What waders are you guys running?

[Rich M]

I find that most waders ive had will last about 3 seasons of duck hunting. Several have lasted 5 but they stopped making them by then…

 

[JMasson]

I have a buddy who got a pair made by USIA. They make some of the best dry suits for diving money can buy. The waders have been bombproof for about 8 years. Awesome warranty and top tier customer service. You can send them any boot you want attached and you can also send them custom measurements. They are neither insulated nor breathable but they are awesome. I’ve had a set of Cabelas Instinct waders for about 6 years that have been good to me. I’ve patched them and sealed the seams but they are running strong. I also have a set of Roger 2-in-1 breathables that are awesome. I really appreciate the zip out insulated liner. I don’t hunt in waders often since I don’t hunt ducks much anymore but when I do I’m normally hard on my gear and I’m usually guiding overflow/ last minute clients for the guys I hunt with in Arkansas. Next time I buy waders I’ll likely get a set from USIA and send them an insulated boot from LaCrosse.

 

[Sccritterkiller]

I don't understand why anybody would be running in waders.

 

[wcasey755]

All you folks questioning why I’m running in waders clearly haven’t chased a cripple when you’re getting low on shells! Haha

 

[SJT]

That’s strange, I read that frog toggs makes rodgers. Maybe just a lemon or a different model?

Not sure on that…the frog toggs I have are the grand refuge. The Rogers were the elites I believe. Boots are much thicker rubber on my frog toggs and that was the issue I had with Rogers. I always blow out the boots on my waders.

 

[molliesmaster]

All you folks questioning why I’m running in waders clearly haven’t chased a cripple when you’re getting low on shells! Haha

Life is too short to hunt ducks without a dog.


And that there is a pro-tip.

 

[shader112]

I like the Rodgers toughman/elite breathables. Very warm and comfortable. Fairly durable. And good price on sale. But it all depends on how hard you are on them and hunting style.

I started the season off with a new pair of toughmans that are leaking on both legs already. But they have seen 45+ days of hunting, broke ice, walked miles through timber and many more on levees. They have been abused.

If your hunting an easy access spot, don't have to bust brush and walk miles, they may last years.

They are easy to patch though, I use the rogers wader patch, along with some marine sealant and seems to work pretty well

 

[Luvbowhuntn]

I don't understand why anybody would be running in waders.

2 words........... Game wardens

 

[tt_johnsclist]

I have them all, most of them twice. If you can afford Sitka or Chene that’s what I would recommend. I currently have both and honestly there isn’t a whole lot of difference between them. Next on my list would be the High and Dry waders, they are really nice and more affordable. The USIA waders already mentioned are not breathable, but they are hands down the most bombproof waders I have ever had, I use them for winter trapping. Orvis used to make a really great boot foot camo breathable wader at a medium price point. They don’t make them anymore, but rumor has it they may be back next year. I’d rank them right there with the High and Dry. I know lots of guys love Simms waders, but unless I am mistaken they don’t offer bootfoot waders and so I have no experience with them. I have previously owned pretty much every other brand and model of bootfoot hunting wader you can name, I would only recommend the ones I listed above.

 

[KurtR]

Life is too short to hunt ducks without a dog.


And that there is a pro-tip.

that is a fact

 

[JMasson]

I have them all, most of them twice. If you can afford Sitka or Chene that’s what I would recommend. I currently have both and honestly there isn’t a whole lot of difference between them. Next on my list would be the High and Dry waders, they are really nice and more affordable. The USIA waders already mentioned are not breathable, but they are hands down the most bombproof waders I have ever had, I use them for winter trapping. Orvis used to make a really great boot foot camo breathable wader at a medium price point. They don’t make them anymore, but rumor has it they may be back next year. I’d rank them right there with the High and Dry. I know lots of guys love Simms waders, but unless I am mistaken they don’t offer bootfoot waders and so I have no experience with them. I have previously owned pretty much every other brand and model of bootfoot hunting wader you can name, I would only recommend the ones I listed above.

I was just reading about USIA and it seems they are out of business as of May 2022. The company was sold by the original owners in 2018 and the new owners didn’t pay rent and closed up shop. Damn shame because their stuff was awesome. Maybe someone will buy them in the future. If I can’t get USIA waders then I would likely get some from Sitka or as you mentioned, Chene. I’ve not worn either but I have experience with Sitka’s gear and I’m sure their waders are on par. Heard nothing but good things about Chene gear and I would hope for $1k they are also top quality with the customer service to back up the price tag.

 

[Engineerd]

Cabela's SuperMag waders have held up the best for me, I used them for the past 10 years​

I also have been running the SuperMag waders without issue. They have held up for 4 years without leaks.

 

[Timberdonkey_059]

Drakes new T Zip waders are my favorite of the several pairs I have ever ran! Also I can get Roksliders a discount on them if want to try them out, shoot me a PM!

 

[S.Clancy]

I've hiked ALOT in waders, think 100's of miles during a field season. The most durable I found were Redington Sonic Pro, the non-front zip. Simms were good, but I seemed to be always patching a seam. The Redington's were bulletproof for 5 yrs, then they blew the crotch seam. Simms would last a yr, and they started to get pretty upitty about replacing them. The last time they told me "you use the waders too hard...". Ok....

 

[Brendan]

I have Orvis Pro series zip / stocking foot for fishing and any hunting where there'd be a lot of walking and love them, until it gets real cold and I needed a boot foot. (Comparable to Simms, potentially more durable.)

For most waterfowl and any real cold weather I now use the Sitka Delta Zip. Paid full retail, and it is a zero-regret purchase. Our season is inland, tidal rivers (marsh mud), and the Atlantic Ocean and extends into February for late goose so they get beat up and used in some real cold weather. So far not an issue and I'm in my second season. Love them, 10/10, would buy again!

First Lite has new waders coming out next year, will probably end up being pretty good as I'm sure they'll copy all the good stuff from other brands and tweak to make them better. Their camo would be excellent for the area I hunt too.

 

[cuttiebrownbow]

Simms G4 boot foot waders would be my 1st choice.

I have spent the last 20 years in waders for months at a time and they have worn much better than any other brand I have tried. I haven't tried Sitka's because I haven't needed to, and they are essentially the Simms Waders camo'd with a few more accessories.

 

[wcasey755]

These are all awesome thank you everyone! Keep ‘em comin

 

[Ol’ Cheebs]

High-n-Dry.

 

[Tim Box]

I bought a cheap pair of tidwes to get me through season l. Already getting tears in the pockets and the waterproof pouch zipper broke first day. Looking at the rodgers elites or final approach 2in1s. Rodgers have good reviews but nothing on the final approaches. I figure with their clothes they have to be at least decent. Anyone have any experiences with either? Or what’s your favorite go to wader for durability?

It's a crapshoot they all leak after time mostly depends on how you care for them

 

[Jeff_Gibbons]

Cabelas waders and wading pants. The waders are insulated neoprene and have lasted 7 years. Picked up the wading pants this year for a lightweight approach and love them. It isn't cold enough in So CA to need insulated for most of the year.