.
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Wow! How can you possibly wear neoprene waders this time of year. Go lightweight breathable. I like LLBean's Emerger Breathable Waders, which are relatively inexpensive and fairly durable.

Any particular model? Seems to be a few?

I saw the one with the pockets attached to the chest but it looks like it would last about a week on the canal.

I have the ll bean lightweight breathables stocking foot as well. They are $99.
Ive used them in the canal. no issues.
And you cant beat their return policy. No matter what they take it back.

The other choice would be L.L.Bean rapid River waders($200). these have a tougher material doubled over the lower legs, knees and butt. They will take more abuse, but are warmer. I could feel a breeze through the Lightweights, but only a hurricane would give me fresh air through the Rapid Rivers.

If you're going to hike in them, buy the Lightweights. Buy the Cabelas ultralights one size larger than your street shoes.

Two pairs of LL Bean waders... stockingfoot Emergers would be my choice.

When one rips (and they all will... eventually), you can mail it back for replacement and not have any lapse in fishing, as you have another pair ready to go. Easiest on the wallet to order their cheapest models if you go this route. If you have a Bean outlet nearby, or don't mind waiting for the replacement (just use the leaky neaps for a couple weeks), a single pair is fine... Could also go a step up to the Rapid Rivers for a little more durability.

IMO LL Bean is the way to go for waders- lifetime warranty will pay for itself. Other brands might be a little more durable (Simms, etc)... But they don't have the no-questions-asked return policy :)

Stockingfoot waders with a good pair of boots are great on the rocks. Your ankles will thank you. I like Simms boots (Riversheds), but anything that's comfortable to you will be fine. Simms are also prethreaded in the Vibram sole and take a Wearbar well.

And once you buy your stockingfoot waders, be sure to try on the wading boot before you buy it... Different companies have different sizing, and often the thickness of the neoprene stocking foot makes a big difference. I went through three pairs of Korker boots before I found the Simms that fit me well.

Good luck!

I like the LL Bean ultra light stocking foot waders

Ditto. They are the best imo.

cabela's has some decent stuff without paying the big bucks.....love there stout sizes.........

cabela's has some decent stuff without paying the big bucks.....love there stout sizes.........

The Beans were only $99 and they have a lifetime return policy.

Bang for the buck, i'd probably go with the beans. In my experience though, they will leak and you will have to return them (although not as quickly as cabelas which have crap seams and leak in the crotch very quickly). I'm always comfortable doing it once or twice, but after a year or so I feel like i'm taking advantage. With the patagonias, i've never had a seam leak and they take repairs due to small punctures very well. I've heard the same about simms.

I like the LL Bean ultra light stocking foot waders
What he said. My wader boots are like a sneaker type workboot with tons of support and wicked light. I don't even know I have them on.

The Beans were only $99 and they have a lifetime return policy.

Like almost anything they sell you, you can just return it and they give u a new one. I still have my llbean backpack from high school with my name on it. get some. I was pondering this same question and just because of the policy i think its a no brainer to go bean

#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& swore by Simms. I listened. Best thing I learned from him.
Good product, good company.
It is also simple to find and patch pinhole leaks in them. A lot easier than trying to return something repeatedly.

I love my Rivendells, but I don't think they're made anymore. They've taken a lot of abuse and have help up great. I've spent a lot of time climbing up onto barnacle encrusted rocks and falling, etc... without any problems. They also have a zipper in the front that doesn't leak, which is handy. When these finally wear out or get an unrepairable hole, I'll go with some Beans.

Simms G3. I have worn these for at least 4 years with no leaks. I was tired of sending back cheap waders. Made in USA too.

Ll bean emerged waders are the way to go. Can't beat the price or the warranty.
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Simms G3. I have worn these for at least 4 years with no leaks. I was tired of sending back cheap waders. Made in USA too.

Ditto and they make a long size if your tall without a big belly.
Fit perfect, don't even know you have them on.

These are the ones I wear, and are very happy with

Breathable Emerger Stocking-Foot Waders: Breathable at L.L.Bean (http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/50071?feat=1109-GN2)

I also have a pair of these for the canal

Breathable Emerger Waist-High Stocking-Foot Waders: Breathable at L.L.Bean (http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/50073?feat=1109-GN2)

not sure if this is my 5th or 6th year with Sinmms G3's .. no leaks .. Comfort level is fantastic ..

G3 simms...love em
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LL Bean breathable stealth bootfoot waders work in all conditions. Add korkers for black slime covered rocks though.

I'm on my 3rd season with a used pair of Simms G3's, Best piece of gear I own. I've slid down rocks, fell on mussel beds and not a single leak yet. Very comfortable as well.

I don't know but I can't spend almost $500 for waders

Another thing I didnt know until the other day.
If you bought the waders at a higher price point (say $125) and now they are on sale for $100. They will replace them and give you a $25 gift card!

i just got my first pair of simms waders from cabalas i think there the riversheds and they are by far more comfortable then my orvis pro guides or any other wader iv owned. they also seem very well built. but thats because simms are made in the usa.:)

Thanks All - much appreciated.

I'm going with the Bean Emergers / Cabella's ultra light boots.

There was a couple of suggestion on the fit of the boots. I wear a 12-1/2 to 13 street shoe, depending on width - I need a wide shoe.

I don't have a cabellas outlet near me so I was hopping to be able to narrow down the best size based on above and your experiences.

Thanks

I had to go a size bigger. It seems to work well, especially when you need big heavy socks. I used to have boots my actual size and they were okay but uncomfortable with heavy socks.

I have simms freestones, fit is perfect and they are tough as nails. I need some new boots now. thinking cabelas or beans for those.

gym shorts

Had a pair of bootfoot Emergers lasted 1 season, Bean's replaced them... Just went thru that pair of Emergers after 6 outings, Bean's gave me back the $$. Will get another pair but just to hold me over, I understand that Simms is coming out with a bootfoot...

#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& swore by Simms. I listened. Best thing I learned from him.
Good product, good company.
It is also simple to find and patch pinhole leaks in them. A lot easier than trying to return something repeatedly.

I concur!

the LL bean studded boots aren't bad either. I have the ones that are a little more expensive, but they are really comfortable. They take into account the size of the neoprene sock, so if you wear a 13( which I do too) you buy a size 13 boot....