Waders or hip boots?

[Where's Bruce?]

Just to be clear...while floating I will wear regular waders, you'll need em if your bull dies in water. But for a beaching and walkabout the UL Wiggys are under a pound, cost $60. and go on and off in a minute . They are strictly for crossings, not extended hiking. I hate wet boots. Used em in the snow too, worked great.

[video=youtube;AWK4jH_F6kc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWK4jH_F6kc[/video]

 

[bourbon]

Certainly looks like waders are the overwhelming majority for moose floats. With that being said, has anybody actually tried hip boots and found them to be lacking? I'm just thinking if I plan on going a mile plus from the boat hip boots would be more conducive for walking.

I like the sound of Bruce's kit, though.

Why risk having a wet ass and/or topping out the boots if there a resonable alternative?

 

[Will_m]

Why risk having a wet ass and/or topping out the boots if there a resonable alternative?

Although I've never hunted Alaska, I have spent a considerable amount of time hunting swamps and it has been my experience that I would much rather deal with long walks in a pair of hip boots rather than waders.

Granted, I have no experience with breathable stocking foot waders, so that could make a difference. I am suspect of their durability however. I can walk for miles in my lacrosse hippers, but if waders come into play, the walks are substantially more burdensome physically, not to mention much hotter. Someone did make a point earlier about the boots collecting debris, and I can definitely see that being an issue. However, I just can not understand how a pair of waders would be more conducive to walking than a pair of lacrosse hip boots.

 

[bourbon]

Although I've never hunted Alaska, I have spent a considerable amount of time hunting swamps and it has been my experience that I would much rather deal with long walks in a pair of hip boots rather than waders.

Granted, I have no experience with breathable stocking foot waders, so that could make a difference. I am suspect of their durability however. I can walk for miles in my lacrosse hippers, but if waders come into play, the walks are substantially more burdensome physically, not to mention much hotter. Someone did make a point earlier about the boots collecting debris, and I can definitely see that being an issue. However, I just can not understand how a pair of waders would be more conducive to walking than a pair of lacrosse hip boots.

Im a life long duck hunter first and foremost so living in a pair of waders is second nature to me. Maybe that is why i dont see the big deal about it. The problem with walking in both is the boots...so for me id rather have waders than hip boots. With breathables there isnt that much of a sweat penality as you can easily roll down the top to vent plus not have the problem of maxing out the height as you would with hip boots.

 

[Trial153]

Waders all the way with a good well fitting pair of boots, Simms and Patagonia come to mind. Both are excellent

 

[Ray]

I just listened to a pod cast from The Hunt Backcountry EXO guys. Episode 009. Covers an AK moose hunt this last fall. A really good discussion on footwear and the site conditions they faced when getting into something they were not fully prepared for. Who knew that AK was a nothing but a big swamp?

https://soundcloud.com/huntbackcountry/009-an-awesome-horrible-alaskan-adventure

 

[Duramax_Diesel1]

Although I've never hunted Alaska, I have spent a considerable amount of time hunting swamps and it has been my experience that I would much rather deal with long walks in a pair of hip boots rather than waders.

Granted, I have no experience with breathable stocking foot waders, so that could make a difference. I am suspect of their durability however. I can walk for miles in my lacrosse hippers, but if waders come into play, the walks are substantially more burdensome physically, not to mention much hotter. Someone did make a point earlier about the boots collecting debris, and I can definitely see that being an issue. However, I just can not understand how a pair of waders would be more conducive to walking than a pair of lacrosse hip boots.

I spend a considerable amount of time fly fishing year round. A good pair of waders and Simms boots are very comfy. I'd have no problem chasing moose in them day in and day out. I'm not nice to my waders and they hold up great in a riparian habitat.

I took a headfirst swim down the Rapids in a freezing river in Oregon last year after the allusive steelhead. I had my belt on and took on very little water. Just enough to get my feet and legs damp. My iPhone didn't survive but I did

The only part I hate about waders is getting a face full of old fart when the pressure pushes the air out and into my face!

 

[Will_m]

The podcast provided some nice insight and answered some questions on what to expect in Alaska, especially for first timers. Thanks Ray.

 

[7mmfan]

I'm coming to this thread a little late, but feel I can offer some experience. I guided fly fishing trips for almost 10 years, and still spend over 100 days a year in my waders. I duck hunt in my Simms G4's, and I have the good rubber sole boots for navigating muddy, slimy, terrain. I walk miles in them duck hunting, and have also hunted deer in them (waste high ferns in October = soaking ass wet unless you are 100% waterproof). As long as you dress appropriately for what you are going to do, waders are your best friend in a wet environment like I would expect your moose hunt to be.

If I'm going to be working hard, I will only wear my Smartwool base layer, and that's it. If I'm not hiking as hard, a pair of polar fleece pants fits the bill better. If I'm sitting, the Smartwool and polar fleece is hard to beat.

As has been mentioned, get a good wading belt. Not only does it increase your safety, but it acts like any belt should and keeps the legs of your waders up in a comfortable position, instead of sagging down a little to low. It will increase your comfort level tremendously.

You will be surprised how comfortable a QUALITY pair of lightweight breathable waders is to walk around in, plus knowing you are 100% waterproof, head to toe, can help with making confident split second decisions to bail through deep water or soaking wet brush to go after an animal.