An Invisible Trout Fisherman in Chest Waders

If you’re like me, choosing a pair of fishing waders is a monumental decision, something akin to choosing a spouse or your child’s name.  Maybe I’m exaggerating; choosing a child’s name isn’t that hard.  Anyway, picking out waders is tough, especially when it’s your first pair.  I think it took me over a year to commit to my waders.  That meant a lot of summer days wading in icy spring water and winter days standing on the bank.

Choosing a pair of waders is hard because there are just so many options.  You have to choose between hip-waders and chest-waders, stocking-foot and boot-foot, neoprene and Gore-tex, and the list goes on.  That’s why I wrote this article–to take out some of the confusion and present the options along with their benefits and drawbacks.  So lets get started.

Hip Waders vs. Chest-High Waders

Hip waders, or hip boots, are basically boots that come all the way up to your hips.  You put them on one at a time.  They aren’t connected at the top.  There is usually a strap that connects to your belt or belt-loop.  The nice thing about fishing in these is that you can put them on quickly and easily.  The drawback, for me at least, is that I’m always wanting to go one step further than my hip boots will allow, and when I do take that extra step, it’s a cold, wet one.  For shallow water, or wading back and forth across a small creek, these fishing boots work fine.  But, if you find yourself always wanting to get into a better fishing spot that requires wading through water up to your waist, you better take a look at chest waders.

Chest-high waders are the standard, fly fishing waders that you see most on trout streams.  I think a lot of fly fishermen like these taller waders because they allow them to get far enough from the bank and trees to be able to cast without worrying as much about getting snagged.  The nice thing about chest waders is being able to get closer to a place where you want to cast.  Also, it’s nice being able to cross deeper parts of the stream.

With chest waders an angler doesn’t have to worry about the current causing water to splash up over the top of the boots or waders, unless he or she gets in over the chest, which I wouldn’t recommend.  If you want to go that deep, what you need is a float tube, but that’s another post altogether.  The drawback with chest waders for trout fishing is the time and effort it takes to get into them.  They are a bit harder to take on and off, but this is only a minor inconvenience.

When everything is said and done, it depends on where you’ll be fishing and your fishing style, but I prefer chest waders 90% of the time.

Stocking-Foot Waders vs. Boot-Foot Waders

Stocking-foot waders have a stocking at the bottom instead of a built-in boot.  The stocking is usually made of neoprene or some other warm, water-proof material.  If you buy a pair of these, you’ll also need to choose a pair of fishing boots to go along with them.  That is the drawback.  The benefit is firm ankle support and a snug fit.  I prefer boot-foot waders, because I often spend seven or eight hours on the river wading and climbing in and out of a canoe.  In this situation, waders with bulky boots attached will get a bit tiresome.

Stocking Foot Wader

Boot-foot waders are waders with built-in boots.  The boots are actually a part of the waders.  This is convenient, because when you put your waders on, you’re putting your boots on too.  This can also be economical because you won’t have to buy a pair of fishing boots.  The drawback is that these waders don’t fit as snugly and aren’t as easy to walk in.  Also, if you wear boot-foot waders, you’ll need to bring a pair of shoes to change into when you get out of the river.  I wouldn’t recommend wearing shoes inside your waders.

Breathable Waders vs. Neoprene Waders

Next, you’ll need to choose the material your waders are made from.  My first pair of waders were made of rubber.  Rubber waders are not the best choice in my opinion, but they are the cheapest option.  Most anglers choose between neoprene material and breathable material (like Gore-Tex.)

Breathable waders are well liked because they allow moisture from perspiration to escape without allowing water to enter.  They are great for summer fishing when the water where the trout live is 60 degrees, but the air temperature is a sweltering 95 degrees.  The drawback with Gore-Tex waders is that they won’t keep you as warm as neoprene.  Of course you can wear long underwear or Under Armour beneath your waders, but if you do a lot of winter fishing, you may prefer neoprene.

Neoprene waders have a couple benefits when compared to breathable waders.  First, they do seem to be warmer.  If I had the money, I would buy a pair of neoprene waders for late fall, winter, and early spring, and a breathable pair of waders for warmer times of year.  Also, a lot of outdoors people seem to think they are more rugged and durable than other types of waders.  The drawback is that they don’t wick moisture away from your body and they can get hot and sticky on hot days.

Waders are Fashionable

In conclusion, everybody has their own tastes and needs.  I myself prefer breathable, chest waders, with stocking feet, and separate fishing boots.  Speaking of fishing boots, that will have to be a whole other post.  Once you’ve picked out your waders you’ll need to decide on a pair of boots, and they come with different kinds of soles.  Whatever type of waders are right for you, make sure you try them on first to be certain and to make sure they fit right.

Also, I bought my waders a bit large for a couple reasons.  I lose weight and gain weight from time to time.  I don’t want my waders to be too tight.  I’d rather they be too loose than too snug, and I took into account the fact that I’ll be wearing clothes under my waders.  Finally, there are a lot of different brands in a lot of different price ranges.  I’ve found the middle range waders to be fine for my purposes, but everybody’s different.  You may want to spring for a popular brand.  Choose the waders that work best for you.