Breathable Wader upkeep
 

Hi,

Saw the recent OTW article on upkeep on waders and so today I got the Nikwax tech wash and the TX direct spray on. I washed my bootfoot waders with wash using a sponge and then sprayed the spray on. Anyone ever do this and have they noticed a difference? Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Paul-- I've used both of those products on jackets and bibs- with little change in "waterproofness" they are definitely cleaner, but water doesn't bead off like wax on the hood of your car...

Mine are still in the cap on my truck? The redingtons are the first pair ever to stay dry for an entire season. I just put em on when they leak I patch or replace.
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i have used the washin version on my simms waders,cabelas goretex wading jacket,aqua skinz's phantom jacket,patagonia kayak top,arterx ski jacket and bibs,it definitly has made a differance in the waterproofness of these items for me.some of these items are on the 8th season and still keep me dry as when they were new.i use it about once a season

I've used both and noticed a difference. I am not sure what the wash-in types will do to my septic, so I've started using powdered ivory detergent to clean and the Nikwax spray to waterprofof instead.

I have had a pair of LL Bean breathables for 5 years. Never did a thing to them and they are perfect. I live by the axiom "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

My Simms waders are about 8-10 years old and other than a small leak which I repaired a few weeks ago, they are still going strong.

What paul said.... I don't think I've ever had a pair of breathables leak except from seams. Granted, I don't fish as hard from the shore as I used to, but I also treat my gear like crap. My waders would stay wet from May - November when I used to fish hard from shore.

I never used anything on my LL Bean waders and they stayed in my vehicle all season, ultimately they end up leaking in the crotch area and I return them. The poor girl behind the counter doesnt even look at them they stink so bad, I just drop them into a double bag for her and they give me my new pair.

That is awesome!

I have simms waders. I get the lower cost ones I think they are under $200.

I am in the camp where I do as little as possible in regards to
maintenance of all of my surf gear. I sort of do a feeble attempt at
hosing down my gear with fresh water. I don't have a ton of leisure
time, so the way I look at it I am buying back time by not fussing
too much with my equipment. The simms waders are over 6 years
old and do not leak. It sort of proves that there are no ill effects to
my neglect. Maybe if I took care of them, they would last forever.
If I break down the cost/per year i have used these waders, I am
getting a cost of $33 dollars a year so far. If I spent any time or
money on them...that cost will just increase.

The way I look at it, waders are not a long term investment and
eventually i will do something stupid in them like tear them beyond
repair jumping a fence ....or blow out the crotch doing some sort of
interpretive dance off a rock.

I am also the type who never washes their car.

I read the OTW article on these products and reasoning behind
them. Its a good sales pitch, but I kind of wonder about the
breathability argument. My waders are filthy with blood, dirt, and I
am sure the gortex is coated with enough sea salt to make it
non-permeable. Won't these coatings and sprays just seal the gook
into the waders even more? Is the article more for sweetwater anglers?

the best thing you can do for your waders is to wash them off with fresh water every time you use them. ;)

^^^^^^^^^

does wonders...

Speaking of waders. I just sent back a pair of Orvis breathables. The seam at the crotch started separating at the end of the season. 6-8 turn around (thankfully its winter) and it gonna cost $40 to repair. I would had emade the repair myself, but there is a very fine mesh inside the waders that I didn't wanna cut through. It beats the heck to of buying a new pair, but I should just bite the bullet and get a wetsuit.

usually just just rinse them with the hose before I take them off.