Decoy setup, retrieving downed birds, crossing sloughs on the way to your honeyhole and hunting in cattails or timber are just a few scenarios in which you’ll need a pair of waders. Waterfowl hunting takes place in a variety of climates and conditions, and matching a pair of waders to your hunting needs is crucial.
Why do you need waders?
The main and most obvious function of waders is to keep you dry even as you stand in a river or other body of water. With a range of material options available to you, such as polyester, nylon, and neoprene, you can find a wader that will keep you warm by blocking your skin from direct contact with cold water.
How do you choose waders for duck hunting?
The ideal waders for waterfowl hunting will have stretch and adjustability in the waist and chest area, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for those features. Adjustability in those two areas allows you to layer thin, loose clothing underneath for personalized thermoregulation as the temperature fluctuates.
Do you wear shoes with hunting waders?
It is necessary to wear wading boots with your boots. These boots have been specially designed to fit with stocking foot waders. Fly anglers usually prefer stocking foot waders over boot foot waders because, as a general rule, any pair of wading boots can be worn with any pair of waders.
What is the best brand of waders for duck hunting?
BEST DUCK HUNTING WADERS
- Best Overall Duck Hunting Waders: Sitka Delta Zip.
- Top Mid-Range (Men & Women): Gator Waders Shield Series.
- On a Budget: TIDEWE 1200G.
- Rock-Solid Under $300: Drake Waterfowl Buckshot Eqwader 1600.
- Women’s-Specific Waders: Drake Waterfowl Buckshot Eqwader 1600.
What can I wear instead of waders?
Wear Fishing Boots And Wading Socks
If you’re looking to do some wet wading on a rock-bottomed river or mountain lake, however, you should put aside the romantic notion of sandaled or barefoot wading in favor of ankle-supporting fishing boots with good treads, along with a made-for-the-job set of wading socks.
Are waders worth it?
Yes, waders are more than worth the money. More often than not, one pair of waders is going to last you quite a long time. If you want to hit the water on a poor weather day, you’ll want waders. Plus, winter fly fishing is nearly impossible without waders.
How long do hunting waders last?
In general, a good pair of duck hunting waders should last about three or four seasons. This number can go down if you are hard on your waders and up if you use them infrequently.
How do I know what size waders to buy?
Buying waders that are too large will cause wear and tear over time when there are too many folds in the material.
The three most important measurements to size yourself for waders are:
- your largest girth around in inches (chest, waist, or hips)
- your inseam in inches (crotch to floor)
- your shoe size.
Are neoprene or breathable waders more durable?
Basic neoprene waders can cost $100 or less but don’t expect these to last much longer than a season or two without extensive repairs. Breathable waders can cost nearly twice as much and mine made it through a couple of seasons before I had to seal the seams again.
Do your feet get wet in waders?
Wading boots are not designed to be waterproof. Instead, they’re designed to allow water to freely pass through their structure, while your stockingfoot waders or wading socks keep your feet dry.
What are waders without boots called?
Stockingfoot Wader Strengths
Stockingfoot waders do not include boots, which you will need to buy and put on separately. These waders have soft, sock-like booties attached to the wader leg, typically made from neoprene or similar engineered fabrics. Then, you wear separate footwear over the attached neoprene sock.
What is the difference between fishing waders and hunting waders?
Hunting waders are very similar to fishing waders in that they are designed to keep you dry while trudging through wet conditions. But, because of the wider range of game and environments, you may encounter while hunting, there are even more options available, like hip waders, chest waders, waist-high waders, and more.
What are the warmest waders?
Neoprene Waders
Comprised of neoprene rubber material they still provide the most warmth. While neoprene waders will keep you dry any time of the year, they are not recommended for warmer temperatures or if you will be involved in walking long distances or extended strenuous activity.
How much do Sitka waders weigh?
260 – 280 lbs.
How do neoprene waders work?
Both neoprene waders and breathable waders are waterproof by design. Neoprene waders allow no moisture in and no moisture out. This is great for keeping water out but can be miserable and cause your legs to sweat. It can be much tougher when hiking long distances or performing labor in the water.
Can you wade without waders?
During the summer, waders aren’t really needed. A quick-dry pant and some sandals or a wading boot is really all you need. During hot and dry 90 degree Montana days, standing waist deep in cool mountain water is a pleasure that wearing waders would only inhibit.
Should you wear socks under waders?
It is always a good idea to wear socks that go above your ankle to prevent rubbing against the neoprene in the booties of your waders. Longer socks also give you the option to tuck your leg layers in to prevent bunching and cold spots where the skin is directly against the waders.
Can you wear jeans under waders?
When it’s cold outside you’ll need to layer up under your waders, but that doesn’t wearing your jeans or a pair of insulated snow pants. Don’t wear denim or anything cotton. That’s the first rule of winter for any outdoor pursuit, and it’s especially important when you’re trying to transport moisture vapor.
How much should I spend on waders?
Wading boots generally cost from about $60 or $70 up to $200 or $300.
Are you supposed to wear boots with waders?
You wear wading boots. That’s right specialized boots made specifically for use with stocking foot waders. The vast majority of fly anglers choose stocking foot waders over boot foot waders because any pair of wading boots can be worn with any pair of waders.