Good Cheap Waders: Breathables Have Come A Long Way

Breathable waders have been around for more than a decade. In the early years, their price tags may have made you limp out of the fly shop. And if you bought a pair, then you faced the very real challenge of keeping them leak free for 90 days on the water.

Times have changed. I just notched my 60th day on a pair of breathables that cost me less than $90, and they’re still looking great with no sign of giving up. The model is the Pro Line Wallkill breathable stocking-foot wader. They’re soft, come high up on your chest, and weigh less a pound in size L. My pair is green; the newer model is a sand color.

So long as you don’t walk through heavy thickets every day and take reasonable care, these waders should easily make it to 100-plus days.  You can find a pair at this link on sale for $60: http://www.hudsontrail.com/viewItem/8/66/756/   

P.S. Back in 1980s I bought a pair of Stream Line 5mm Bootfoot waders for steelhead guiding that cost me $395!  What’s the most you’ve ever paid for a pair of waders? And how long have they lasted without springing a leak? Come on… I came clean.

Comments

[Aaron]

I have had a pair of Reddington stocking foot waders for 10 years and they have held up well. No leaks, tears or problems after a decade of aggressive fishing.

Price - $95 at the Kittery Trading Post in Maine.