Fishing Waders Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

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Fishing waders are essential because the biggest trout often reside on the far side of the river, too far for casting from the shore. To reach these fish, anglers need to stand in icy water without getting wet or risking hypothermia. Waders allow us to get closer without scaring the fish, thus increasing our chances of catching them.

Hypothermia impairs concentration, making fishing incredibly challenging. That's why waders are crucial. A vast array of waders is available today—potentially overwhelming for those purchasing their first pair. This guide aims to simplify the process by covering key features for success, types and styles of waders, under-wader wear, and necessary accessories. With this information, selecting your first or next pair of waders will be a breeze.

Keys for Success

When preparing to purchase a new pair of waders, there are three key elements to consider: comfort, durability, and function. Check all three boxes, and you'll find yourself in a pair of waders that make long days on the water feel short.

Comfort

Properly chosen waders can be worn from pre-dawn to dusk so comfortably that you only think of removing them after you've eaten and had a drink. The secret lies in breathability and fit, crucial elements for a great fishing experience.

Breathability

My first pair of chest waders—a brown neoprene model—was great for colder seasons but intolerable during peak trout season due to the lack of breathability. The innovation of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in the 1990s introduced breathable waders, making fishing more comfortable by allowing heat and moisture to escape while keeping water out.

Today, leading wader manufacturers offer breathable options. However, breathability alone isn't enough; a proper fit is equally important to ensure comfort.

Wader Fit

Try on waders at a reputable fishing shop or outfitter where expert guidance can ensure a good fit. Online shoppers should follow the sizing charts provided by manufacturers, which typically consider girth, inseam, and foot size. Always choose waders that comfortably accommodate your heaviest under-layers and allow free movement.

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Wader Durability

Materials

I haven't met a wader that I couldn't eventually tear. That said, my Patagonia Swiftcurrent waders have impressively endured two solid seasons so far. While commercially rugged PVC-coated gear might resist tearing, most anglers prefer breathable materials like ePTFE for comfort in various temperatures. Neoprene is another option for those fishing in extremely cold conditions.

Construction

The best waders combine multiple materials; typically, breathable fabric for the upper body and neoprene for lower legs and feet. Reinforced layers in high-wear areas—legs, knees, and seat—enhance durability and lifespan.

Functionality

Consider where and when you fish most often. For small streams, hip boots might suffice, but deeper waters may require chest or waist-high waders. Breather or neoprene waders cater well to different seasonal needs and fishing environments.

Types of Fishing Waders

Wader types are best broken down according to coverage. Think about where you'll use your waders most, and that will guide you to one of these three types.

Hip Waders

Hip boots, or hippers, were my first waders. I fished small trout streams where the water I wanted to wade was no more than knee-deep. The deeper water was where I wanted to fish, not wade. Hip waders were ideal.

Lighter than other waders, hip boots allow your upper body to stay cool while your legs stay dry. Hip waders are a good choice for the small stream and creek enthusiast.

Waist-High Waders

These are the "tweeners" of the wading world. As the name implies, they provide more coverage than hip boots, but allow your upper body to stay cool. Imagine slightly beefed-up rain pants with a neoprene booty or built-in boot, and you have waist-high waders. Wading depths up to mid-thigh in small to medium-sized streams and rivers are the sweet spot for waist-highs.

Chest Waders

"Chesters" offer maximum coverage, a water- and wind-proof shell in colder weather, and overall comfort. With a proper fit, they offer freedom of movement and space for whatever layers the season dictates.

Chest waders are also the best insurance in most unexpected fishing scenarios, from unseen potholes to fighting strong fish and having the ability to follow them.

Lastly, chest waders also offer an excellent protective layer for when you're out of the water. Good layers, high-quality breathable waders, and a good rain jacket are the core of my foul-weather fishing gear.

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Fishing Waders: The Different Styles

Bootfoot Waders

Whether hip boot or chest, this style has the hard wading boot built into the wader. Some die-hard cold-weather anglers prefer this style because the boot has a bit more space for a pair (or two) of heavy socks and still has some wiggle room to allow for better circulation.

Coastal surf fishing is another environment where bootfoot waders get the nod. Sand can and does get into every possible opening. Even with a gravel guard, sand will get inside the most snugly laced wading shoe and abrade the stockingfeet of the waders. Bootfoot waders eliminate this potential problem.

The biggest benefit of a bootfoot style is the built-in simplicity and convenience. Slip them on, and you're ready to fish. At the end of a cold day, there are no frozen laces to untie with numb fingers. The downside is less ankle support as compared to stockingfoot waders with a wading boot.

Stockingfoot Waders

As the name implies, the lower legs of these waders have a soft foot "stocking," usually constructed from neoprene. To use them, you'll need a wading boot or shoe designed to fit over these neoprene feet.

Though there's a bit more involved, the added comfort and support are worth it. The best wading boots fit like a good hiking boot, provide excellent ankle support, and improve wading agility.

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Brands of Fishing Waders

When delving into the world of waders for the first time, new anglers rightfully ask the question, "What is a good brand of fishing waders?"

First, you have a handful of tried-and-true companies that have been outfitting anglers for decades. These include Orvis, Simms, Patagonia, and Redington. I've worn waders from each of these manufacturers, and did so happily. These companies provide quality waders and stand behind their products with excellent customer service.

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A relative newcomer to the fishing industry, Skwala is shaking up the market with its high-quality fishing waders. Skwala Fishing/Facebook

There have also been a few promising newcomers to the breathable-wader market in recent years. The most notable is Skwala.

Skwala launched its operation in March 2022, and did so by first gathering top-notch talent from industry leaders (Simms, Patagonia, Orvis . . . sound familiar?) with decades of experience. Based in Bozeman, Montana, this company is shaking up the wader business by providing another great option for anglers to consider.

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Under-Wader Wear

Once you've selected the right waders, choosing what to wear under them will make or break your overall comfort. Though there's a bit of overlap, I think in terms of summer, winter, and the shoulder seasons of fall and spring.

Summer

I spent this past summer fishing mountain streams in Colorado. My kids and I wet-waded a couple of times, but after an hour in the water, we were ready for the campfire and cups of hot chocolate. During most of my outings, I happily wore waders—despite air temperatures in the 80s and low 90s, the water was always between 50 and 60 degrees.

Shorts and a good pair of Simms wading socks covered me below the waders. The socks, coupled with the neoprene booties, kept my lower legs and feet comfortable. Meanwhile, I wore a T-shirt and sunscreen to take care of my out-of-water comfort.

In the Eastern United States, humidity can make waders in summer a bit less comfortable. Wear a moisture-wicking T-shirt and shorts to minimize body heat accumulation and make the long days of summer pleasant.

On the warmest days, wet-wading might be the most comfortable option. I like to wear a pair of neoprene socks with my wading boots and a pair of quick-dry pants or shorts.

Winter

Winter fishing often involves trekking. No matter how cold it is, a hike generates body heat and leads to sweat. Arriving at the fishing spot and stepping into cold water initiates rapid cooling down.

For cold weather, layering is the key. Moisture-wicking base layers are crucial to prevent trapped perspiration, which causes shivering. These layers allow condensation to transpire through the fabric and away from your skin. Sometimes a bit of moisture remains under the outer jacket, but the layers closest to the body stay dry.

My standard winter layers include a top and bottom Capilene or Merino wool base layer, heavy synthetic or wool wading socks, fleece pants for the coldest months, a fleece or wool mid-layer, and a Nano Puff−style pullover.

Fall/Spring

During shoulder seasons, under-wader wear is a blend of summer and winter layers. On milder days, start with a moisture-wicking T-shirt and Capilene base layer, warm socks, light or mid-weight fishing pants, and a fleece top. For all-day outings, bring a daypack to shed layers as needed.

If conditions lean towards winter, adjust your layers accordingly.

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Wading Safety Gear

Wading Belt

Drowning is a very real possibility when an angler wades deeper than their waders allow (especially chest waders) and they fill with water. The simplest safety precaution with chest waders is a wading belt. For some reason, many people don't want to be bothered with this simple device. Don't be one of those people.

A wading belt, properly adjusted to fit snugly around your waist, can provide the extra time needed when an unplanned dunking occurs. Notice I said "when" and not "if." If you spend enough time on the water in your waders, it will happen.

A wading belt won't keep you dry, but it will delay water from reaching into the legs of your waders—a slow trickle instead of immediate leg weights. That extra time allows you to react to the fall, get your feet underneath you, and then move to dry land.

An added bonus of a good wading belt is that it can carry a water bottle and a folded/collapsible wading staff or trekking pole. For thoughts on a wading belt system, check out Dom Swentosky's article, "Let's Rethink the Wading Belt."

In the "for what it's worth" column, always keep an extra change of clothes in your vehicle. I keep one bag there and have a separate set in a dry bag in the drift boat.

Wading Staff

For more years than I care to admit, I considered a wading staff to be a crutch that got in the way. And I paid the price each season. When I finally gave in and started using a staff, I was amazed by how much it helped. Not surprisingly, the number of unplanned swimming events went down dramatically. For some additional insight, check out What About the Wading Staff?

Start 'em Young – Waders are available for even the youngest anglers. Note the wading belt—safety first. Scott McKee /Free Range American

Wading In

Buying new fishing waders is an investment in time and money, and there are a lot of quality options available on the market today. Consider your needs in terms of comfort, durability, and function.

A little online research will spotlight which manufacturer has the type and style of waders that fit your needs. When possible, go to a reputable outfitter or a fishing or fly fishing store to actually try on the waders you're interested in.

If that's not an option, look at the return and exchange policies for online retailers that carry the waders of interest. As soon as you get them, be sure to try them on for fit with the bulkiest layers you might wear. And don't forget to do the step-up test.

When you're satisfied with your new waders, go find some open water, string up a rod, and enjoy.

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Finding the correct wader can be a difficult task for some anglers depending on what and where they're fishing. It's not uncommon for anglers to own more than one pair of waders to avoid the many disadvantages that can come with having the wrong wader at the wrong time, but unless you have deep pockets you're probably going to have to compromise in some areas to find one wader to suit most, if not all of, your needs.

You may need to compromise on the material, quality of construction, overall warmth, weight and shoe type. If you are looking for a product that will last you a lifetime instead of a single fishing season, you're going to have to come to terms with the fact that higher quality calls for a higher price tag. If you're playing the long game, it will cost significantly less money now than it will to repeatedly replace a pair of low-quality waders.

If you do not choose your wader type wisely, you can swamp yourself in a couple feet of water and your day of fishing will be over all too quickly. Such scenarios illustrate why it's vital to know the environment you'll be fishing in. The best way to identify your environment is to ask: What is the average water and weather temperature of the areas you fish? What is the depth of the waters you'll need to wade in, from getting in and out of the boat to the deep pools hidden along a given river?

Once you identify your typical angling environment, you'll be ready to equip yourself with the best fishing wader for your needs.

Why Waders?

The concept of waders was around well before the first manufactured wader hit the production line in the 1850s. Waders remain the sole solution for keeping shore anglers dry and warm after an entire day on the water.

It can be hard to justify purchasing waders in the $400-$900 range unless you understand their importance. Waders protect anglers from trench foot, a medical condition that causes the outer layer of skin to rot and deteriorate from fungal infections after standing in cold water for extended periods of time. Most people know that dreaded feeling of a sopping wet sock squelching in and out of their boot with every step, or actually feeling their feet sucking up river water as they wade along the shoreline.

The Big Three

The three most important considerations to make when selecting a fishing wader are the comfort, durability and breathability.

Comfort

Every product will fit differently, so don't plan on finding your one size across all brands. Always use the brand's sizing guide and be sure to check online forums or reviews to better understand the fit of the product. It is possible to buy fishing waders online, but you run the risk of buying the wrong size. Your best bet will be trying different products on at a local outfitter before ordering online.

The measurements you should be concerned with are your inseam length, maximum gir