Over the last 50+ years I've owned a lot of waders and hip boots that dry rotted long before I figured they should have. I've had rubber and canvas with rubber boots. In all cases, the rubber boots just gave out after several seasons, no matter how I stored them.
I've also used neoprene waders way too many times in leech-infested, or other nasty-critter infested waters, in July and August. They are really really hot, and really meant for duck hunting in very cold weather.
Anyway, I've volunteered to do several hours of work in some cold (56 degree) and muddy water this weekend. Usually, this isn't a problem this time of year. But, we've got freezing temperatures and snow forecast again for tomorrow night. I just wasn't looking forward to doing this project in my "river boots" and fishing shorts.
So, I headed off to the local big-box sporting goods store this afternoon. As I was looking at the displays, I saw all the regular rubber, canvas, and neoprene waders and hip boots. I told the young lady, who came to help me, my tale of woe.
She took me over to some shelves that had things not displayed anywhere in the store. She pulled out a box of waders that she figured would fit me. She said she'd gotten sets of them for her son and father, and they loved them. Since I mentioned that I already had water boots for use with neoprene "socks", she had me try the bootless version.
I thought the box was empty. I doubt the box weighed much more than a pound. I removed the waders from the box and tried them on. They fit perfectly.
I'd never before heard of "breathable" waders.
I got home and tried them. These things are incredible. They are sewn, glued, reinforced, and I don't know what all. I chased a mouse out of one of my water boots, put the waders and boots on, and went for a walk into the pond. On dry land they are less cumbersome than my Carhartt coveralls with snow boots.
I think these things could outlast me. They look like they are made from multiple layers of military parachute material -- and they even came with a repair kit!
As I mentioned, I didn't even know these things existed. The cost was about the same as a reasonable pair of conventional waders.
Has anyone else been using these things? Are they as good as they appear on the first try?
