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.

[KB88]

The best waders are ones that are on sale and don’t leak. Look into any manufacturers warranty’s as that would make me sway toward a company. Fact is all brands suck all brands are nice. It’s sewn together material. But waders with the goop on the seams tend to be bettter (yet still leak when new). Really hit or miss. I would buy the best deal at a place close to home for quick returns. Cabelas still randomly allows wader exchanges, not a bad deal. Ultimately you can forget about your 20 year experience with one set of waders. I hunt 20 times a year not including fishing and In my garage is 6 pairs of waders. Some expensive some cheap. Most have been exchanged severs times. Point is. Don’t waste a ton of money, buy from bass pro/cabelas/Rogers on sale and they *might* back you up when you have a problem.


Buy aqua seal and use a flashlight in waders in a dark room. See light? Patch it

[bow4elk]

I bought a set from Frogg Toggs and love them

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[Gobble Gobble]

What about boot sizing? Again, I'm anywhere between a 9.5 and 10.5 depending on the shoe. I'd rather have a little room than not enough in my boot. Will likely be looking at Cabela's and trying stuff on.

[bow4elk]

What about boot sizing? Again, I'm anywhere between a 9.5 and 10.5 depending on the shoe. I'd rather have a little room than not enough in my boot. Will likely be looking at Cabela's and trying stuff on.

I have Simms Freestone boots, I wear 9.5 shoes and bought size 10 wader boots and they are a perfect fit.

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[Pnwrider]

I found cabelas waders run true to size for me. I normally wear a size 10, with the waders I am able to run two pairs of thick socks in size 10.

[Gobble Gobble]

Thanks for the info.

[follow maggie]

I’ve had good luck with lacrosse for a lot years

[Gobble Gobble]

I think I have decided on the new Frogg Togg Grand Refuge 3.0 boot foot chest wader. I called the company yesterday and they said they are expecting a delivery of them on 14 Sept. Should be able to order them and have them for the youth waterfowl opener on the 25th. I like the idea of breathable with the zip out thinsulate liner. Never been one for the tight feel of neoprene.

[Ltburrows]

I absolutely love my Rogers waders. They’re made by frogg toggs. I don’t know if you where using neoprene or not but try breathables. They’re a real game changer IMO. I’ll never go back to neoprene.


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[BD1]

My son is 12 and is about 5'5 with a size 11 boot  I know he is just going to outgrown them so I went with a pair of HISEA's off of Amazon. Basically $100. They are 600 gram thisulate. We shall see how they hold up. If he gets a whole season without wet feet it will be worth it.