#39 Waders for Fly Fishing

Waders for Fly Fishing, Is It Time to buy your First pair, a Few thoughts

Whether you are an experienced fly guy or a new fly fisherman/woman and are learning the sport for the very first time, eventually you will come to the monent when it's time to buy your first pair of "Waders for Fly Fishing".

You will have to decide as to whether you are going to cross this bridge, or just wait a little longer. I’m going to share with you a few pointers to help when you finally decide it is time to cross that bridge and buy your first pair of waders.

We all see the pictures in fly fishing articles, or videos of people dressed in the most current and fashionable fly fishing apparel and man do they look good. Today’s outdoor products are light years ahead of where they were 50 years ago, when the fashion plates of the times wore rubber or canvas waders that came up to their necks. Then all the rage became Neoprene, and it took the world by storm. Anybody who was anybody had the latest pair. If you have ever worn Neoprene waders on a hot day you know the consequences and price to be paid for looking good in rubber pants.

Fast forward a bit and along came Gore-Tex. This wonder material is like it was delivered from Mount Olympus. This lightweight breathable fabric has saved the human race from melting in the old Neoprene waders.

So, you have decided to go ahead and buy your first pair of waders, so let’s go over a list of items that you should keep in mind before you spend your hard earned cash, or even worse

buy ones that don’t fit right.

TRY THEM ON FIRST!!!!!!

I cannot stress this point enough, I have myself made this mistake. When you go to buy a pair of waders, bring some clothes that you might wear while fishing. If you try them on in the store, only to get on the water at a later time, you may find that your layers of, Thermals, Sweats, Fleece Pajamas, Thick wool socks, or whatever you wear under your waders (none of my business), could make your waders fit too snug, in all the wrong places.

Sure, you buy a pair on-line and save yourself some coin, but if you buy a quality pair they usually offer sizes other than the standard Large, Small, or X-Large, for those of us with a bit more in the mid section.

Good waders can range in sizes from Large long, to Medium stout short, we all come in different sizes and shapes. Buy a pair that fits comfortably and has room enough for your layers of clothing.

Tip #2:

Your next choice will be either Neoprene or Gore-Tex? If you are in an environment that is perpetually cold then maybe a pair of Neoprene waders might be a better choice for you. Neoprene is highly resistant to cold environment, and fairly easy to walk around in. However, if you live in temperate zone, Gore-Tex might be just right. Here in Colorado, I wear Gore-Tex 100% of the time, I can layer up in the Winter, and wear shorts under my waders in the summer, (or just wet wade).

Either one you choose, again make sure to try them one with the maximum clothing you intend to wear, you will thank me later.

Boot foot or sock foot, (sounds like a dieses).

When you go to buy your first pair of waders and have made the choice of either Gore-Tex or Neoprene, your next big discission is whether to get a boot foot or sock foot. Boots foot waders are waders that have an integrated rubber boot at the bottom. Boot feet are great if you are not doing too much walking or working on a fishing boat. Walking long distances in a boot foot can be a little uncomfortable, because the fit can be sloppy.

Stocking, or sock feet are just as the name says, they have a sock at the bottom. The sock is usually made of Neoprene and designed to be put “into” the wading boots like a sock. Sock feet are very comfortable to walk in and will keep your feet nice and toasty. One caveat is to make sure the boots and sock foot fit well together. What I mean is make darn sure that your wading boots are not too tight, and do not cut off the circulation in your feet. If your boots and sock feet are too tight then your feet can get very cold. So, bring your wading boots, and a pair of your warm socks when trying on your sock foot waders.

Oh my gosh, anything else:?

Ok, you have made the decision to buy a pair of Gore-Tex waders with stocking feet, great you are almost there. We have a few more things to consider. Let’s take a look at some of the features that are available. You can choose from either chest high waders that come up to your arm pit, or waist highs that come only to your belt line. This is a huge point of discussion for many, but as for me I like that freedom of waist high, because I don’t want to get caught wading too deep, (AGAIN). Others will say to just roll them down and inside the pants, then you have a big pile of material inside your belt line.

Today’s waders come with some really cool features, like waterproof zippers on the front, for easy access, internal pockets, for keys, or camera. The waist highs I wear have not only have a front zipper, but two front pockets, (for what I don’t know) whatever is in the pockets can get wet.

Articulated knees are another feature when you consider your waders. This is not a big deal with Neoprene, but with Gore-Tex it is nice to have a knee that is cut and stitched to bend with you naturally, so you don’t have a huge ball of fabric behind your knees.

Features for the sexes:

Yes I said it, SEXES, my wife has worn waders made for men for many years, but they fit her like a thick leather welding glove. We have been able to locate several Companies that have finally got smart and have tailored waders to fit a Woman’s different body shapes and sizes. So, Ladies, no more do you have to suffer with your hand-me down waders, you can buy waders custom fit to your unique physique.

Companies like Orvis, Patagonia, and Simms all make waders for women, but the following two companies have a size chart that is exclusive for Ladies. I’m in no way pimping these Companies but take a look at the sizing charts for “Miss Mayfly’ and “Drift”. I cannot endorse or condemn these products, but it is just another place to shop for new waders.

Ok almost done?, or over done:

When you finally decide to go out and spend the money to buy your first pair of waders there is one last item to keep in mind. Warranty! What is the warranty policy of your brand of waders?. Do you have to send them back to China to be repaired or is there a place in the States that can turn your damaged waders back within a weeks’ time. There is a Company called “Addams Built” and they are located in Nevada, any time I send mine back I have them back in about 5-9 days.

Conclusion, finally:

I hope this article will help you with some of the ins-and-outs of navigating the purchase of your first pair of waders. Remember if you talk to 10 people about waders, you will get 10 different opinions on which pair is right. So, remember what Grandpa said about people opinions: “Every body’s got one, but they all smell like #$%@&@”

Good luck and again if you have any questions comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Cheers and happy shopping.

Gary, aka LaMachine