03-06-2019, 12:59 AM
I agree with all of the points expressed so far favoring wearing waders ice fishing including the aspects that safety isn't greatly hindered for anyone who has fitness. I have used waders on many of my first few ice fishing seasons before I got really nice Gore-Tex ice fishing and hunting bibs and suits which I now favor for slush because I stay dry from perspiration and I can make many adjustments of layering or zip them open to get some cool air for when I'm running around auguring a lot of holes by muscle powered Nils auger. Both choices keep my legs dry when I kneel in the wet slush, but I strongly favor the breathable. I even wear the non-wader hunting or ice fishing breathable bibs or suits even when the ice is questionable on a leg going through which happened a few times with not enough water getting in to even bother me with a clothing change of which I always carry extra clothing and extra boots yet never needed to use them (it's a preparedness thing and I often invite friends, so it is to be able to help make friends new to ice fishing comfortable to enjoy the experience). My current favorite choices are bibs with full length leg zippers for selectively ventilating combined with goose down vests with snap closures which I selectively add and remove layers to keep body heat right. While sitting and fishing, the lower activity means needing more insulation and while being athletic, I remove a lot of layers. But, if I were to ice fish when the ice has soft edges or needs a plank, I would be fine with selecting waders for that day.
I'm a strong advocate of waders for much more than fishing. I've practically lived in breathable waders while camping on days of rain and mud. The mud just washes off by walking through the stream and I stay warm and dry.
(Asking a favor
My favorite waders for that are breathable stocking foot fly-fishing type in camouflage and had I known I would never find that combination again, I would have stocked up. I can't find the same in camouflage and those in camouflage have very heavy boots attached. The advantage of my favorite is they roll up small and lightweight and fit in a pocket of my backpack for if it turns rainy and muddy. I also like them in the snow for hunting. If anyone has seen waders like that, then please tell me where I can buy them. So far, I only find them in solid colors.
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I'm a strong advocate of waders for much more than fishing. I've practically lived in breathable waders while camping on days of rain and mud. The mud just washes off by walking through the stream and I stay warm and dry.
(Asking a favor
My favorite waders for that are breathable stocking foot fly-fishing type in camouflage and had I known I would never find that combination again, I would have stocked up. I can't find the same in camouflage and those in camouflage have very heavy boots attached. The advantage of my favorite is they roll up small and lightweight and fit in a pocket of my backpack for if it turns rainy and muddy. I also like them in the snow for hunting. If anyone has seen waders like that, then please tell me where I can buy them. So far, I only find them in solid colors.[signature]