Waders

[treillw]

Sick of my waders leaking. Might decide to do something about it.

What's a good pair to buy that holds up and/or has a good warranty?

I can't remember these LL bean waders not leaking.

Thanks!

 

[Huntin_GI]

Im a Sitka Fan. Love mine and after 3 seasons, no complaints.

 

[Riplip]

Just picked up a pair of Simms G4's before a recent Alaska trip. I have several other pairs of Simms, and the G4 material is super tough. Highly recommend them, expensive but certainly worth it for me.

 

[Theringworm]

Simms……there is no comparison. I have G3 waist waders and the G4 chest waders. I have hunted hard in Alaska with them and zero issues. Climbing through alder forests, through devils club, on top and over down trees/branches up on to jagged rocks. Zero issues. Buy once cry once……or twice

 

[Mt Al]

Simms, made in USA and witnessing the detailed design process, material selection, staff training and testing - they do put their heart and soul into it. There are always stories of leaking waders of all brands including Simms. Mine have never leaked (knocking on wood), have a very old pair of boot foots/feet that I've abused and re-soled and a new pair of G3s and am biased.

 

[treillw]

Do the Simms ever go on sale? Any secrets to getting a good deal?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I love my simms g3, they have been great for the past 3 seasons. When it’s time to replace them, I’ll get the g4 with the center zip.

I know a few guys who really like the dryft waders, I was just talking to a guy about black bear hunting down in SEAK and he said his dryft stuff has been holding up great in the salt water and mud while also getting in and out of boats/rafts. Those might be worth looking at too.

 

[Dust Rider]

Simms. Support a Montana company.

 

[roosiebull]

simms G3 or better, their other waders are like the rest that wear out quick... i'm wearing Dryft now, and they are holding up really well, and have already outlived the few pairs of G3's i have had.... i think they are the best deal going in waders.

i don't know if redington makes the sonic pro anymore, but sometimes they could be found cheap and held up pretty well for the price

 

[treillw]

Are the G3s heavy for backpacking?

 

[chocolab]

Guess I need to buy a pair so Simms waders lol

 

[dtrkyman]

In the mean time go to high and dry waders website and order the 3m 5200 glue. It will out last your waders and actually seal a leak!

Which wader depends on what you pla n on using them for!

 

[william schmaltz]

Do the Simms ever go on sale? Any secrets to getting a good deal?

The only place I ever see em on a decent sale is Steep and Cheap and Backcountry. But it's typically select sizes.

I've been wearing Redington Sonic Pro waders for 6 seasons now. I beat the hell out of them and wear them every year for moose hunting and they don't' show any sign of wear. They were about 1/3 the price of Simms on Backcountry. I have a good friend that flies on floats every single day from May to October jumping in and out of Beavers to load and unload them and he's had the same set of Dryft waders for 3 seasons. I can't say anything about Simms as they're too expensive for my blood. I'm sure they're awesome but from what I've seen out of other companies, they have legit competitors for 1/2-1/3 the price. I don't expect more than 3-5 years out of waders for the way I use them and I'm pleased with what I've been using. I ordered a second pair of the Sonic Pros last year when they were on a smoking sale and I don't expect to use them any time soon.

 

[Nooksack]

5200 fast cure by 3m found in most hardware stores for repair. Does not self level, so can be applied to vertical surfaces. In warm environment and thin layers is dry in 12 hours. Good for boots, rubber gloves, etc.

 

[def90]

What are you going to use them for and how often do you ise them?

I have some mid range Simms that have been fine for the last 4 years. I use them about once a month. Basically the guy at the fly shop said the cheap entry level Simms will be fine if you fish a few times a year, the mid grade will be fine if you fish a few times a month, the top dollar will be what you want if you fish a few times a week.it all comes down to you get what you pay for. Different fabrics, different construction methods and seam sealing techniques and so on.

 

[Holski]

I use the Compass 360 Tailwaters, not sure on the warranty as I have never had to use it. Have had them for 5 years, lots of falls and never had them rip. They are like my old Simms pair but 1/4 the cost.

 

[JeffP_Or]

I too have been using the Redington Sonic Pros; on my second pair - I upgraded to a set with a zipper this year after the first got its first leak [instead of trying to mes with repairs]. The first pair lasted at least 7 years. I waterfowl, flyfish and float tube with mine - though I try not to beat them too badly.
One thing I do not understand nor like about the Redingtons: the neoprene booties are always super large.
I have heard really good things about the highest levels of Simms but cannot fork over that cash myself.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Are the G3s heavy for backpacking?

Why would you backpack with waders?

 

[keller]

How about the caddis zip up front waders? Anyone have any experience with these?

 

[displacedtexan]

Why would you backpack with waders?

I've hiked a few miles to fish.

And I'm not even a serious fisherman.