The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Long time lurker, first time poster. . .

Assume you are going on a two week backpacking/flyfishing trip. Assume, further, that wet wading is out of the question and that river conditions are such that you need to wade to effectively fish.

What lightweight, packable waders and wading shoes would you purchase?

I have a trip coming up soon and the prospect of schlepping my old Simms waders and wading shoes is not speaking to me.

Thanks in advance!!

You pose a real tough question there, Tom. Two weeks on the trail is quite a long time, and weight would definitely be a factor to consider, as well as room in your pack. If you're thinking weight and having to wade, I'd probably just stick with the tried and true Simms, or go wet. But if you're going this time of year, obviously you'd freeze your @$$ off, so perhaps you could get by with a pair of hip boots. I know they have a few models of these kinds of things from Cabela's. They'd keep you dry, not weigh too much, take up too much room, and save you some cash so you can buy some more Mountain House freeze dried meals (mmmmmm, tasty!).

Happy trails!

--FlyGuy (Dave)

TomT,

If wading wet is out of the question, I would probably buy a pair of $99 breathables, and some patches. cabela's ought to have them.

I have a pair of LL Bean River Treads (wading) boots with the aquastealth sole. I have not done two weeks in them, but I have done some ten mile (plus fishing) days in them with no blisters. They also make an 'Ultralight' boot that might work, or, dependinmg on how froggy you feel, there are wading sandals.

I think the last time I did a BP trip with fly fishing, I went wet though.

Good luck. Please let us know what you decide, and how whatever you select works out.

I'm leaning toward waist high breathables, figuring that it is a nice compromise of space and weight. As for wading boots, Orvis makes what is supposedly a packable light boot -- http://www...=5421&subcat_id=6047 -- probably not terribly durable, but sacrifices must be made.

Maybe a pair of the Hodgman stocking foot hippers would cover you:

Wadelite Breathable Stockingfoot Hip Wader

Those and the shoes Ed mentioned would probably cover you well. You could even use a pair of aqua sox with them.


Buzz

You may want to consider a pair of Korkers wading sandals. They come with studded felt and plain rubber soles. They would be light weight and could be used with waders. Would not provide the protection of a wading boot but you could use rubber sole around camp.

Jet

http://www...travel-waders-35640.html

I'd lean towards Keen Wading Shoes

http://www...m_thread/5047/index.html

brians

I have a pair of the LL Bean GQS waders that pack really small. They're a lightweight 3 layer wader with gortex feet so you don't have all the bulk of neoprene feet. Plus, you can't beat Bean's warranty. You need to go with smaller boots with these because most boots are sized for neoprene feet. I have a pair of boots in my regular shoe size for these.
http://www...thod=pp&feat=3934-tn

They make a waist high too.
http://www...thod=pp&feat=3934-tn

I also use a thin neoprene sock over the gortex feet to protect them from rubbing inside my boots. NRS makes a 1/2mm sock that doesn't add any bulk.
http://www...op/product.asp?pfid=2342

You can even use this set up with a pair of lightweight wet wading shoes...

I would go with the lightest waste high waders you can find. I have an old pair of Orvis sliver label from Ebay that are very light. For boots, I use Keen's water something-or-other sandals. They work great because they cover the toe with hard rubber so you don't crush your toes on rocks at the bottom. The Keens can also be used as your around the campsite footware. They dry fast. This way you only need your hiking boots and the Keens.

I've used this set up a lot. In fact I'm doing the John Muir trail this year. 235 miles w/ a fishing detour or two. More the 20 great fishing creeks and streams! I'm not taking waders, only the Keens. There, you only need to wade across. You don't need to stand in the rivers too long.

Where are you going?

Opps, waist high, not waste high. The later would be a little gross.

Re: Where am I going?

I'm going to Chilean Patagonia. Sort of a life list trip. I'll make sure to provide a detailed report upon my return.

Wow. Have fun