Wader advice

[CDS]

I am looking at getting new waders for the 2026-27 season. I have always had Cabela's neoprene waders. I mostly hunt west side so temps are usually above freezing.  I don't start hunting ducks till mid November. I am trying to decided on neoprene or breathable waders? Also insulated or non insulated if I go breathable? I am thinking that you can layer up in the non insulated? The neoprene have almost always been warm enough. Are breathable waders easier to put on? As I have gotten older getting my legs up in the neoprene waders is harder every year. I would welcome advice and recommendations. I am thinking the 4 to 5 hundred dollar range. I am seeing a lot of sales going on. Not sure if they are just trying to reduce inventor for next years models or are they just waders that have not worked well.
Thanks   

[Wetwoodshunter]

Here is what I use. Best of both worlds, they are insulated but easy to get in to. Also about half your price point on sale right now for $169. I just put a full season in them and they show almost zero wear but I boated in most days. Only downside is walking in them gets hot but it’s nothing like fighting neoprene.

10/10 would recommend to a friend.

https://rogerssportinggoods.com/rogers-toughman-2-in-1-insulated-breathable-waders/?_gl=1*rf7sy9*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3Njk0ODQyMTYuRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JeU5fQXItS3FrZ01WTWhHdEJoM0t5akRsRUFBWUFTQUFFZ0tMV1BEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*OTY5NTQwNjc0LjE3NjkyNjMzNjk.*_ga*MjUzOTc1OTk2LjE3NjkyNjMzNjk.*_ga_0964G1MELX*czE3Njk0ODQyMTYkbzIkZzAkdDE3Njk0ODQyMTYkajYwJGwwJGgw

[fowl smacker]

Here is what I use. Best of both worlds, they are insulated but easy to get in to. Also about half your price point on sale right now for $169. I just put a full season in them and they show almost zero wear but I boated in most days. Only downside is walking in them gets hot but it’s nothing like fighting neoprene.

10/10 would recommend to a friend.

https://rogerssportinggoods.com/rogers-toughman-2-in-1-insulated-breathable-waders/?_gl=1*rf7sy9*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3Njk0ODQyMTYuRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JeU5fQXItS3FrZ01WTWhHdEJoM0t5akRsRUFBWUFTQUFFZ0tMV1BEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*OTY5NTQwNjc0LjE3NjkyNjMzNjk.*_ga*MjUzOTc1OTk2LjE3NjkyNjMzNjk.*_ga_0964G1MELX*czE3Njk0ODQyMTYkbzIkZzAkdDE3Njk0ODQyMTYkajYwJGwwJGgw

I have the Roger's Elite 2 in 1 waders which are very similar.  Best waders I've ever had, and I've had a lot.

[rainshadow1]

Breathable waders are a lot easier to get on/off. A lot. I haven't had insulated ones yet, but I imagine they still are. I haven't gone high budget yet, but my kids have, and they are pretty impressive. Grundens, etc. Really nice stuff.

I do seem to notice that seams still leak (seep) after a couple seasons, but that seems to be true with absolutely any waders.

[Alex4200]

Here is something else to consider. Put in as much thought to what you wear inside the waders. My breathable waders have neoprene booties and I pair those with a slick boot liner sock. Much easier to get off. The full on neoprene boot waders I pair with long legged exercise pants like bicyclists wear. Slick on the outside and light fleece lining on the inside. Much easier to get waders on and off.

[ChesapeakeMan]

My vote is for breathable, boot foot, uninsulated with a zipper.  The zipper and attached boots make them super easy and quick to put on and take off.  As mentioned, what you wear underneath can make a big difference in comfort.  I have a pair of BDS (Back Down South) fleece wader pants.  They are great.  Very comfortable and warm without being too warm.  If it is really cold I will wear a base layer under those pants.  Rarely need to do that.  Even while fishing in Montana at Thanksgiving I only wore the BDS pants under my waders.  Daytime high was 15 degrees.  Comfortable all day in the river.  If it gets really cold I figure I could wear puffy pants.  I have Redington breathables with a zipper and stocking feet and the Sitka waders with boot feet and a zipper.  No problems/complaints with either one.  I was seriously considering the High 'N Dry waders.  But I am not very tall and wanted a short inseam.  The Sitkas offered what I wanted.  I am 5' 8" and 200+ pounds.  I wear a size 10 boot, large body and short inseam.  They fit perfectly.  I do know a couple people who have had really good luck with the Roger's.  The fit is much too roomy/baggy for me though.

[CDS]

Thanks everyone for the input. I was not aware of Rogers. I am wondering about the fit? How are they on exchanges if the fit isn't right? I normally wear a size 11 boot. Their fit guide says that the regular size 11 has a 36" waist and a 34" inseam. I have a 38" waist and 32" inseam. Other brands that I have looked at some of the negative comments have been on fit.

[vandeman17]

I bought a pair of Tidewe before this season and am happy with them overall. We switched from neoprene to breathable 7-8 years ago and will never go back

[Badhabit]

I use Cabelas North Flight Breathable waders with 1200 thinsulate in the boots. Have had no issues for the last 2 seasons. If I'm hunting in zero degree weather I'll use my 5mm neopreme waders with 1800 of thinsulate in the boots.

[McQuackin]

I'm in the same boat as you are this year new waders needed for the coming season.  Anyone have experience with Drake.  My experience entails 5mm neoprene waders I bought from bimart 4 years ago for 80 bucks on a black Friday special. Leaked a couple of drops from the moment I got them but the neoprene seemed to keep me plenty warm, got them out this year and discovered the boots were all cracked up.