Chest waders

[Dave]

I'm shopping for a better fitting pair of neoprene chest waders. My foot size is between a 10 and 11 (current waders are a 10), I'm 6' even, but my frame/build is skin and bones. Even layered up, I'm swimming in most waders that fit my feet.

I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair of Mack's "Big Juniors", but was curious if anyone has any experience with their waders or any other waders that are cut a little slimmer?

http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-MPW193+10R+NBU

 

[Westy]

I have owned many different pairs of waders over the years. I will never go back to neoprene waders however. I recommend a pair of breathable waders.

You can dress to stay very warm in them and in the summer months you can wear breathables all day without breaking a sweat.

Simms makes the best breathables I think, but there are many other good options out there for all price ranges.

They are easy to move around in and finding a pair to fit nicely should not be hard. Good luck.

try sierra trading post.

 

[mountainpete]

I have owned many different pairs of waders over the years. I will never go back to neoprene waders however. I recommend a pair of breathable waders.

You can dress to stay very warm in them and in the summer months you can wear breathables all day without breaking a sweat..

x2. I have a wonderful pair of Springbrook Neoprenes that have been sitting still since the day I went to breathables all those years ago. I have been in the Bow River with chunks of ice floating by in breathables and a fleece pant. Much better then neoprenes.

However, if you do decide to go with Neoprene, look at Springbrook or LL Bean. They have some fit options that may work better for you - both are excellent quality.

Pete

 

[Dave]

I only use chest waders for duck hunting (should have mentioned that in my first post) and wind up in some pretty miserable conditions as winter sets in. Do breathable waders hold up against thick ice, under water tree stumps/snags, corn stalks, etc.? We literally feel for underwater snags with our feet or shins and will bust ice with whatever we can, depending on water levels. These will not be used for fishing...

I love the idea of a lighter weight wader, neoprenes can be a burden.

 

[mountainpete]

I only use chest waders for duck hunting and wind up in some pretty miserable conditions as the winter sets in. Do breathable waders hold up against thick ice, under water tree stumps/snags, corn stalks, etc.?

I love the idea of a lighter weight wader, neoprenes can be a burden.

Mine have been amazing. I have snagged them on ice, barbed wire and countless branches. Never had a single issue.

However, I do have to admit that neoprene is stronger for abrasion resistance. If I were to thrash all day for duck hunting I would do it in neoprene.

Pete

 

[Dave]

Well, I've got to be honest. I've never really considered breathable waders, but after reading a few reviews on Cabela's, it sounds like they may be fine in harsh conditions. No reports of ripping or snags. This is another option I will have to consider.

 

[durangodds]

x2 on the LL Beans. Their warranty is great, and they're great about honoring it too.

 

[Haggis]

I switched to neoprenes a quite few years ago, and they work quite well in cold weather conditions and are much quieter then the old chest waders when slipping thru corn fields and thick brush. I don't by the expense ones because of ripping a couple of pairs on submerged beaver cuttings. Slices 'em like a knife.

 

[fisher205]

I really like the my breathables, and they are holding up way better than my neoprenes ever did. They are a little noiseier than the neoprenes. - Brad

 

[Dave]

Haggis, you switched to neoprenes from breathables?

 

[Haggis]

Sorry Dave, didn't make that to clear. I switched from the old style rubber chest waders to neoprenes. Because of the flooded timber we hunt and the beaver dams we stalk thru I can't see paying the extra money for breathables for just a couple weeks of waterfowl season per year and then take a chance of slicing them open.

 

[big sky trapper]

I go through about 3-4 pair of chest waders a year, (worn almost every day day from 1 sept till 1 may trapping beaver rats mink coons ect) So far the ducks unlimited ones From my local sporting goods store have held the best. and there cut somewhat slimmer than most Ive worn, from lacross to hogdemans ect. Double thick knees and seat and through the crotch area where they get snagged on fences the most. 6mm thick nice in warn in 40 degree river water right now.

 

[Dave]

Went out to Cabela's to try on their breathables yesterday. Fit me like a clown suit. I ordered the Big Juniors from Mack's.

Unrelated note, that new Duck Blind camo looks like garbage to me. I wish there was more available in Natural Gear camo.

 

[snipecatcher]

hey

I've always had the same problem. 6'2" and 170 lbs. with a shoe size of 12. Waders are made for big people, so none fit me right. I have some neoprenes that are pretty much new, but when I do get new waders in a few years, I'll get some breathables. I can lay on cold wet mud in a goose field for 5 mins, take the waders off, and be soaked in sweat. I hate that.

 

[Dave]

The Big Juniors arrived last Thursday and I am completely thrilled with how they fit. I've never tried on a set of waders that fit as well as these do. Big enough that I can add layers, but small enough that I'm not swimming in them. I haven't had them in the field yet, but just walking around the house trying to loosen them up a bit, I could tell they were going to be much easier to move around in.