collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting  (Read 3096 times)

Offline ChesapeakeMan

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Mar 2010
  • Posts: 58
  • Location: Arlington, WA
Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« on: February 03, 2025, 09:12:27 PM »
Now that our season is over tell me how your breathable waders performed.  I am most interested in reports for Sitka Gear, Chene, Dive Bomb and High 'N Dry.  I intend to purchase a zip-front, bootfoot wader before next season.   Tell me about the fit/comfort and the durability.   Response to warranty claims and repair work will be a consideration too.  Thanks

Offline fowl smacker

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2013
  • Posts: 2176
  • Location: Castle Rock
  • Groups: DU, Delta Waterfowl, RMEF, Friends of the Cowlitz
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #1 on: February 04, 2025, 06:24:44 AM »
The Roger's NXT breathable insulated waders are by far the best I've owned. I've gone through a lot of waders over the years, both neoprene and breathable and these have outperformed them all.  I'm on year 3 of them and wear them for everything from claiming, hunting,  fishing, and exploring outside.

Offline ChesapeakeMan

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Mar 2010
  • Posts: 58
  • Location: Arlington, WA
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #2 on: February 04, 2025, 07:11:08 AM »
My future son in law uses those.  He has had really good luck with them.  I don't particularly like the fit of the body though.  His seem very baggy.  I am looking for a trimmer, more athletic fit.

Offline pickardjw

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2019
  • Posts: 1634
  • Location: Pendleton, OR
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #3 on: February 04, 2025, 08:07:43 AM »
I’ve been using Simms G3 stockingfoot riparian camo waders with cheapo frogg togg rubber sole boots for a couple seasons.

I’d hope those you listed have some sort of insulation. I’m generally comfortable down to around 30 degrees but below that it’s real difficult to keep the legs and feet warm.

They’re great for hiking in to spots and pulling my feet out of deep muck compared to bootfoots though.

Offline ChesapeakeMan

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Mar 2010
  • Posts: 58
  • Location: Arlington, WA
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #4 on: February 04, 2025, 08:51:18 AM »
I use a similar method.  I have Redington Sonic-Pro HDZ waders and Korkers Buckskin boots.  A base layer and wader pants make them pretty comfy for me down to single digits.  Searching for something that will take on a little more abuse and the convenience of the bootfoot.

Offline follow maggie

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 3268
  • Location: Fargo
  • Just me, just being a nomad
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #5 on: February 04, 2025, 09:15:32 AM »
I don’t have any experience with he brands you mentioned, but I only wear breathable until it’s just too cold, usually around Halloween here.  I’m wearing Redington right now & like them a lot.  If you prefer a boot foot wader, you should look @ Kuiu also. They have a breathable, boot foot zipper wader made by Simms for the same price as Sitka.

Offline Feathernfurr

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Apr 2024
  • Posts: 262
  • Location: West Wa
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #6 on: February 04, 2025, 10:22:09 AM »
I’ve run lacrosse breath ales for a couple seasons but they’re finally crapped the bed. I’ve gotten to the point where I honestly feel like waders, cheap or expensive, have a pretty short to moderate lifespan. I think cheap might only last you a season, or have defects from day 1. Nice might give you 3-4 years or more if you treat them well. I hunt a ton, and wear mine in some nasty environments so I’m lucky to get 3-4 years. All that being said, I'm pretty heavily considering the Chene Gears next season. I just can’t bring myself to buy Sitka stuff, not to mention I’m just not crazy about their camo options. I bought my wife some Roger’s and hers are nice, but I have hunting buddies that have had pretty terrible experiences with their Roger’s.

Offline ASHQUACK

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 865
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #7 on: February 04, 2025, 12:03:09 PM »
I just bought my first pair of the Sitka brand waders. So far I like them a lot. They are somewhat snug but at 6'3" tall and about 300 pounds I bought a 2xl. I should have gone with 3 but that's neither here nor there. The boots are nice to not have to fool around with wading shoes/boots. I plan on putting them through their paces this year and beyond. I have simms breathable as well for fishing and these are outta the box built different. Thicker fabric, better seams and so on. I do have friends who are on their 4th and 5th year of them and they have zero complaints.

Offline ChesapeakeMan

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Mar 2010
  • Posts: 58
  • Location: Arlington, WA
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #8 on: February 04, 2025, 07:39:13 PM »
Sitka can be found for $799 right now.   That helps a little bit.  I like how trim they look.  The Kuiu waders look pretty nice too.  Almost need to spend about $10k.  Order them all in different sizes.  Pick the best one and return the rest.  My financial advisor problem wouldn't love that

Offline ASHQUACK

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 865
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #9 on: February 04, 2025, 07:48:54 PM »
Sitka can be found for $799 right now.   That helps a little bit.  I like how trim they look.  The Kuiu waders look pretty nice too.  Almost need to spend about $10k.  Order them all in different sizes.  Pick the best one and return the rest.  My financial advisor problem wouldn't love that
Or find a local dealer try on the sizes you think will work then order them from somewhere they are on sale.

Offline follow maggie

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 3268
  • Location: Fargo
  • Just me, just being a nomad
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #10 on: February 06, 2025, 05:36:18 PM »
So I was in Scheel’s today & checked out waders. They have the Sitka priced @ $800 also. I asked the gal working that area if it was a temporary sale price or the new permanent price, since the tag was just marked $800 & didn’t look like a sale. She said it’s the “permanent” price until they come out w/ their new wader. She didn’t know the whole story, but Sitka has to redesign their wader for something to do with not being able to sell Gore Tex in California anymore

Offline metlhead

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 1588
  • Location: sw wa
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #11 on: February 06, 2025, 06:12:37 PM »
I would gladly hunt with anybody that would dump $800 on waders. They prolly bring really good snacks and either don't mind givin em away or can't see me sneakin em.

Offline Wetwoodshunter

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+8)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2014
  • Posts: 1284
  • Location: Sekiu & Goldendale, WA
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #12 on: February 06, 2025, 06:32:47 PM »
I purchased insulated breathable Tidewe waders. They absolutely self destructed. They came with a defect to start. The double stitched pad on the right leg completely separated. Then the seams on the inside of my legs opened up some nice holes along the tape line.

I too am looking for next year.
« Last Edit: February 06, 2025, 08:36:09 PM by Wetwoodshunter »

Offline ChesapeakeMan

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Mar 2010
  • Posts: 58
  • Location: Arlington, WA
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #13 on: February 06, 2025, 07:20:25 PM »
That performance by the Tidewe waders is exactly what I am trying to avoid. 

I still have Sitka Gear, Dive Bomb, Chene, Kuiu and High 'N Dry on my list.  There are things I like about all of them and there are things I don't like about all of them.  Kind of ruled out the Chene because they are the most expensive and don't have a shorter inseam.  I am 5'8" and don't need that extra material in the legs.  The Sitkas and the Kuiu have a short inseam option which have them in the lead right now.  The Sitkas are leading today just by virtue of the fit and the relatively lower price.  I am not in a hurry to shell out that much cash though.  Tough decision.  But I can guarantee I am not spending $300 to $400 on waders that will perform like the Tidewe waders pictured above

Offline ducksdogsdownriggers

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Dec 2010
  • Posts: 227
  • Location: Wenatchee
Re: Breathable Waders For Waterfowl Hunting
« Reply #14 on: February 07, 2025, 04:39:38 PM »
Now that our season is over tell me how your breathable waders performed.  I am most interested in reports for Sitka Gear, Chene, Dive Bomb and High 'N Dry.  I intend to purchase a zip-front, bootfoot wader before next season.   Tell me about the fit/comfort and the durability.   Response to warranty claims and repair work will be a consideration too.  Thanks
Check out Gator Waders.  Gave them a try 3 seasons ago.  Insulated and uninsulated Shield.  I hunt hard and often and consider 2 seasons par for waders.  So I'm playing with house money now.  Love them-will buy again.

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Looking for an elk guide in Washington, preferably around GMU 382 by jneilson
[Today at 10:46:33 AM]


SENATE BILL 5583 by Blacktail Sniper
[Today at 10:35:44 AM]


need help by ASHQUACK
[Today at 10:25:56 AM]


Don’t ruin it for everyone by boneaddict
[Today at 10:18:13 AM]


Guess the score of this typical by boneaddict
[Today at 10:12:49 AM]


Idaho Moose 10-2 by trophyhunt
[Today at 10:11:43 AM]


What's next, fees going up! SB5583 by Ridgeratt
[Today at 08:25:18 AM]


On Mountain Whitefish by throttlejocky20
[Today at 08:01:02 AM]


Did your BIG buck survive 2024 season. by Ironhead
[Today at 07:55:46 AM]


Oregon spring bear by time2hunt
[Today at 07:51:39 AM]


Banded Birds by snit
[Today at 07:50:40 AM]


NE Washington Turkey Advice by dmmarti3
[Yesterday at 09:56:22 PM]


Pack goat rentals in WA? by Ridgerunner
[Yesterday at 09:16:31 PM]


Back by popular demand: Krackers Bourbon Sauce by Kc_Kracker
[Yesterday at 09:05:54 PM]


Picked up a boat project by bowman
[Yesterday at 09:03:58 PM]


Fur Sale (Athol, ID) by dwils233
[Yesterday at 08:47:30 PM]


Lets see them Big 3 points by bigmacc
[Yesterday at 08:30:26 PM]


Mount Lion Took Out My Foxpro by Sliverslinger
[Yesterday at 07:29:54 PM]


HB 1930, Republican sponsored changes to Commission by Humptulips
[Yesterday at 07:09:40 PM]


What is a decent sub $200 bait casting reel (for bass). by slavenoid
[Yesterday at 06:59:13 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal