Chest Waders
More coverage, more comfort options
For all around versatility in the water you can’t beat chest waders. The higher coverage provides maximum protection from the elements and lets you wade confidently into the deep end of the stream or swamp without worry of getting water logged. And all this added coverage and confidence comes at the cost of just a couple extra minutes of dressing time at the beginning and end of your day.
The right fabric, the right insulation makes all the difference
Chest waders come in you choice of fabrics and insulation levels so you stay comfortable in any conditions:
Chest Waders in a Variety of Waterproof Fabrics & Price Points
Breathable waders use durable nylon or polyester shell fabrics backed with a waterproof/breathable membrane like Gore-tex® to keep water out, while letting perspiration escape. This fabric creates a wader that’s incredibly durable, surprisingly bulk free and keeps cooler and drier on warm days. In addition, breathable waders are sized to let you add insulating layers when the temps cool down and some companies offer insulated breathable options that use a layer of Primaoft® or Thinsulate™ Insulation to keep you warm when the mercury plummets.
Neoprene waders provide built in insulation and buoyancy to keep you comfortable and confident in deep, cold water. Offered in thicknesses from 3mm to 7mm, these waders let you turn up the heat on late-season hunts or early-season fishing. Neoprene is also incredibly durable against snags and tears and many manufacturers add reinforcing “armor” in high-wear areas like the knees to guarantee years of trouble free use.
PVC and Rubber chest waders are the ideal choice for just starting out in fly fishing or water fouling, to keep around as a loaner pair or backup pair, or to use for job site work. While the fabric doesn’t breathe like breathable models or insulate like Neoprene, the value is superb and the waterproof construction does a great job of keeping the water and wind away so you can be warmer and dryer all day.
Take advantage of the bib area over the chest. No matter which fabric you choose, make sure the bib has all the features you will need—whether it’s deep handwarmer pockets, shell loops for hunting or a secure pocket to hold your best fly lures. And while you’re examining the bib, make sure the hardware and straps are durable enough to take real use as no one wants to have to call it a day because their second-rate waders went south on them.
Breathable waders use durable nylon or polyester shell fabrics backed with a waterproof/breathable membrane like Gore-tex® to keep water out, while letting perspiration escape. This fabric creates a wader that’s incredibly durable, surprisingly bulk free and keeps cooler and drier on warm days. In addition, breathable waders are sized to let you add insulating layers when the temps cool down and some companies offer insulated breathable options that use a layer of Primaoft® or Thinsulate™ Insulation to keep you warm when the mercury plummets.
Neoprene waders provides built in insulation and buoyancy to keep you comfortable and confident in deep, cold water. Offered in thicknesses from 3mm to 7mm, these waders let you turn up the heat on late-season hunts or early-season fishing. Neoprene is also incredibly durable against snags and tears and many manufacturers add reinforcing “armor” in high-wear areas like the knees to guarantee years of trouble free use.
PVC and Rubber chest waders are the ideal choice for just starting out in fly fishing or water fouling, to keep around as a loaner pair or backup pair, or to use for job site work. While the fabric doesn’t breathe like breathable models or insulate like Neoprene, the value is superb and the waterproof construction does a great job of keeping the water and wind away so you can be warmer and dryer all day.
Make the bib area count. No matter which fabric you choose, make sure the bib area has all the features you will need – whether it’s deep handwarmer pockets, shell loops for hunting or a secure pocket to hold your best fly lures. And while you’re examining the bib, make sure the hardware and straps are durable enough to take real use as no one wants to have to call it a day because their second-rate waders went south on them.