Pristine Ventures

Breathable Waders

Based on what I've learned from some of you guys, and reading other forums, breathable chest waders seem like the way to go for the float hunt. I've been looking at a variety of waders, but haven't bought anything yet. What specific brand/model do people recommend?

Given the amount of gear I've purchased already, and will still likely purchase, I'd rather not spend $400 on waders. I realize that you usually get what you pay for, but in this case I'd be surprised if there isn't a set of $200 waders (or less) out there that people would recommend for a float hunt.

Thanks fellas!

Tom

Re: Breathable Waders

I got the White River waist highs from Bass Pro shops four years ago (Sale $60), still use them I did the last Float Dragging with Larbo. I did get a hole from drying them near a fire but Aqua Seal took care of that.

Re: Breathable Waders

Alaska waters tend to be a bit on the chilly side so keep take that into consideration when choosing breathable waders. Cabelas has a bunch of different waders to choose from, personally I like the waist high waders over the chest as I tend to overheat quite easily. With that being said, I perfer to use hip waders and plan on getting a pair in the breathable version.

breathable waders

well, i've owned about 7 pair of waders over the past 15 years. When i first got up here, i read Batin's book on Alaska Hunting. He strongly suggested ankle-fit hip waders for most hunting applications around water. So, i bought a pair...stayed wet on river trips for many a hunt before wising up.

Today, breathable waders are made by almost every manufacturer making hip boots. They are lighter, stronger, and more comfortable than the earlier models.

I now use Simms because i wear them so much during summer/fall expeditions, and i prefer chest highs and roll them down to my waste as waste-highs. I use the waste-high function as rain bottoms and only bring my raintop for weather.

1. If you want the best of the best, go with SIMMS. Get the Simms boots too. Comfortable, rugged, and durable.

http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/g4_pro_stockingfoots.html

2. If you want the mid-range best of the betters, try Bare Adams

http://www.centerpinangling.com/waders.html

3. If you're going for use on a just a few trips per year and need them for the float drag we have planned, consider cabela's for the return policy. They have good quality, albeit knock-offs of other brands. But good, comfortable, and affordable.

http://www.cabelas.com/mens-fishing-waders-cabelas-guidewear-pro-welded-waders-2.shtml?type=product&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleBaseUSA&WT.z_mc_id1=734747&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=2C8F99CB-958E-DF11-A0C8-002219318F67&mr:referralID=NA

Last note: Buy good boots, don't skimp because you might have to walk your canoe or raft for a mile or more by the end. You'll appreciate the cost for good boots. And remember, felt-soled boots are now being fazed out of Alaska. Here's a link to why:

http://troutunlimitedblog.com/alaska-enacts-statewide-ban-on-felt-sole-wading-gear/

Re: Breathable Waders

@Hatch - I have a pair of teh Three Forks Denier breathable hip waders from Cabela's, they were $35 a peice. They are durable and can be rolled down, lightweight and still keep feet warm with the 3mm bootie. The only problem I have had is the ankle fit is tight. I bought a large and the foot lenght is right on but again, tight getting thru the ankle area.

As always the problem with hipers is your usually end up dipping the goods in the drink.

Re: Breathable Waders

Quote by LarryBartlett:well, i've owned about 7 pair of waders over the past 15 years. When i first got up here, i read Batin's book on Alaska Hunting. He strongly suggested ankle-fit hip waders for most hunting applications around water. So, i bought a pair...stayed wet on river trips for many a hunt before wising up.

Today, breathable waders are made by almost every manufacturer making hip boots. They are lighter, stronger, and more comfortable than the earlier models.

/

Do you find waist or chest high breathables to be better?

Re: Breathable Waders

Quote by LarryBartlett:And remember, felt-soled boots are now being fazed out of Alaska. Here's a link to why:

http://troutunlimitedblog.com/alaska-enacts-statewide-ban-on-felt-sole-wading-gear/


That article is not entirely accurate. Alaska is not implementing a state wide ban on felt soled waders. It is a state wide ban on using felt soled waders for fishing. At this time felt will continue to be legal for non-fishing use - hunting, trapping, gold prospecting, etc.

I still won't be buying felt now, but if you got them, nothing illegal unless you pick up a rod.

waist-high or chest waders

I returned the waist-highs i bought from Simms years ago and exchanged them for the chest wader models. As i mentioned, i just roll down the chest portion to my waist most days. Either one will work fine.

I got the chest waders for packrafting, since waist-highs allowed water to spill up and over my waist seem around my lower back. So, when i'm packrafting i pull up my chest waders to keep my arse dry.

Re: Breathable Waders

Thanks. That's what I was wanting to know.

Re: Breathable Waders

I will be wearing breathable chest waders, with Simm's boots. I have the felt soled ones, but bought the lug ones, since a lot of states are phasing them out.

If I get hot , just roll them down to the waist.

Coop

Breathable Waders

My recommendation would be the Simms G3 Guide Convertible waders. 5 and 3 layer Gore-Tex, and made in Bozeman, Montana:
http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/g3_guide_convertible.html

These are perfect for float hunting/dragging, as they double as waist-high waders, and with a quick zip, become chest high waders when the weather goes sideways, or the water gets a bit too deep. Couple them with a good non-felt boot, like the Guide or Rivershed, and you are in business; I have hiked over some truly rough, loose and rocky terrain in those boots. These truly are breathable, and yes, the price is on the higher side, but these are built in the US, and are bomber gear for tough conditions; there is a reason many fishing guides wear them. If you spend any amount of time in the water, and are going on a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, it might be worth the extra money to get something you can practically live in if needed.

My two cents...I might be a bit biased, too--I live in Bozeman, and work for Simms, and use and abuse our gear at every chance.
Feel free to ask any questions you have about other waders, gear, etc. we make.