SW AK brown bear waders recomendation

[Pgohil]

Archery hunting SW ALaska for brown bear Aug 2026. My skimpy frogg togg waders are not going to cut it. Outfitter recommends Grunden over Simms saying the Grundes area a bit tougher but both are good. Im not sure what to get, or ever what to look for. Each company has several models to choose from and Im not sure what is the best for me to go with. I dont anticipate using them a ton after this hunt, other than maybe some winter trout fishing.
I do know I want stocking foot waders, but then I gotta find the right boot for Alaska as well.

Im at a complete loss, and appreciate the help from everyone!

thanks

PGohil
WV

 

[kwackkillncrew]

i really like my Dryft wading pants. Land Surveying, hunting and fishing have done it all in them.

 

[abbrown]

buddy and I both wore Patagonia Swiftcurrent waders almost the whole time, in and out of boat, trudging through tundra, for 5 days in North Slope Alaska territory and they were awesome, highly recommend.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I love my Simms I've got G3 and G4z models, they are great. If you're only using them for this hunt though, there are cheaper options. I use mine enough for hunting and fly fishing that it's been well worth it to get the best I can.

I've also said it before, Caddis breathable waders are surprisingly good in my experience, they just don't last that long.

 

[Pgohil]

Zip vs non zip... Is it really just a convenience issue? seems to be a significant price difference between the 2 models..

 

[wyosam]

Zip vs non zip... Is it really just a convenience issue? seems to be a significant price difference between the 2 models..

If it’s pouring rain and you need to pee, it’s pretty nice not having to take your coat off to be able to get the shoulder straps off. My next set will have a zipper.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Zip vs non zip... Is it really just a convenience issue? seems to be a significant price difference between the 2 models..

I’ll never go back to non-zip waders.

 

[kwackkillncrew]

i was curious how much the dryfts were these days since i got my gd wading pants 4 years ago or so. Looks like they are having a sale as well. they are thicker waders so if you plan on doing anything in the hot months you might get warm.

 

[gbflyer]

Simms used to make a guide pant that wasn’t a chest wader. They worked great, kind of a double layer of material. I don’t guide anymore so I don’t know if they still make them. Not cheap, nor is a brown bear hunt. Get the good stuff.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Simms used to make a guide pant that wasn’t a chest wader. They worked great, kind of a double layer of material. I don’t guide anymore so I don’t know if they still make them. Not cheap, nor is a brown bear hunt. Get the good stuff.

They make the g3 guide pants and a lower end version of it as well.

 

[mad_angler]

I've done two Alaska trips with these. Highly recommend.

Alpha Swampfox Drop-Top Realtree Max-5 600G

Just warm enough. Way tough enough. Designed for early season hunts, the Swampfox Drop Top is lightweight, breathable, and less restrictive than a traditional wader. Convertible into a wading pant, but with a lightly insulated boot and the ability to layer underneath, these waders can take you...

www.lacrossefootwear.com

 

[johnnycake]

Since you will have a guide, I won't recommend doing insulated waders. Make him skin it out if it dies in the water.

But if you have to be in the water to skin it, you'll wish you had insulated waders. I know I wished I did earlier this month! The resulting hypothermia was no joke.