Upon  zippered waders for the first time, I’m sure that I’m not the only person who had the following thought:

“Are these just to make going to the bathroom easier?”

I had other thoughts that accompanied this mature observation. First of all, premium waders come with a premium price tag. Any upgrade adds to that total. Practically speaking, there was skepticism over putting my dryness in the hands (teeth?) of a zipper.  Plus, more parts and seams add risk to something failing. Failing is not something I want my waders to do.

Years later, and here I am fishing in a pair of zippered waders.

So what of my concerns? The more I got thinking about it, every pair of waders I’ve ever owned has failed from a puncture or at a seam around the knee. Above the waist isn’t ever an issue. As it relates to staying dry, I’ve used enough “waterproof zippers” in other applications to have confidence in a good product.

The final hurdle is the cost. For added cost to be justifiable, there must be added value. That is an equation which is subjective for any of  us. However, for the reasons I’ve already mentioned and the four I’ll outline below, zippered waders are worth it in my opinion.

Easy On, Easy Off

Over the years I’ve used different waders that have suspender/buckle systems that vary in convenience. I’m sure that the buckles in my zippered waders work just fine. But I don’t use them. When the zipper is completely open down to the waist, all I have to do is slide my arms through the wide holes. This is simple to do, not requiring shimmying or bunching anything up. I don’t want to make it sound like putting on traditional waders is difficult. However, putting these on is easier. For someone with mobility issues, I can imagine that it would be a real help.

Layers Stay Put

If you have on a fleece, a jacket, a rain shell, or any combination thereof, pulling your chest waders up to your armpits is probably going to move something out of place. There are a lot of moving parts, and those parts will move with you. In the coldest weather, you want that extra few inches of coverage you’re counting on from your garments. You also don’t want a scrunched up jacket around your midsection or crimped against you as you tighten your wading belt. In zippered waders, you can put on your waders, get yourself situated, and then zip up. Everything stays is as it should be.

Access & Venting

I don’t put everything in my sling pack when I’m on the water. My keys, phone, and anything that I grab from the trunk ends up in my jacket or pants pockets. Being able to get at those things quickly is helpful. Plus, they stay completely protected from the river and any elements when under my waders. Similarly, unzipping  a bit on the river allows for some ventilation. It isn’t the same as wearing waist-high waders. But on a warmer day, even just a few inches can be refreshing. (Just remember not to wade deeper than the lowest part of your open zipper. Ask me how I know.)

And, Of Course, Guys Can Pee

This alone isn’t worth upgrading your waders. But once it is an option you’re not going to say no. And while I can’t offer and firsthand  data, I imagine that the on/off convenience will streamline the (more involved) process for ladies as well.

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My zippered waders are the Redington Escape Zip Waders. They fit me incredibly well, allowing me to move to and on the water comfortably. They’re a relatively feature-light pair of waders. What they don’t have in bells in whistles, they make up in multi-layer construction (4 from the waist down). One feature that I do think is genius is that they have  a snap at the top of the zipper. Connecting the two panels, it allows you to unzip and zip easily with one hand. If you’re looking to get a pair of waders with a zipper, I’d absolutely recommend these waders from Redington.