The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Hi Everyone,

I was hoping to get some advice on a new wader purchase. Being the cheap skate that I am I have always just wet waded or when really cold I always use my Cabellas 5mm neoprene (aka the sweat box) waders. I tend to be pretty damn hard on waders, crashing through brush, sliding down rocks, etc.

But my dad went fishing with me last fall and I think he feels bad for me because he is offering to purchase me some waders as a late Christmas present.

Here is the link that caught his eye http://www...dyn_prodlist.php?k=76804

But it doesn't have to be any of these. So if anyone has any opinions, not that any one has opinions on this board , then I'd love to hear them.

Looking in the $200 range, give or take.

Thanks,
dryflychico (aka Josh)

I don't have any experience with Hodgeman breathable waders. They are still in business so they can't be that bad. There are many waders on closeout or e-bay pretty cheap. I picked up a pair of William Joseph waders for my son for about $100. We have not tested them yet but seem to be good quality. You may be able to find a pair of Patigonia or Simms cheap and they have good customer service. I have not heard much ablut Hodgeman customer service. Maybe others have...Something is better than nothing.

Tight Lines,

Jet

I'm extremely happy with my Cabela's Dry-Plus waders. They are very tough and fit like a glove.

Cabelas Dry-Plus Waders

And for boots, I've got two pairs,

Simms Freestone (very sturdy, stiff boots)
Simms Freestone Boots


and Hodgeman Wadetech (very lightweight, more flexible)
Hodgeman Wadetech Boots

Buzz

Hey Buzz,

Which Cabela's dry plus waders do you have? Your links aren't working, any way you could try again or PM with the type or model#, of the boots also.

Couple other questions for everyone/anyone.

Any opinions on breathable vs. non-breathable? Specifically are the non-breathable truly as non-breathable as my 5mm neoprene? And are the non-breathable typically stronger (ie less likely to rip or leak) compared to the breathable.

Thanks,

dryflychico (aka Josh)

Josh,

My opinion is the breathable waders are warmer than the other types, the reason is they allow perspiration to wick away from your skin. I have had breathable waders for three years and I can't say much about if they are stronger or weaker than other types of waders, other than mine are fine. With that being said I have only worn those waders a few dozen times.

Sorry about that Josh, I tried to get "fancy" with my links and messed it up.

The boots are listed on the same site that you linked to the Hodgman. Here is the link:
http://www...;view.x=61&view.y=11

Cabelas carries the Simms Freestone boots here:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431- cat20616&rid=&indexId=cat20616&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=2&parentType=index&parentId=cat20616&id=0052640

They also have a studded version for an extra $20.

Cabelas has several models with the Dry-Plus technology. I bought the Guide Techs, but I don't like the little pouch thingy on the front (for cosmetic reasons):
http://www...dexId=cat350005&rid=

From a wader performance perspective, however, they are absolutely awesome. The fabric is 5-layers of breathable material that makes them bulletproof, and they feel substantial. I wear regular old sweatpants underneath for insulation and I am never cold.

Here are the ones that I linked originally, the Gold Medal Dry-Plus (Cabelas did not carry these when I originally purchased mine 3 years ago):
http://www...dexId=cat350005&rid=

When you purchase your boots, MAKE SURE you get them plenty big (1-2 sizes over your regular shoe size). If your boots are too small, your feet and toes will be cramped, which slows down the circulation to your feet, and they will get COLD! It really has little to do with insulation, so adding more socks doesn't help if your boots are too small.

Hope that helps!

Buzz