Waders

[smallmouthchaser]

I am getting a new pair of waders, and I was wondering what the best type are for float tubing. I would like to float tube more this summer but also in the fall in colder weather. Any suggestions?
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[ScottyP]

Don't get neoprenes. Get breathable waders and layer appropriatley under them. I have a pair of simms lightweights and use them on the river and on my pontoon. They are 3 layer gortex and cost about 200$. You can get breathables that are not gortex (not as durable) for less. Neoprenes are too hot in the summer and they look funny. Chicks dig breathable waders.[]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]There are quite a few past discussions of waders for tubing over on the [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?forum=81;"]Float Tube Board[/url], and easy to find on [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=184642;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread"]Best of The Best[/url]. Just scroll down until you see the links under Waders, and click on the links.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Most experienced wader users hold the Simms to be the quality standard of the industry. They are made well and hold up for many years. They usually outlast several pairs of the cheaper waders, so costwise the original price tag is not so bad.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As part of my ongoing research on different types and styles for float tubing, I have tried most of what is readily available. Under $100 (for breathables) you can find several makes that will be OKAY for a few trips, but will not hold up over time. Some (like Hodgman Wadelites) often leak right out of the box, or at least develop areas with several pinhole leaks after only minimal use.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am still using a pair of Stearns lightweights that I bought two years ago, at Costco, for only $69. They have never leaked and they are cut full, to allow layering during cold water trips. Good buy.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I recently bought a pair of Columbia RiverLights at Sportsmans, for $89. That is about what the Hodgmans are going for these days. I was told that this new entry in the breathable wader market was introduced by a former Simms executive who was hired to join Columbia. It is supposedly made to Simms high standards. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have worn the Columbia RiverLights on my last four or five tubing trips and I am very happy with them so far. I have examined all the seams and they are well made. I also love the material, and the neoprene boots at the bottom are properly cut. There is not a lot of extra neoprene flopping around to overstuff your wading boots, like there is on many of the cheaper models.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Great built-in straps, with quick-release buckles. They come way up high on the chest, but I actually roll them down to waist level while tubing in my Super Fat Cat. I sit up high in that tube so I really do not need the full height of the waders and rolling them down in warm weather is more comfortable.[/#0000ff]
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[sliverslinger]

I think that Simms may have had a newer company come and possibly take them over. I just bought a new pair of the Patagonia waders and love them. They are pricy, but the durability and reliability can't be beat. If you want top end, they are the way to go. If you don't fish a lot, or you just are not in a position to make such a big purchase, the waders that TubeDude recommended should be fine. Best of luck, Jake
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[smallmouthchaser]

These are the ones I ended up buying.

[url "http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166&id=0011541830200a&navCount=4&podId=0011541&parentId=cat350005&navAction=push&catalogCode=IG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat350005"]http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166&id=0011541830200a&navCount=4&podId=0011541&parentId=cat350005&navAction=push&catalogCode=IG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat350005[/url]

I talked quite a bit with the sales guy and told him I only float tube and just wanted something newer that would last for a long time. Cabelas has a nice return policy and if you are ever unhappy with your purchase you can take them back. They're breathable and from the looks of them, they looked like they would hold up for a long time and you can layer a lot of stuff under them. I had a fifty dollar gift card to Cabela's for my birthday so I had to purchase them there. I found the staff to be really helpful and knowledgeable.
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[leaky]

Justy bought a pair of Simms lt. wt. at Cabelas and am crossing my fingers. Hope to get 2-3 times the wear which will save me $ in the long run. So far, they're great.
Leaky