FLY FISHING WADERS

First-class fly-fishing waders, fully waterproof, highly breathable, comfortable & durable

Breathable fly-fishing waders have become an essential equipment for all serious and effective fly fishers. With high-quality fly-fishing waders you can wade for hours in the water without getting wet. This is because breathable waders not only prevent water from getting in, but they also allow the water vapour that forms through perspiration to escape, preventing condensation from forming. If there is one thing you should never cut corners on, it is an appropriate pair of waders. If you buy inferior waders, you will only be annoyed when you get to the water and end up buying them twice. If you want to buy a new pair of breathable fly-fishing waders, take a look at the guide at the bottom of this page.

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BUYING WADERS MADE EASY

FIND THE RIGHT WADERS FOR FLY FISHING

Waders are a basic and indispensable part of your equipment. Especially when fly fishing, they allow you to fish promising spots that you would never have reached with only rubber boots. You spend a lot of time in your waders. When you are out on the water, you also cover a fair amount of distance in the water and in rough terrain. Therefore, choosing the right waders is of great importance.

WE ARE HAPPY TO HELP

In our online shop you will find a wide range of breathable waders and thigh waders. We can recommend all the models we offer for the respective purpose without reservation. Here we would like to give you a brief overview of the most important aspects you should consider when you are planning to buy waders. You will also find specific information on the individual models on the corresponding product site. You are still unsure or have further questions? Contact us and together we will find the right waders for you.

WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE AT THE SAME TIME?

The most important task of waders is to keep you dry. To do so, they have to be waterproof. But to make sure you stay dry, they also have to be breathable. This allows the moisture that is produced when you sweat to evaporate.

Can my waders be waterproof and breathable at the same time? The answer to this is clearly yes. This is because the fabrics used to make modern waders are cutting-edge technological products of the textile industry. These high-performance textiles form an effective barrier to water in liquid form. However, because the molecules of water vapour are smaller, they can pass through the membrane. This way your waders can be waterproof AND breathable at the same time. Both properties can also be measured. Compare the values of different manufacturers to find the best waders for you. Basically, the higher the values, the more waterproof and breathable the fabric. However, both properties influence each other. The higher the waterproofness, the more the breathability suffers. Therefore, a balanced combination of both properties is important.

For this reason, we do not recommend waders made of neoprene, rubber or PVC if you want to buy new waders. It is true that these waders are waterproof as well. However, every physical activity generates heat. If this is not dissipated, heat builds up and excessive sweating occurs. With neoprene waders, the argument of thermal insulation is put forward. With breathable waders, you simply use the layering principle. Suitable base layer and, at lower temperatures, a thermal layer of comfortable fleece will keep you at least as warm. It is important that all the layers you wear under your waders are also breathable. This ensures that moisture is optimally wicked away.

We also recommend light and thin base layer in summer. If the temperature difference between the ambient air and the water is great, condensation can form even in breathable waders. This is not a fault or shortcoming, but a physical principle. Nevertheless, the waders are and remain waterproof. The breathable base layer absorbs this moisture and releases it as soon as the temperature difference is equalised again.

HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT SIZE OF WADERS?

Every person is unique, also in terms of stature and individual build. Therefore, only one size indication is not enough to find the right waders. The following should be taken into account:

The size of your feet: You should still be able to fit comfortably in the neoprene sock of your wader, even with thicker socks (winter!). The neoprene sock must not pinch or stretch, as this promotes premature wear and tear of the neoprene material. This will cause the boot to leak more quickly.

Inseam: You should be able to walk comfortably and move freely with the waders. When you lunge, they should not stretch or restrict you anywhere. You'll be climbing over fallen trees or large rocks on the water, and your waders should be able to cope with this.

Circumference hip, belly, chest: The maximum body circumference can be in the hip, belly or chest area due to different statures. The cut of the waders must ensure that you can easily put on and take off your waders.

Many waders come in different variations of one size. For example, waders for body size M can be cut narrow, normal or wider. You can find the detailed measurements in the corresponding waders size tables for the individual models.

Basically, the waders should fit comfortably in all areas. They should fit with appropriate underwear. After all, you don't just want to stay dry in winter, you also want to stay warm. When trying on the waders, you should wear the appropriate functional underwear or fleece clothing. Again, the waders should not feel tight or constricting.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that the waders are not unnecessarily large or too loose. In the event of an involuntary swim, excessively large waders will fill up very quickly. Moreover, waders that are too large provide an unnecessarily large surface for the current to attack. In addition, the buoyancy is greater due to the trapped air.And this buoyancy prevents a solid stand. All this can be very dangerous when wading!

CHEST WADERS, HIP WADERS OR THIGH WADERS?

The answer depends mainly on when and where you want to use your waders. Chest waders allow deep wading. This makes them the first choice on larger bodies of water, but also on the coast. If your water is very accessible and can be fished from the shore without any problems, hip waders are sufficient in most cases. They are more comfortable to wear, especially in high temperatures. Thigh waders are becoming increasingly popular. Due to their small size, they are hardly bothersome. In combination with a robust wading shoe, they are much more comfortable and safer to walk in than classic boots. Especially on smaller waters where you rarely have to wade, they are a smart alternative.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING?

Good waders are not only waterproof and breathable. Many other features determine how practical and comfortable they are for wading and fishing and how long the waders will last.

Robust and durable waders are characterised by two features in particular:

  • At least in highly stressed areas such as the knees, shins and buttocks, they have additional layers of fabric or are especially reinforced. On the one hand, this makes them more resistant to wear and tear. On the other hand, it also reduces the risk of holes or tears caused by branches or thorns.
  • Potential weak points are minimised. When designing the waders, the number of seams can be reduced and their position optimised with well thought-out cutting patterns. After all, every seam is a potential weak point. Especially if it is in an exposed place. In addition, with traditional sewing, the fabric is pierced thousands of times by the needle. Cuttings that are welded under pressure and heat do not have this problem. Zips are convenient and make it easier to put on and take off. But they can increase the susceptibility to errors.

And last but not least, waders differ in their features. How well thought-out is the waders' suspender system? Is it comfortable over a long period of time without cutting in or chafing? Can your chest waders also be worn hip-high? Do your waders have patch pockets for accessories or comfortable lined pockets to keep your hands warm?

WITH THE RIGHT CARE, YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR WADERS FOR A LONG TIME

Even the best waders won't stay tight and breathable for long if you don't care for them properly. This starts after every trip to the water:

  • Remove any visible sand and dirt directly on the water without rubbing too hard. 
  • Don't leave your waders damp and rolled up. Mould is the death of every wader! Hang them on a hanger in a dry place (not in the sun!). This leaves them open at the top and allows them to dry well both inside and out.
  • We strongly advise against washing them in the washing machine. If you still want to wash your waders, we recommend a gentle hand wash with lukewarm water only or a suitable detergent for breathable textiles. Never use fabric softener!
  • Never tumble dry your waders! After washing, it is best to hang them on a hanger to dry. To refresh the beading effect, you can treat the waders with a suitable waterproofing spray. Simply spray it on the still damp waders (only on the outside!) and dry them with a hair dryer at a low heat and sufficient distance.