What chest wader do you recommend?

[Gobble Gobble]

Fall is quickly approaching and it's time to think of Chest waders. I'll be taking my son out for some ducks this year for the first time (second season for pheasant and he is already excited for the youth opener). I haven't hunted ducks since I tore a hole in my old set of waders and my hunting buddy passed away (5+ years). I've been looking at reviews for several months now and can honestly say I'm no closer at making a decision than when I started. My budget is about $350. I know I shouldn't start reading my gear reviews with the lowest rated reviews first because there is always someone who has nothing better to do than talk bad about a product. I've convinced myself they just make things quality like they used to anymore. So many reviews say they get one or two seasons out of their waders before they leak and need replacing. I'm sorry I don't want to drop $300 or even $150 every other year for waders. The last set of waders I had lasted me 20 years before a sharp pointy piece of ice did a number on them. SO, what do you all recommend?

[Duckslayer89]

I really like the Cabelas Supermag waders. They are really tough and comfortable. Last a long time. I got my gf a pair this year and they keep her warm. So if you need youth size look in women’s maybe too

[pickardjw]

I've had a set of store brand I bought at Academy Sports way back in 2013 or so. Never had any issues with leaks but I've also only used them a couple dozen, maybe 30 times. I'd say if you're not going to beat on them too much or live in them through duck season Cabela's brand are probably a safe bet. Patching materials are pretty good nowadays as well, just because they leak doesn't mean you gotta throw them away and buy new.

[Stein]

I get whatever I can find on sale, they all seem to last about the same to me.  I usually get 2 seasons dry, then 1-2 more after shoe goo seam repairs, then buy another pair.  I usually spend between 100 and 125 and get 3-4 seasons.

That said, I did by a pair of breathables I am excited to try out.

[Badhabit]

I mainly hunt in Cabelas breathable waders with 800-1000 grams of insulation in the boots.

[birddogdad]

have had spendy and cheap.. nothing is worse than a new set of spendy waders torn or punctured ducking... i now run the cheap walmart neoprene thick with an old pair of boots over... works fine,, if they tear, 70$ gets a new set....warm enough too...

[bigdub257]

I really like the Cabelas Supermag waders. They are really tough and comfortable. Last a long time. I got my gf a pair this year and they keep her warm. So if you need youth size look in women’s maybe too

I'll second the Supermags.  Probably going on 10 years with my pair.  Have had to patch the boots a few times, but that comes with use.  Whatever you get, I would recommend hanging them full length when not in use.

[metlhead]

I do between 20 and 30 hunts a season. Not a lot of trips, but climbing in and out of boats and pits, every pair gets about two seasons before seams start leaking. Price never mattered. I go low end, save money, and hunt dry.

[Jake Dogfish]

It doesn’t matter what I spend, they all get compression leaks from float tubing.  I buy what is on sale.  Keep one pair I use only for cold weather, use the leakers when it’s warm.

[Gobble Gobble]

Any thoughts on the waders with removable liners? I have had my thoughts of the Cabela's Super Mags or a pair of Frogg Toggs Grand Refuge.

[Special T]

Any thoughts on the waders with removable liners? I have had my thoughts of the Cabela's Super Mags or a pair of Frogg Toggs Grand Refuge.
[/q3uote]

I purchased my first pair of breathables 2 years ago Frog Togs from Sportco and couldn't be happier.  I like the removable liners but the down side is the seam between the boot and water will chafe my calf in the early season so some kind of tall think sock needs to be worn. Other than that they are great.

[Gobble Gobble]

How are the boot sizes true to foot size. I can be anywhere from a 9.5 to a 10.5 depending on the shoe but consider myself a 10. Even with a thinsulate boot I like to wear a heavier sock(s) for the cushion.

[northwesthunter84]

I found a set of Drake Equawaders for a great price 2 years ago after I blew out my Cabelas Northern flights on a submerged tree.  Really happy with them. If they weren’t on sale I probably would have bought some store brand waders from Rogers sporting goods. Good options and fair prices.

[BigGoonTuna]

I bought a set of the breathable a with the removable liners a couple years ago. No complaints, other than I only got to use them a couple times and the boots dry rotted/cracked from storage. Probably my fault leaving them on a shelf near sunlight  instead of hanging up in a dark cool place.

[Duckslayer89]

Any thoughts on the waders with removable liners? I have had my thoughts of the Cabela's Super Mags or a pair of Frogg Toggs Grand Refuge.

I’ve put my super mags through so much hunting. Salt water, tons of hiking and they hold up. I would go for it.