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Fly Fishing Waders Reviews

There are two approaches to fly fishing waders. The first involves purchasing a cheap pair and wondering why they leak after a month of fishing. The second requires a financial invest equal to the price of a high quality rod for a durable and comfortable pair of waders that come with a warranty and great customer service. Of course there is some middle ground but we tend to take an all or none approach.

Selecting a pair of waders requires you to examine your typical style of fishing. If you bush whack, hike, crawl and bust your knees against boulders, make the investment. If you primarily use waders for stationary fishing in cold weather, go with a thick pair of neoprene. If you fish in the summer and use waders only when necessary, you can skimp a little. You can also go with hip or waist waders if you focus on small streams and avoid pushing through deep waters. Read on to learn more about fly fishing waders and to read our wader reviews.



Breathable Fishing Waders


Breathable fishing waders are the most common choice for fly fisherman. Although there are instances when a pair of thick neoprene waders are invaluable, breathable is the top choice. If you want to learn more about breathable waders and how they work, click the header.



Simms Waders


Simms waders are more than waterproof suits. The waders serve multiple functions and they are very durable. They also make up the highest end of the wader market. The G3 and G4 models are designed for fishing and comfort as they have multiple pockets, hand warming pockets and a pouch for gear. The company also makes mid range model waders and some very attractive waist high models. Click the header to read our SIMMS fly fishing waders reviews.

simms waders

The Author wearing SIMMS G3 waders.





Patagonia Waders


Simple, durable and comfortable. Like SIMMS, we have put these waders through the ringer and they will out perform the majority of the other brands out there. This is why they are near the top of the list. Patagonia does not offer several different models like SIMMS but that only means you can come to a quick decision. Patagonia is a great company and their loyal following is evidence of support in the outdoor community.

patagonia waders

Patagonia waders are comfortable and durable.





Cloudveil Waders


Update- In case you missed the news, Cloudveil no longer makes waders.
Cloudveil is in our top three for fly fishing waders because they have innovative designs and comfortable waders. They do not own the market share of a company like SIMMS but they are rapidly gaining loyal customers. One of the main attractions is the nice fit. Cloudveil customers rave about the superior comfort of their waders and the durable that rivals any other brand. With beginnings in the mountaineering industry, Cloudveil knows how to use top quality materials to create a functional product.



Orvis Waders


We do not think the top end fly fishing waders compare to the latter three options but we do like Orvis for their mid-range waders. They are simple and comfortable. Durability is better than many other moderately priced waders and their customers are satisfied with the product. Orvis is a household name and their products are well researched and designed.







Hodgeman


Hodgeman is the underdog in the fly fishing waders market but they should not be overlooked. If you are looking for quality on a budget, skip all of the other pages and click the header above. They have breathable, neoprene and rubber models with stocking or boot foot options. The waders are designed for fishing and hunting and they have numerous models to help find the perfect fit.



Dan Bailey


Dan Bailey is a fly shop based in Livingston, Montana. The shop has their own line of products that are of good quality. The waders fit a low to moderate price point and they have several different models including chest high, waist high, hip waders and waders for kids. Click the header to read more about Dan Bailey fly fishing waders.



Chota Waders


Chota fits in the same low to middle price range as Dan Bailey. They have a quality product that is more than adequate for the average angler and will keep you fishing in a down economy.



Columbia Waders


You have probably heard of Columbia clothing but few fly fisherman know they also make waders. The neoprene waders are ideal for stationary fly fishing in cold weather. We would not throw these things on in the summer and we would not go busting through the bush in them but we would wear them duck hunting or for some slow winter action.



Frogg Togg Waders


We recommend these for moderate wading situations. Frogg Togg waders are also ideal as an emergency pair of backup waders. It is comforting to know you are not completely out of luck when your primary pair springs a leak, or as in our case, springs a big leak from falling into a barbed wire fence. Frogg Toggs pack down into a small package and can easily be carried along in a backpack. This also makes them a good choice for hiking and backpacking excursions. They make several pairs of breathable and neoprene waders that are worth a look.



Proline Waders


This New Jersey based company makes a decent product for a low price. They do sales around the globe and many fly fisherman buy their waders because they are ideal for moderate use and meet the budget price point. The product is easy to find online and through large outdoor retailers.



Remington Waders


Remington makes neoprene waders that are similar to the Columbia waders. Although we think the Hodgeman and Cabela's neoprene waders are better, we would throw on a pair of these for a cold day on the water. They are not top of the line and are not likely to withstand heavy abuse but the price is right and they will do the job for stationary fly fishing and duck hunting.



Stearns Waders


Stearns and Hodgeman are actually one in the same. Stearns used to make some below average waders but now that they are aligned with the Hodgeman brand, you will find a quality product. You can find some closeouts on their old models and they would work well for a pair of emergency backups.



Lacross Waders


Lacross is a quality brand with waders designed for hunting. Their neoprene models are better than the Columbia and Remington models and they are build for cold weather. We have used these waders while battling chilling winds and winter temperatures at Pyramid Lake in Nevada. The waders are comfortable and insulating.



Wader Belt


No angler should enter the water without a wader belt. In some instances you may want to wear two belts. The belt is a safety measure that prevents water from completely filling the waders if you take a fall. Anglers who wade aggressively can strap one belt around the waist and another around the chest to really the slow the entry of water into the waders.



Wader Repair


Even the best pair of waders will eventually spring a leak. If you simply grab a tube of aqua seal and start smearing it around, the problem is unlikely to become fixed and it may become much worse. Follow our guide to properly repair your waders or use the included instructions and repair kit from your manufacturer.



Wader Bag


Storing and transporting a wet pair of waders requires a special kind of duffel bag. The best bags will also store your wading boots. There are several bags available that we have reviewed on this site. Click the header to read more about our fly fishing waders wader duffel bags.



Duck Hunting Waders


Why do we have duck hunting waders on a fly fishing site? Because they are great for a variety of fly fishing situations and we also, well, duck hunt. Click the header to read about the our duck hunting/ fly fishing waders reviews and their dual use capacity.



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