Wader suggestions?

[cfdjay]

No experience with waders. Wondering what you guys have used on your hunts. Thanks!

 

[cfdjay]

Yeah I guess I don't know what I don't know. Those are pricey for sure and I'm ok spending the $$ if it's worth it for this kind of trip.

 

[Scottf270]

I assume you are talking about breathable stocking foot waders. Simms is the leader and they have different levels and cost. There are other brands like Patagonia etc. If it's a one off need just for this hunt, you can probably get by with a mid grade pair.

 

[ScottP76]

Yeah I guess I don't know what I don't know. Those are pricey for sure and I'm ok spending the $$ if it's worth it for this kind of trip.

I’m sorry I immediately assumed for ducks lol. If it’s not disregard what I said.

 

[cfdjay]

I’m sorry I immediately assumed for ducks lol. If it’s not disregard what I said.

Nope! Posted in the moose section for a reason lol

 

[FranklinBluth]

Depends on budget and how much use you think you'll get out of them. If money is no issue - get the Simms waders. I currently run Simms but have had good luck with the Frogg Toggs Hellbender waders as well.

 

[Cyril]

I have simms freestones. Bought them on sale Christmas time 2019 for an Alaskan black bear hunt. They cost me $200 at the time. Used them for that hunt which was postponed until spring 2021. I have used them a couple dozen times for late season salt water duck hunting since then. They are warm enough with proper layering. They have been great and pretty bullet proof. If I were buying now, I would spend the extra hundred for freestone Z, with the front zipper. They will do everything you need. Wait for a sale, maybe Memorial Day, July 4th or until Black Friday if you can/have too.

 

[KShunter8080]

I went with the Simms G3 waders with their Freestone boot. Have zero complaints about that setup.

 

[ColeyG]

I would recommend wader pants like the Simms G3 guide pants. Much more user friendly for hunting, hiking, etc. and no need for chest waders on moose hunts.

 

[KU_Geo]

frogTogg brand pilot II wader pants are a decent cheaper version then Simms g3. Wore them on one hunt with complete satisfaction. This past year on a float hunt I went with Simms G3 regular waders. Definitely a step up from the froggTogg, but 2-3x the price. Buy what you want and can afford.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I’ve been using the simms g3 for years but it sucks to have to get completely undressed to take a leak.


in my opinion, the g4 would be 100% worth the price for the zipper alone. I remember one year we got stuck out overnight with a bull moose down as well as a skinned out bear. It was cold, like in the 20s and we were basically just huddling under a tarp. I had to piss so bad but it was cold, I didn’t want to take off my LPP and rain jacket and lose what little heat I had.

 

[WMR]

I wore the Simms Freestone last year. They seemed fine. Time will tell about the long term durability. Cabelas stocking foot waders lasted one year. I still use my Cabelas wading boots and they haven’t fallen apart yet.

I admit to being intrigued with the waist high waders, especially if a lot of walking is expected. As for us, we don’t stray too far from the lake. Long pack jobs are not for us. I do think my chest high waders were nice while cutting up the moose. There’s also always the possibility of a dead bull ending up in the lake. I’d want chest waders for that.

 

[keller]

I wore the simms tributary waders. They worked fine. Front zipper definately has its place. If you have to take off backpack. Bino harness ,raincoat... to take a leak.

 

[SLDMTN]

Guided three hunts in ‘24 with the new Grundens waders. To each their own but I would continue to do full chest waders over pants. One of my clients had waist waders and the poor girl got absolutely soaked on a crossing for her bear. I definitely sweated more than she did but I was never cold and never wet. A Helly Hanson rubber trench coat over waders and you’re near bulletproof in any weather.

Biggest consideration in my opinion will be price and how long you intend to use them. I tend to lean towards 4 layers of whatever membrane they’re using vs 3 layer gear.

Money being no object, get the nicest ones that fit properly and come with a solid warranty.

 

[HoneyDew]

I’ve been using my dryft waders for three seasons and so far so good. Solid mid price pair.

 

[roymunson]

I spent about 14 hours a day for 10 days in my Simms G3s when I was out in 2023. I used the cheaper shoe, but we weren't hiking all over the place. If I were walking and hiking more, i'd have wanted a better boot, but it worked like a dream. Got a moose to show for it. Dry the entire time.

 

[Robinhood21]

I've gone 3 times and have used the Cabelas Premium Breathable stocking foot waders. They cost me $99 back in 2020. They really impressed me for a cheap pair of waders. Unfortunately, I just checked, and they're not selling them anymore.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Before I got my Simms, I used caddis breathable waders that cost about 100 bucks. I just patched them with tenacious tape and aqua seal and they lasted a few seasons. If budget is tight, a pair of those will serve you well. My friend that I hunt with refuses to buy nice waders, he just gets whatever Costco has and has a new pair every year or 2, they usually have funny names like bass dash.

When I replace my g3, Ill be getting g4 zip ups.

 

[william schmaltz]

I just did my 8th year with an older version of these: https://www.backcountry.com/redington-sonic-pro-wader-stocking-foot-mens

I’ve wore out two sets of boots wearing them. Half dozen moose hunts and probably hundreds of miles of river walking. For a fraction of the status symbol brands. An antler finally put a big rip in the boot cover this year, but they’re still functional. Wanted a zipper so I ordered these https://www.backcountry.com/redington-sonic-pro-hdz-wader-mens and ol faithful will remain in the garage as backup.

I’ve really liked the Orvis ultralight boots. I’ve had them for two seasons now. They’ve held up well and were plenty comfortable during the few moose pack outs I’ve done with them. X2 on the HH duster over chest waders for moose hunting!

 

[keller]

One reason I bought the simms. They have many size options if your body isn't a standard build.