Outside of a rod, reel, and line, the most important (and expensive) gear for the fly fisher is waders and boots. Along with keeping you dry, waders and boots ensure that you stay comfortable and safe. For those good reasons, these items also end up costing more than everything aside from rods and reels.
In the last quarter century, wader technology has come a long way. Canvas gave way to neoprene, which eventually relinquished it’s crown to breathable nylon. Wading boots went from oversized molded forms attached to the bottom of waders to footwear designed with the same rigor as high-end hiking boots. What fly fishers are wearing in the water today is a far cry from what their grandparents donned in order to walk into the river.
But fly fishers aren’t the only people who wade. Conventional anglers, waterfowl hunters, and countless others who spend their time outdoors waist-deep in something want the best gear possible. Consequently, there is a lot of gear out there. Knowing your options, even if it means flipping do a different section in the catalog, might help you as you walk to what you want to be doing outside.
Recently I talked to Kevin Gentle, a sales manager at the outerwear fixture Frogg Toggs, about what is out there for people looking to step into the water. Here are some highlights of that conversation:
What things should a shopper prioritize in a pair of waders?
“Quality construction. But after that, what kind of ankle support, insulation, and sole options you’ll have.”
As most anglers use stocking foot waders with a separate boot, which situations might call for a bootfoot wader?
“The amount of warmth – of insulation you get in a bootfoot wader is really what it comes down to. Most have at least 1,200 grams of Thinsulate in the boot. At that point, you have to figure out what is more important: ankle support and sole material from a separate boot or the insulation you gain with the attached boot. What you’ll get with that is better than any warm socks.”
There are plenty of other wader options aside from what you’ll find in the fishing section of an outdoor catalog. What are the major differences between a fishing wader and a waterfowl wader?
“Because of the amount of moving fishermen do, most of the fishing-specific waders will be stockingfoot. You get more ankle support with a separate boot. But waterfowl waders will have more reinforcement in the shin and seat area. There is an added layer of protection, as those areas get a lot more wear and tear.
“General insulation is another thing. Anglers have been layering for a long time under breathable waders. Duck hunters have relied on neoprene for much longer. It is only recently that waterfowl waders have moved to being breathable. Frogg Toggs was the first to offer a removeable insulated and breathable liner. It keeps you warm and dry in all weather. You’re also able to remove the liner to repair and small tears.”
If someone just wants one pair of waders to use for a number of activities, what should she be looking for?
“That is up to the end user. What are they using it for the most? Fishing, or hunting? Then, depending upon the river you’re fishing you have to ask if you should even consider a lug sole or not. If you’re on a budget, looking for one pair of waders, you want something that will work for what you’re doing most of the time. That being said, breathable is much more versatile because you can always layer underneath it. Most waders will work for most applications.”
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Breathable waders, which have become the standard choice for most fly fishers, seem to be the best material option. However, there are plenty of situations where bootfoot might make more sense than a separate boot. Someone who hunts in his waders a lot, fishes in a more stationary manner (steelhead, salmon, etc.), or traverses a stable river bottom might appreciate the simplicity and insulation of an attached boot. While nothing replaces in-the-field testing, trying on gear on and walking around the store is the best step someone can take as they seek to make a good decision – especially if that pair of waders is going to be your one pair.
I appreciate Kevin Gentle taking the time to talk to me about waders and Frogg Toggs’ approach to outerwear. Along with their removeable liner, Frogg Toggs has plenty of reasonably priced offerings for anglers, hunters, or anyone else who needs to wade. Check out everything they’re doing over on their website.