Best Waterfowl Waders

[bhammac]

Can't afford the really fancy brands.

Struggle to see much of a difference between the high-end vs mid to budget route. I've been hunting ducks for over thirty years and well understand that they always get beat up. I typically destroy a pair of waders every few seasons, both neoprene and breathable, and can't decide which is really that much better.

Does anyone recommend any brands models that are in the medium to budget range? Or does anyone have another theory on best practice with buying waders.

Thanks.

[Klickitatsteelie]

Check out Roger’s sporting goods brand. I have had a pair for 2 full seasons now and have been totally satisfied. Stay away from cabelas brand had multiple pairs back in the day when they warrantied them, they never lasted more than one season.

[C-Money]

Another vote for Rodgers. My son & Nephews use Rodgers waders and they have zero complaints.

[MeepDog]

Unless you're 250+lbs I'd steer clear of tidewe as well. I'm pretty slim and usually can't find waders that aren't huge, but sportsman's warehouse carries rustic ridge 3.5mm neoprene boot foot waders that I really like. Very reasonably priced on sale for $85 right now, but again they're for the skinny build.

[pickardjw]

If you're not going to buy the upper end ones I'd just buy a $100 pair.

[metlhead]

I wear cheap brands, Whites, that last 3 seasons of very roigh use. Top end brands fair no better.

[knighttime25]

If you're not going to buy the upper end ones I'd just buy a $100 pair.

  The cheaper waders last a couple seasons if your not too hard on them 

[lovetogrouse]

I bought Tidewe waders on Amazon and they've been great so far. I would second buying a pair for less than $100 if you're not gonna buy the Sitka ones.

[mboyle0828]

I bought Tidewe waders on Amazon and they've been great so far. I would second buying a pair for less than $100 if you're not gonna buy the Sitka ones.

My cheap Tidewes have faired well over the past two seasons. Will buy another pair

[high_hunter]

Only expect to get 1-3 seasons out of a pair, regardless of what you buy.  For me, this typically means a throw-away pair of Mad Dogs if I can find them. 

Otherwise, a midline Cabelas or Rodgers brand when I'm looking for more features or late-season warmth.  Been happy with the Supermags and Northern Flight lines especially when they have the Armorflex reinforcements.  After the Cabela's-Bass Pro merger their warranties are junk, so likely staying with Ridgers going forward.  Great company and customer service.

Most all my experience is with Neopream but would love to hear what people think of all the breathable models, especially with front zippers so following along.

-HH

[Stein]

Rogers has a bunch of breathables on clearance, some at $99.

[metlhead]

I don't trust any breathable gear to be waterproof. The cheap waders that I use are fabric with the rubber lining inside. The butt wears put first so now I use pads to sit on. Very lightweight for any temps. Third season with see some Sikaflex inside at pinholes. After that, the boots get cut off and they make awesome offshore bloody deck bibs.

[2MANY]

Breathable and waterproof is the best marketing scam since testosterone boosters.

[follow maggie]

I’ve always had lacrosse waders for hunting & gotten really good life out of them. I currently have a pair of neoprene & insulated breathables & love them both. I’m not sure what the complaints are about with breathable waders, I never get wet with either of mine.

[Mallardmasher]

The rogers are a good choice but run a tad large. This is the first time I stepped up to the more expensive waders, and they fit like wearing a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. No baggy crotch or piles of material lumped up around the calf. The zipper is a game changer. Fit nice in the waist and chest, they are spendy, but after wearing them for a half dozen time since I got them in late Aug. I will probably stay this course…. Sitka