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Best Chest Waders for the Money
Waders are a great investment for novice anglers, but they can prove an invaluable ally for seasoned fishers as well, as they enable you to get closer to your targets for improved precision. If you’re in the market for new chest waders and are wondering why you need them or what they’re good for, then you’ve come to the right place.
With this article, we’ll help you figure out which waders are best for you by supplying you with the key features to look out for, and give you a selection of some of the most effective ones on the market right now.
Key Features to Consider When Shopping for New Chest Waders
Neoprene or Breathable?
Waders come in two varieties: neoprene and breathable.
In essence, breathable waders can be adapted to all weather conditions and applications, but they’re more fragile and tend to give out faster. While neoprene waders are more durable but bulkier and are mostly suitable for cold weather conditions and pursuits like ice fishing. But let’s dig into these varieties a bit more…
On the other hand, neoprene waders are thick, warm and hard wearing, which makes them ideal for ice fishing and angling in cold climates. They’re usually waterproof and windproof as well and can come up to your chest, keeping you dry, warm and comfortable.
Although durable, the neoprene waders are not as versatile as the breathable ones and are mostly suited for cold weather applications. They also take longer to dry out, and they feel heavier due to their bulky weight.
Bootfoot or Stockingfoot?
Another important feature to consider before selecting your waders is whether they’re bootfoot or stockingfoot waders.
- Bootfoot Waders
Bootfoot waders might give you a familiar feeling because they fit and look like regular rubber boots on the bottom. They fit loosely and are easy to put on, but they provide little ankle support when trekking in rough terrain. However, you can still fish comfortably and safely with these on milder water conditions.
- Stockingfoot
Conversely, stockingfoot waders are more versatile than bootfoot waders, because you can change them as time goes, or wear them with wading boots as you see fit. They also fit more securely, making them ideal for wading and angling in rocky terrain or rough waters without slipping. So you can use them in any water terrain and any weather condition.
- Gravel Guards
Gravel guards are another important feature to consider when buying waders, as they help to prevent gravel from entering your boots. Another tip would be to use the boot size to determine the correct fit, as most wader manufacturers use that scale of measurement to size them.
Value for Money
As with any purchase, you have to consider your budget when buying waders. While you can still get decent waders on a tight budget, pricier ones come with nifty features like more durable shoulder straps and warm pockets and are more resistant to dings and scratches.
But to give you some simple guidelines, the high-priced waders are the way to go if you’re going on a far-out angling adventure, as they’ll be able to hold out for longer even after experiencing various obstacles and conditions. They also take longer to degrade, so it’ll be a while before you have to purchase new ones again.
But to give you some simple guidelines, the high-priced waders are the way to go if you’re going on a far-out angling adventure, as they’ll be able to hold out for longer even after experiencing various obstacles and conditions. They also take longer to degrade, so it’ll be a while before you have to purchase new ones again.
But to give you some simple guidelines, the high-priced waders are the way to go if you’re going on a far-out angling adventure, as they’ll be able to hold out for longer even after experiencing various obstacles and conditions. They also take longer to degrade, so it’ll be a while before you have to purchase new ones again.
On the flip side, modestly priced waders can work just as well for less demanding trips and occasional anglers.
Our Favourite Selection of Chest Waders
Made from neoprene, these stockingfoot waders from Frogg Toggs come with reinforced knee pads and boots with protective gravel guards. The upper part is 3.5mm thick and has a high-back design and a handy wading belt to help prevent water entry.
Other features include fleece lining, adjustable bib-style suspenders, and a warm, triple entry pocket on the chest area. These come in a dark green color and are available in sizes from small to XX large. They’re ideal for angling in cold weather conditions and applications like ice fishing.
Pros
- The high-density stockingfoot boots come with gravel guards
- Fleece lining to keep you warm on the inside
- High-back design with wading belt to prevent water entry at all costs
- Adjustable hook-and-loop suspenders
- Warm chest pocket with three separate zippers for easy access
- These stocking foot chest waders are warm and fit comfortably with a slight stretch
- Lightweight and easy to move around inch
Cons
- The sizes run larger than expected in the leg and foot area, so perhaps you might want to go a size down to get a comfortable fit
- These are not waterproof. They tend to get soaked after a few minutes in the water, and could perhaps work better if you wore them with rubber boots on top
- Only available in one color
These entry level waders from Hodgman are breathable and less likely to chaff, owing to their construction from a durable nylon shell fabric. They’re also lightweight, waterproof and easy to put on and take off.
Their bootfoot is made from cleated PVC, which makes them more long-wearing than your average rubber boots, while still being lightweight enough to provide you with ease of movement.
Adjustable straps give you that comfortable fit, and a convenient interior chest pocket is great for storage. They’re available in one brown color with sizes that run from size 7 to size 13, and you can use them for surfcasting and fly fishing, among other applications.
Pros
- They fit comfortably and provide ease of movement
- The bootfoot is made from a durable and lightweight cleated PVC to navigate rough ground, and they’re easy to slip on and take off
- The adjustable suspenders allow you to get a more comfortable fit
- They’re durable and long-wearing
- Value for money
- The boots are completely waterproof
Cons
- They’re only available in one color
- These do not provide any insulation against cold weather and are better paired with thick woolen socks or pants
- They will start to leak when the water reaches the chest area
- Although durable, the boots are not shock-absorbent, so you’re most likely to feel pressure from contact with sharp rocks and stones
These dry and lightweight waders from Allen Brule are made from rugged nylon fabric with cleated boots. They also come with adaptable suspenders and a drawstring top for a customized feel and fit. They’re available in sizes 7 to 13 and come in one camo green color. Although these are not exactly recommended for extreme conditions and long expeditions, they can be adapted to various applications by adding an extra layer of warm clothing underneath.
Pros
- They’re made from a lightweight nylon material
- Adjustable straps with drawstring top
- Easy to put on and take off
- Cleated boots make it easier to navigate rugged terrain
- Exact and comfortable fit, but you may need to order a size up if you’ll be wearing these with socks or other layers underneath
Cons
- Only one color option
- Not durable enough for harsh terrain or truly long expeditions
These bootfoot chest waders from Hodgman are made from a thick neoprene shell, feature reinforced double layer knees, and a fleece lined top entry pocket to warm your hands. On top of that, these waders also include a super durable Thinsulate rubber boot with cleated soles. They’re glued and taped together at the seams to prevent leaks, and there are D-rings on the front and back to attach accessories.
These are also comfortable to wear, provide complete flexibility of movement, and are warm enough to keep you cozy during those cold winter months. Ideal for ice fishing or angling in cold water, and can work for a number of applications, and they’re available in the color brown with sizes that run from 7 to 13.
Pros
- The fleece lined top entry pocket keeps hands nice and warm while braving the coldest weather
- You can attach accessories through D-rings on the front and back
- These are waterproof waders, with taped and glued seams to prevent leaks
- Adjustable straps provide comfort and flexibility
- Durable and long-lasting
- The thick neoprene shell provides warmth and comfort when submerged in cold water
Cons
- They’re only available in one color
- The sizes run bigger than expected, especially the boots. So a smaller size would be in order if you want to experience a snug and comfortable fit
- Although there are no leaks, these do tend to get annoyingly damp around the feet and ankles after prolonged periods of time in the water
- It arrives with a strong chemical odor that needs to be aired out for a few days before use
These stylish two-tone waders are made from a breathable and durable Polyester material with CaddisDry technology to keep you sweat free and dry. They also feature a Quad pocket, gravel guards, reinforced knees and adjustable suspenders.
The foot part is double taped and glued inside and out, for durability. Also, they’re available in a wide variety of sizes from small to XX large stout, which helps to cater for men and women of all sizes and body types. These can easily adapt to different applications, thanks to the wading belt which prevents water from coming in from the top, but they’re not recommended for extremely cold water conditions.
Pros
- They come with gravel guards
- Stylish two-tone color
- They’re made from a hard-wearing and comfortable Polyester material
- Wide variety of sizes to choose from, providing specific sizes to men and women of all sizes
- They come with a wading belt to prevent top water leaks
- Great customer support and value for money
- Easy to wear and take off
- Works for different applications, but not recommended for cold water conditions
Cons
- Unfortunately, this is not the bootfoot variety, so you’ll have to purchase boots separately
- The quality is not ideal for frequent use but can handle occasional fishing
- These waders are also not ideal for use in cold weather, as they tend to leak after a few times on the water
Made from a cozy and warm nylon knit, which has been laminated to a thick neoprene, these waders provide the height of comfort and durability, especially in extreme conditions. They feature adjustable shoulder straps, with D-rings front and back to easily attach accessories.
The rubber boots are insulated with 100 grams of Thinsulate and feature steel arch support and a semi-hard toe cap for comfortable trekking. Other features include a high-back design, strengthened knee pads, a front pocket to warm your hands in, as well as a built-in waist belt to keep water from coming in from the top. These come in sizes 7 to 13.
Pros
- These neoprene chest waders come with an oversized pocket to warm hands and keep stuff
- They’re made from hard-wearing neoprene with reinforced knee pads to withstand rough terrain and fishing conditions
- Perfect fit, true to size, and the adjustable straps help too
- Excellent price
- The rubber boots are insulated with 100 grams of Thinsulate to retain warmth and comfort
- High back design provides comfort and flexibility
Cons
- These are not breathable and can be extremely uncomfortable when used in warm weather conditions
- Although ideal for cold weather conditions, it is recommended that you pair these with warm socks to keep you warm as they tend to get cold over time
Wading on the Water…
Waders can be fun and expeditious, not to mention a game changer when angling in extreme conditions. But their most valuable feature is allowing anglers to get up close and personal with finicky targets, and as mentioned above, waders are a great way to introduce new anglers to the sport.
Just be sure to choose ones that are suitable to your needs, but versatile enough to use in a variety of applications. That said, cash is king and getting a good deal on waders that hit the right notes while being budget friendly sounds like a good deal to us.
Here’s to hoping that this has helped you to find the best waders for you, and enjoy the water out there!