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First I must say...I HATE COLD! After 30 years of working in extreme elements.....I am done with the cold. Just waiting for the wife to retire, then becoming a "snowbird".
That being said, I went through some of the archives concerning waders and such. Just looking for updated info and trends. I currently have a pair of Hodgemans breathable chest waders. Have served me well during warmer weather. I am wanting to try and keep fishing until "ice on" (have never ice fished, but hoping to try it out this season). I went with the breathables because I was told that the neoprene can get pretty "stinky" given they make you sweat, and repeated washing would break them down. Are they still like that?
For me, most times if I can keep the feet warm, the rest of me stays OK. And it doesn't take much for my feet to get cold. Having experience with ice water rescues and neoprene full body suits, wearing LJ's and fleece sweats under the rescue suit I stayed pretty warm. But the neoprene is pretty bulky. Particularly if you get them big enough to allow layering underneath.
So just looking for updated info on what you guys wear during the cold weather to keep warm when "in" the water. If purchasing neoprenes for the winter waters is what I should do, then so be it. Thx.
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[#0000FF]As a float tuber of many years, I can claim that I have tested MANY different manufacturers and types of waders. The good news is that modern technology has really increased the number of choices and the overall quality available. The bad news is that you can still spend your money unwisely and get poor quality.
There are basically two choices...lightweight (breathable) and neoprene. If budget limits you to having only one pair, go for the lightweights. But get them in a larger size so you can add layers during colder weather. I wear lightweights during months when the water temps are from about 55 to 65. I often do not wear waders when the water temps are above 65. Below 55 I wear neoprenes...3mm. No need for 5 mm unless you are a real wimp.
Surprised you like the Hodgman breathables. They are notorious for either leaking right out of the box or developing an increasing number of pinhole leaks the longer you have them. The Hodgman neoprenes are much better and will last several seasons of "normal" use.
Top of the line waders...like Simms...can be pretty spendy. But they will last a lot longer and are more likely to be properly "sized" according to the labels and therefore more comfortable. Brands that are made "offshore" are all over the place on variables between labeled sizes and actual fit.
Bottom line...always best to try before you buy. Go to a reputable "brick and mortar" supplier and take the clothes you will be wearing under the waders. Insist on being able to try the waders...fully dressed...before you make a buying decision. Most online suppliers have a reasonable return or exchange policy. Not all. And it is a time-consuming pain in the nether regions to play the back and forth game...and expensive if you have to pay shipping each time.
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Go with cabelas brand waders, exceptional quality at a decent price. As a waterfowler I'm probably harder on my waders in one year than most fishermen are in five. I've got the breathable zip ones and they're on year number 3 with no leaks...a new record for me!
For the real wimps, cabelas makes neoprene "supermag" waders that are 5mm neoprene with 1600 gram thinsulate boots. If you can't stay warm in those suckers, you're hopeless!
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As Fish -n- Go stated Cabelas waders are pretty good deal. I've had good luck with there Breathable Dry Plus Premiums waders but I have yet to depend on just a wader to keep me warm.
I usually wear a base layer of compression long johns like Under Armor or polyester blend long johns. Stay away from cotton long johns cotton looses warmth when wet so your own sweat can cause you to freeze. polyester blends and fleece stays warm when wet.
If you didn't already know Fleece was designed to be synthetic wool only no scratchy ness like wool.
Then a mid layer, Cabela's Legacy Fleece Wader Pants are a good deal SImms & Patagoia make some but there kinda expensive
Then the waders this give you good range of movement and you don't feel all weigh down.
Oh and don't forget to get some Merino Wool Socks again stay away from cotton socks
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Ok I wade most often in winter rather than summer. Most times when I come out of the water the waders turn into instant tortoise shell like hard icy armor and the wader shoe laces are hard to the point it takes pliers to undo the knot. I'm currently doing the caddis neoprenes from sportsman's at 3.5 mm. I may go to 5mm soon. Breathables are useless for winter for me…..I've never had sweat build up inside neoprenes and I've worn them for over 17 years. Plus I've hike through mud and phrag for at least 3 miles sometimes having to open up a trail in the phrag. Layer up underneath the neoprenes too. I do a t shirt, cabelas's polartec top and bottom, another t shirt or two and a sweater then a hoodie or two depending on how cold it is. Also those knit caps on the head are a must. You should be able to handle about to 12 degrees like this. Below ten don't bother, the whole reel gets water flecks from retrieving the line and it turns into an icy mass. Plus ur fingers stick to the bail. Ice fishing only at that point lol.
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Thanks guys for the info. Went to Dick's in Layton and got a pair of the Reebok brand of polyester LJ's, $ 25 less than the Under Armour brand, the salesperson said they were just as good and Under Armour really like their name. Tried them out on Friday, I can only say Wow, I never knew. Was going to head to Cabela's for some 5mm waders (nobody locally had any), but figured with the approaching cold front I would hold off. Besides, Santa made it very clear if I keep going out and buying these things, I will have a boring Christmas morning.[frown]
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