hole in wader boots

[vandeman17]

I currently have three pair of waders and all have holes or cracks in the boots. We hunt almost every weekend of the season, hike a ways to get to different spots, and do a lot of squatting, kneeling etc so I always seem to get a crack in the boots. I can get 2-3 seasons out of them before the start leaking. I have tried everything to reseal them but nothing seems to hold. Any ideas or should I just figure I will have to buy new waders every few years?

[Bullkllr]

Well, being mostly a cheap bass****, I've done some serious wader patching in my day.

I had a pair of Trek neoprenes when they first came out. They were so patched it was ridiculous, but I kept wearing them way past where I should have. A friend asked me why I didn't get a new pair; I said I didn't want to spend the $250+. He said, well than you need to figure in the $250+ you spent on Aquaseal to fix those

Anyway, Aquaseal will patch up most any waders (esp. neoprene, canvas, rubber- I have no experience with breathables) as long as you prep the surface and follow the directions. You can spread it over a fairly large area that is worn or cracking. Problem I have had is that once cracking sets in heavy, they are about toast. You might be able to get a little more out of them, but life is limited.

I assume you are talking about "boot-foot" waders with neoprene or other uppers.
And the cracking is limited to the boot area?
Do you store them folded- definately increases cracking. Same with storing in sun light.

Are all 3 pairs the same kind and failing in the same manner? Maybe it's the boots?
On the other hand, I don't think 2-3 seasons of waterfowl hunting is a shorter than normal time for waders to leak. I've run into wire and stobs that went through new waders on day 1.

A pair of stocking foot waders with wading boots are more comfortable to wear on long hikes- and you don't need to worry about the boots leaking. Stocking-foots are not available in as many waterfowl specific models as boot-foots, though.

For a temp fix, Aquaseal. Long-term, different waders/boots.

[ICEMAN]

A quality 100% polyurethane caulk from your local homedepot or similar. Takes a week to cure, but worth it IMHO.

*Clean the area including inside the crack, with an alcohol wipe, let dry.

*Apply the caulk into the crack, and massage it in, then cover an area atleast an inch out in each direction, smoothen with a throw away plastic kitchen knife.

This caulk stays a bit flexible, but has incredible "sticky" factor and bonds well to most boots and waders IMHO....

 I have plugged more than a few rubber boots and waders with it over the years.

[vandeman17]

If I am able to seal them, do you guys have any experience on how well they can handle the bending again. I am careful with my waders when storing and all that but out in the field, I generally kneel down when we have birds coming in and that is where I get the crease and eventual crack. Everything I have tried works fine for a little bit but then cracks again because the fold point is always in the same spot. 

[JJD]

Aquaseal for neoprene or breathables upper material, shoegoo for boots.
When the boots start cracking, they're done.  At that point, cut your losses and buy a new pair. 

[270Shooter]

I use aqua seal and can usually get a pair to last two to three years. Also cabelas waders are lifetime warrantied so I just take them back and pick up a new pair when the old ones are done. They are a well built wader and I find they fit me well.

[h2ofowlr]

I use aqua seal and can usually get a pair to last two to three years. Also cabelas waders are lifetime warrantied so I just take them back and pick up a new pair when the old ones are done. They are a well built wader and I find they fit me well.

They are now 90 days!  Some will go a year depending on product.  I tried last week to take some back.  No go!