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Best Fly Fishing Waders for the Money To Keep You Dry & Warm

Fishing waders help you catch the fish while keeping you warm and completely dry.

​The best fishing waders keep you comfortable on the water, helping you become a much better angler.

We’ll help you choose a pair of fishing waders that will give you the proper amount of durability based on how often you’ll be fishing.

OUR TOP PICK BEST FLY FISHING WADERS

Piscifun® Breathable Chest Fishing Waders

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Guide to Finding the Best Fly Fishing Waders for Beginner Anglers

Most veteran anglers have a love/hate relationship with their fishing waders.

When they’re warm and dry at the end of a long day, life is pretty good. When their fly fishing waders leak and are cold and soaking wet, there is nothing worse.

In theory, fishing waders create a waterproof barrier between you and the water. If you’ve not worn waders before, imagine wearing a waterproof pair of overalls, except with waterproof neoprene socks sewn into the bottom.

Historically, waders were made out of rubber, plastic, and neoprene (commonly known as a neoprene wader). Each evolution was better than the last, but the major difference between those technologies and today’s wader is the fact that they are breathable.

Don’t End Up Feeling Like You are Wearing a Giant Plastic Bag!

Wearing a non-breathable wader is like wearing a giant plastic bag. Breathable waders have really changed the game entirely, making anglers more comfortable on the water and giving them the freedom to fish all day in extreme conditions.

We’re firm believers that there is no such thing as “bad weather” only “bad gear”.

Do I need fly fishing waders?

Waders are not required to go fly fishing. In many parts of the world, the fly fishing season stays warm. If you have a hardy soul and are planning to fish only during the warmest months of the year or in the tropics, you may not need waders.

Not having waders will greatly limit your opportunities to fish during the spring and fall. Even in the summertime, wading rivers during the morning or evening hours can be pretty chilly.

Waders are a Must-Have for Any Season

If you’re planning to take your fly fishing addiction to the next level, live in an area where it doesn’t stay warm, or want to fish all year, waders are a must-have. The current wader technology allows anglers to be very comfortable and spend time fly fishing year-round.

Some of the best fly fishing of the year can happen during the cold days of early spring or late fall; without waders, you are stuck at home.

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The Best Fishing Waders Are a Worthy Investment

As you can probably already tell, fishing waders are definitely considered a worthy investment for any angler because of the many benefits they offer.

More Accessibility

With the right waders, you can spend even more time outdoors fishing. Instead of limiting your fishing time to just a few times a year, you can fish throughout all twelve months with the best fishing waders!

Gear Storage

Most waders also come equipped with fly fishing wader pockets to make your life even easier. Some have waterproof pockets to store your keys, wallet, and phone safely while you are fishing. Some waders are equipped with rings so you can hook on your fly rod, net, or any other items you have in your fly fishing kit.

Protection

In addition to the convenience of fishing waders, you will also find protection from the elements. This applies to any season you choose to fish in. You can also protect your skin from cuts and abrasions and other things that might puncture and tear your waders.

How to Choose the Best Waders for Fly Fishing for Your Needs

Stocking Foot Waders vs. Boot Foot – Which Is Best?

Most waders are designed with stocking feet. Stockingfoot waders have a waterproof neoprene sock sewn into the wader. Boot foot waders have an integrated wading boot attached. Boot foot waders are easy to slip on and off, and for some anglers who are not hiking long distances or constantly fishing from a boat, these are a good option.

We recommend stockingfoot waders for your first pair, as they offer the ability to match them with a separate and proper fitting wading boot that will ultimately give you better ankle support. Waders will greatly vary in their construction but generally, the more money you spend on waders, the greater the durability.

You’ll need to decide on how much fishing you think you’ll be doing. If you plan on fly fishing more than 20 days per year, we recommend a middle or high priced wader. If you think you’ll be fishing less, buy a more economical wader and invest your dollars elsewhere.

Frogg Toggs Amphib 3.5mm Neoprene Stockingfoot Wader Review

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The Frogg Toggs Neoprene Stockingfoot Waders keeps it simple and utilizes the same fabric as the more expensive Freestone model. This is the perfect neoprene waders for someone looking to get started on a budget.

While perfect for beginners neoprene is also the lightest weight model for anyone looking to pack it away, or frequently fishing in warmer conditions (another reason I love neoprene for summer fishing).

You’ll find the same great fit in the Neoprene as the higher-priced Frogg Togg models. Built-in neoprene gravel guards fit snugly over the top of your separate wading boots to keep out rocks and are held in place by a metal hook tucked neatly on the underside. I wade without waders all summer and just need something the spring and fall.

Breathable Waders – Are They Comfortable?

Breathable waders are made of woven materials that allow air to pass through but keep the water out. This weave also allows moisture from perspiration to move out through the wader.

We only recommend buying breathable waders for new anglers; they are vastly more comfortable and perform infinitely better than other materials like neoprene or plastic.

Because breathable waders are so comfortable, you can even put your waders on before you get to the water. Just pop them on before you leave your house, drive to your favorite spot, and you’re good to go!

The bottom line is that if you are more comfortable, you’ll fish longer, have a better time, and ultimately catch more fish.

Foxelli Breathable Stockingfoot Waders with Neoprene Booties

Foxelli-Breathable-Chest-Waders-Stockingfoot

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This pair of fishing waders by Foxelli has been constructed for comfort. They are lightweight waders that keep anglers dry and comfortable all day long. They have a 3-layer polyester construction that keeps the water out while still allowing body heat to escape.

These fishing waders weigh less than three pounds and provide you with the flexibility you need while fly fishing.

There is an external chest pocket includes for holding any smaller accessories you may have. There is also another inner pocket you can use for other gear. The adjustable elastic chest suspenders have quick-release buckles for detachment.

Worried about storage or where to put the waders when you are done fishing? No worries. They come with their own carrying bag for easy transport.

Stockingfoot waders offer you fewer limitations as well when compared to more traditional and standard waders that come without boots. You can choose the boots you want and ensure you have the ideal fit.

These waders are also highly resistant to damage due to the glued, stitched, and taped seams that provide the utmost in durability and strength.

Size Does Matter

Getting the right sized wader is about more than being comfortable. Improperly fitting waders will stress seams or cause abrasion on the fabric. These problems will eventually cause leaks.

When you try on your waders, make sure you have enough room in the ‘old wedding vegetable area. Crotch seams are notorious for getting stressed and causing leaks. You should be able to do a full squat without causing undue stress.

You should also be able to swing your leg over a boat’s gunnels or a downed tree. Ensure that you’re not getting bunching around the inside of your knees, as this can be a sign that you need a longer inseam.

Caddis Men’s Taupe Affordable Breathable Stocking Foot Wader

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The Caddis Men’s Taupe wader keeps it simple and utilizes the same fabric as the more expensive Freestone model. This is the perfect wader for someone looking to get started on a budget.

Perfect Waders for Beginners

While perfect for beginners, it’s also the lighter weight model for anyone looking to pack it away or frequently fishing in warmer conditions. You’ll find the same great fit in the Blackfoot as higher priced models. Built the attached gravel guards fit snugly over the top of your boots to keep out rocks. I wade without waders all summer and just need something the spring and fall.

Durability – Will They Last?

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Wader manufactures have done a great job recently of increasing durability. You’ll also need to accept that all waders will eventually leak. The length of time your waders will last depends on how much you’re fishing and how well you take care of them.

  • Guides who are on the water between 150 – 200 days a year may only get 1 season out of a pair of waders.
  • The average angler fishing 20 times a year may get 5 seasons or more.

To increase durability, waterproof/breathable waders are constructed in layers. Some companies will use as many as seven layers in their designs. Other manufactures believe that it makes more sense to provide extra layers in the high use areas like the butt and knees.

In general, the more layers a wader is constructed with, the more durable the wader. On the other hand, more layers can sometimes mean a reduction in breathability.

Many “lightweight” waders are less expensive and built with fewer layers but are perfect for new anglers fishing less than 20 times per year.

Maintenance Tips To Help Make Your Neoprene Waders Last!

It’s hard to know how long your waders will last, but taking good care of them can increase their lifetime by double. The more chances you take with sticker bushes and brush, the greater the chance for poking holes through them.

How to Prevent Leaking Waders

Sometimes the benefits can be worth the risk, as the fish of your dreams may be living in the hardest place to access! When your waders get dirty, it stresses the fabric and eventually leaks moisture through the material.

As the dirt gets trapped in the weave of the material, it can greatly reduce the breathability, and you’ll notice extra condensation inside the wader that was previously being moved away from your skin and out the fabric. Eight times out of ten, new anglers complaining that their waders are leaking are simply finding this extra condensation building up rather than water coming in.

Keep them Dry When Not Using Them

The best thing you can do for your waders is to keep them clean and dry when you’re not using them. You’ll improve the performance and help them last a long time. Each manufacture has its own recommendations for cleaning them and maintenance, but if you can simply remember to hose them off after each use and hang them to dry, you’ll rarely have a major problem.

Wash Your Waders Down

Most waders are not designed for use in saltwater. More and more anglers are starting to fish from the beaches and finding their waders prematurely wearing out. If you don’t wash your waders down with a hose after using them in the salt, they will leak. The corrosive effects of the salt and the residual crystals it leaves embedded into the fabric will kill them faster than anything else.

Each wader manufacturer will have its own process and chemicals to use for repairing holes and seam leaks. If you learn how to properly repair your waders, they’ll last even longer. Take the time to follow their instructions very carefully, and always have the necessary supplies to fix them.

Waist-high Waders

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Waist-high waders are just like pants. They are either synched with a belt or have a suspender system and are great for days spent fishing in shallow water, when it’s hot outside, or when spending the day in a drift boat.

Overall, they will be less versatile, and you may find that they will limit you during the day for fear of wading too deep. If you’re looking for your first pair of waders, it’s best to get a pair of chest-highs first.

Chest-high waders

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Chest-high waders offer the most versatility. Today, many models will allow you to wear them with normal chest-high coverage or convert them to drop down and be worn like pants. They are appropriate for any angling situation where you want to stay warm and dry.

Unlike the other styles, they’ll allow you to make a river crossing, fish deeper water, or get away from the bank to make further casts.

Essential Freshwater and Saltwater Wade Fishing Gear

Ok, so you have finally picked out your fishing waders. Still, there are also essential items you will need to get your freshwater fishing gear looking and operating like a professional fishing kit.

I’m not saying you need everything, but I guarantee that you will be glad that you also got at least one of these items once you are in the water fishing.  (You will be saying thank you, Randy – trust me!)

Wading Belt

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Wading belts are required. They are buckled around your waist, outside the wader. If you fall in, they stop water from filling the inside of your waders and sinking you like a rock. Wading belts will also help to trap a little bit of air in the bottom portion of your waders and help you float a bit.

At 8 pounds per gallon, water can enter your wader and drown you pretty quickly. Simply wearing a wading belt is cheap insurance. They also allow you to clip a knife or pair of pliers onto the belt for easy access. Most waders are built with integrated wading belts or have one included with the purchase these days. Just make sure you use it!

Gravel Guards

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Gravel guards are like gators. They wrap around the junction between your wader and the opening at the top of your wading boots. This prevents gravel, rocks, and sand from entering your boot.

Besides being really uncomfortable, foreign debris can wear out the feet on your waders very quickly and cause them to leak. Most waders have integrated gravel guards these days, but some inexpensive models will not.

Under Your Waders

Don’t wear jeans under your waders! Besides being uncomfortable, they won’t transfer moisture out of your wader. Why buy breathable waders if they’re not going to help you keep condensation off of your skin? Instead, you’ll need a pair of long underwear or pants made out of fleece, Capilene, wool, or any other material that wicks moisture away from your skin.

Wading Safety

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Nature can jump up and bite you when you least expect it. Don’t be a hero when it comes to wading. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable as you wade, then go shallower!

The currents in rivers are much stronger than you’d expect, especially if you are new. Combine that with incredibly slippery rocks, and you’ll be on your wallet faster than you can sneeze. Catching a fish is not as important as staying alive. Wading is a developed skill and takes time to master.

Start slow, and you’ll soon find out that fish are a lot closer to you than you think! Remember to always wear your wading belt. Take your time and use common sense.

Wading tips

  • There a lot of tricks to wading that will help you stay safe. The biggest skill you can learn is to go slow. It’s not a race; take it one foot at a time.
  • Don’t move one foot before the other is planted.  Stay low. If you lower your center of gravity and keep your knees slightly bent, your legs will act as shock absorbents.
  • Go with the flow. The water is going to push you around, and your feet are going to slip. Try not to stiffen up and fight it. You’ll need to find the balance between staying relaxed but rigid enough to keep your balance.
  • If you’re with a friend, stand side by side and hook your arms across other’s shoulders. You’ll be able to provide support for one another, and if one person is slipping, the chances are the other is solid.
  • If you need to make a crossing, start well upstream of your target on the other side of the river. It’s far easier to angle downstream than to fight the current straight across.
  • You’re going to fall in at some point! Everyone does. Try not to panic and take your time standing up. Get your feet under you and simply stand up. So often, anglers will start to swim before they need to and fill their waders with water. If you begin drifting downstream, try to get your feet positioned down the river and slowly push them down to the bottom to stand up.

Best Fishing Waders FAQ

Still have questions you need answered before you can make a well-informed buying decision on the best fishing waders? Check out our brief FAQ below for more helpful information!

What makes the best fishing waders the best? What should you look for?

When hunting for the best fishing waders, look for waders that are breathable and more versatile. A stockingfoot wader, for example, is more versatile than a boot foot wader. Your waders should also be lightweight and comfortable to wear.

What is the best material for waders?

Today, the most popular waders are neoprene waders because they are made from the same material that wetsuits are made from. They also come in a range of different thicknesses, from 3.5 to 5 millimeters. The greater the thickness of the material, the more insulated the waders will be.

How does a fishing wader benefit fishermen?

Fishing waders are designed to keep you dry and comfortable so you can spend more time fishing.

Which wader is the most durable?

It is being said that the new waders being made from Cordura fabric are some of the more durable waders currently available. When the waders are more durable, you will find that they are not as easily punctured or damaged.

Are neoprene chest waders waterproof?

Neoprene chest waders are warm, waterproof, stretchy, and durable. They are the ideal option for cold-water wading. They are also sometimes less expensive than other wader types. However, the drawback to most neoprene waders is that they are not made from as breathable material as some other wader material types.

How should fly fishing waders fit?

Your waders should not feel loose or tight when you are moving around. However, it is better for them to be slightly big than small. If you are fishing in cooler water, the larger size will result in some lost insulation because they aren’t as fitted as smaller waders.

Measure the circumference of your chest, and then with your shoes off, measure your inseam length. To determine the quality wader size you need, match those measurements to those across the size line on the chart on the product page for the waders you are considering.

Are breathable waders as warm as neoprene?

Breathable waders are typically lighter in weight and offer more comfort and mobility. Neoprene waders, on the other hand, are made from a rubber-like material to provide the most warmth and are probably not something you want to wear in warmer temperatures. Breathable waders are best for warmer temps, while neoprene is better suited for cooler weather.

Happy Fly Fishing My Friends – Randy!

  • December 3, 2020
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