Advice on Waders

[Pete_G]

Simms in particular are very fit sensitive. Not necessairly tight, just built to be close to you. Some people find them a little restrictive, others find them to simply be the best fitting wader ever. Unfortunately for me, my size seem to bind up in the crotch area.

Orvis are definitely built to be baggy; their same "sized" wader as Simms has a completely different fit.

[Steve K]

Breathables are the only way to go. I am not a fan of the Cabela's GII waders. The two pairs that I had leaked after less than one season. I have the old version of the Orvis Silver labels and they started to leak after three seasons but I have been very happy with them.

[pops]

simms bootfoots rock! ...you can order long leg etc... for custom orders.
simms after sales service/warranty is amazing! Ive had bootfoots for surf/jetty [screw-in cleats available] going on 3yrs now no leaks ,other than the pinholes I made. They replaced both boots after 2years; one sole came off due to sand inching in. They did this for free and repaired the old flipout pocket & pinholes, I didnt even notice! + sent them back to me with a bottle of revivex [gore-tex juice] and a large SIMMS sticker [cool]
I have the jacket as well....

for beach walking breathables are it. for cold adding silks [to keep sweat off]
thermals and sweats does it for me.
using wicking socks keeps your feet feeling warm and dry, the neoprene boot snugs up under water pressure for a tight fit while manouvering around.
I watched a simms wader safety video [they send for free]. They trap air against the body when submersed so you remain bouyant and can swim [breaststroke / backstroke]; they had a 70 yr old guy showing this ! . The key is to ALWAYS use one waist belt. if jetty hopping or wading deep/fast water, wear a second belt you can sinch up to the top of the waders to further reduce water intake if you go in.

[Strider]

What ThrowingTimber said...

rocks = stocking foot
sand = boot foot

stocking foot is nice but if you plan on walking any distances in sand you'll gain about two extra pounds of sand.

In my opinion, stocking foot waders with a good pair of boots are a must when rock hopping. You want the extra ankle support and no movement of your feet within the boot. You want the best control possible when marching on boulders and perching on rocks.

Breathables are the ticket, you can always layer up when it gets colder. There are many options to choose from, it all depends on what you want to spend.

[Krispy]

Breathables are a must.
I have the Cabelas Guide Tech lace-up bootfoot and love them. There is nowhere for sand to creep in, its all sealed. Best designed waders currently available, imo. The ease of bf's and the ankle security of sf's. Cant beat the Cabelas return policy either

[Gotofish]

Thanks for the input Krispy....I'm definitely gonna pick up a pair this spring.

It's funny, this fall my buddies and I were discissing waders while salmon fishing in Pulaski. I thought I had a brilliant idea-lace up, boot foot breathables. Day late and dollar short....again.