What Type Of Waders Should You Buy
Waders are vital fishing equipment for many anglers, and folks that use them regularly say that wading both enhances the fishing experience and aides them to catch more fish. Waders come in a wide variety of brands, styles and prices to meet the needs of all fishing enthusiasts. So what requirements should be evaluated when buying new new waders? Key considerations are price, the fishing conditions that you will most likely be facing and the quantity of time you spend in the water.
Most modern waders are made out of either a synthetic rubber called Neoprene or what are known as "breathable" materials like Gore-Tex. Breathable waders allow perspiration to escape while keeping the water out and are the preferred choice for most general fishing conditions. Breathable waders also make allowance for layering of clothing to help in keeping you warm in colder conditions. If your fishing style involves hiking long and hotter weather, breathable waders are a must. The major flaw of breathable waders is price and they're normally at least 2 times the expense of neoprene waders.
If you fish primarily in colder weather conditions like Alaska, Canada or during the dreary months of winter, less expensive waders assembled from Neoprene are a good choice. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that's waterproof and stays flexible over a wide temperature range. Besides waders, it is used in a lot of insulating aquatic applications like diving gear and wetsuits. The neoprane used in waders usually varies in thickness from 3 to 5 inches. The more frigid the conditions you dealing with, the thicker you will want the material to be. The disadvantage of neoprene is that it's heavier, less comfortable and being not "breathable" makes it a lot less comfortable to be used in warmer weather.
A second consideration is the depth of the water that you'll be fishing. There 3 types of waders. Hip waders are the least pricey and restictive but are limited only work in shallow water. Waist waders, as the name suggests, reach the waist of the fisherman and include a belt that buckles similar to pants. Waist waders work for fishing shallow or somewhat deep waters and are generally more less restricting and maneuverable than the chest waders that are required in deeper waters.
As the name suggests, chest waders extend to the chest of the angler and include straps that hold them over the shoulders like overalls. Chest waders are best used for fishing deeper, slow moving waters because they allow the angler to get closer to fish that are hanging in the deepest holes. These waders are the most expensive, least comfortable and most restrictive on movement of the three options. These disadvantages can be mitigated by the specific design and the type of material from which the wader is assembled, and chest waders have the most utility since they're going to work in all depths of water. They also provide more protection against the elements in bad weather.
For the serious angler who spends plenty of time in the water, premium, breathable chest waders are the best choice. Many of chest waders will adjust simply to waist waders when the conditions warrant and the power to access otherwise hard to reach locations is precious. For the beginner or infrequent angler or for those where price is the prime consideration, less costly hip or waist waders will work fine, just remember that your ability to navigate in the water will be more limited by depth.
Bob Long is an avid fisherman who has several websites including discussions about Redington Waders and Youth Waders