Don't wanta break the bank but also don't wanta leak or get cold!!!

Just picked up a tube boots and fins now I need waders! I'll be fishing high mountain lakes that I can 4x4 too. Water will be cold!

Thanks for help and suggestions!!!

Everyone will tell you to get breathable waders. I have both breathable and neoprene and I use the neoprene for cold water. There are plenty out there that can be found, although the neoprene is almost a thing of the past. They work and will last a long time...

Like say 3mil?

Neoprene is fine, but it is a genuine booger to get on - and worse to get off. I felt like I'd dislocated my shoulders and back every time.

I'm at least as warm in my new breathables with fleece under-wader pants on, and I can get them on and off without the need for a chiropractor.

If you can afford the Simms G4 guide waders, you'll never need another pair in your life. I think they're the best there is.

Same here. I have both and when it's cool to cold outside the 3.5 mm stretchy neoprene waders get the nod. In warmish temps the breathables are preferable.

Both pair have neoprene booties and no matter what the weather/water is like I always use a pair of extra thick cushy wool blend socks with boots or fins. This combo is very comfy.

With either pair and when it's justified I wear fleece wader pants to keep my legs warm. I've been float tubing on a lake with ice on it stayed reasonably warm for the first hour or so with the neoprenes, fleece and wool socks.

It was float tubing ala extreme ... but ... I caught some nice rainbows that day.

Now that I've thought about if I had to pick just one it would be the breathables. You can always add extra layers to keep warm but you can't strip layers away from the neoprenes. They do get hot when it's warm outside.

Either should be fine if one dresses appropriately. I've personally found the crotch seams a bit more durable on well made neoprenes. Just be sure there is ample room and a relatively loose fit to reduce stress in critical areas. Such that one can put one foot up on the store counter and not sense any stress at all in his/her butt, crotch, or knee areas. Obviously one also wants the sides literally up into his armpits.

If one is indeed a serious fisherman, there are no waders available that will last a lifetime. UV light, abrasion, and a simple wearing out of the boots or feet do mine in by the tail end of their third year. Some of my trips last for 11 or 12 days at a time though, I do try to conserve them by wearing other togs when making extended hikes to primo runs.

I do quite a bit of float tube and pontoon fishing. Prefer breathable with fleece wading pants underneath if water is cold to neoprene.

I only use neoprene when wading in the winter in extreme cold or duck hunting.

Great deal here on these patagucci waders and lifetime warranty

MRFC great company to deal with


http://www.mrfc.com/MadisonRiverShopping/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=4

I'll add this about buying waders ... whichever type.

Formfitting waders may look svelte and fashionable but it's not the way to go. I made the mistake with my first set of neoprenes to go after the "wet suit look". Waders have to be loose enough to where you can bend, stretch and pull your knees to your chest. It may not look as cool but having extra room makes it way easier to get them on and off, it lets them breath and is far preferrable for hiking.

I'm not particularly fat (6' 215 lbs) but I've bought stout sizes that fit me very well.

If you're fishing in cold water in the spring or fall, I suggest the Cabela's 5mm neoprene waders. They are cheap, come in a variety of sizes and seem to last for a few seasons.

No matter which you choose, constant emersion in vey cold water
is going to put you in some tricky situations healthwise. Wade fishing in winter is bad but you are spending some time moving oustide the water and rebuilding heat/blood flow to your extremities.

I used heavy 4 mil neopremes in my float tube and, still, long exposure in early spring got my legs cold deep to the bone and they stayed that way for hours after. Combine a brisk wind that wicks away heat above water and you can the get close to margins where your body sucks heat to the trunk area, your brain gets fuzzy, and thermal shock can snuff you.

Be aware of the signs of a thermal shutdown and take precautions. Periodic walks on land or heating up in your vehicle with a coffee etc.. can help avoid such problems.

1B