Should I buy chest waders or waist waders for fly fishing?
Posted by admin on Saturday, July 31st, 2010
I am in the market for a new pair of waders and stuck between the chest or waist option. I’ve always used chest waders but can see a real advantage to waist waders for flexibility and body temp. The only draw back that I can think of would be the few times you really do need chest height protection.
I’m looking at Frog Togg’s Hellbender collection. They are reasonably priced and have good reviews. Currently I have Wardells and have no complaints but would like to try something new?
Thoughts?
Filed in Fly Fishing Reels | 2 responses so far
Chaddon 31 Jul 2010 at 7:52 pm 1Definitely get chest waders. Unless you are one of these guys with a set of waders for every occasion, you should have chest waders — once you commit to a pair of wading pants, that’s when you’ll need the extra depth. Me, I usually have my main waders and a back-up set. I don’t have a set of hip waders for this stream and a pair of guide pants for that river and a set of chest waders for that lake. If I don’t need chest-depth, or if I start overheating, I just pull down the top part.
Most chest waders can simply be pulled down to the waist and worn like pants. Many waders are designed to be “convertible” in this way (even to the extent of having zip-off chest components), but I would avoid any waders that are more expensive because of this option. In the days before convertible waders, you just pulled the waders down to your waist and cinched your wading belt around them. That’s what I still do. You can either tuck the chest portion of the waders inside the waders or just let them hang outside the waders. In other words, all chest waders are convertible to one extent or another, whether they claim to be or not.
I’ve heard nothing but good about Frogg Toggs waders, and their prices seem fair. They’re one of the new-ish “Simms-killers” and I think they probably make waders as good as any of the smaller brands (Hodgman, Caddis, Dan Bailey). I think I would classify the set you’re looking at as “entry level.” My rule of thumb is that if you fish often (once a week or more), your waders will last 1 – 1.5 years for every $100 you spend. After that period, you’ll start developing leaks, seepage, etc. If you fish less (once a month) then you can stretch out the life of the waders. If you fish more often, then you really should be looking for a better set.
Don’t forget — it really is best to try on waders before buying. If you’re buying online, this can be tough. See if you can’t find a place where you can try them on, even if you don’t buy them from that store. Barring that, at least try on similarly sized waders to make sure you get the best fit.
AIRFLOWon 31 Jul 2010 at 8:13 pm 2Simply put-chest waders, if you get a good wading belt(Simms makes a neoprene backed one which will support your back) you can easily turn the tops down in hot weather. Even better would be a pair of chest waders with a zip, they will roll down easily and keep you cool in the summer, but with waterproof zip technology comes waterproof zip prices. If your going to get a pair with a zip make sure that its a good pair otherwise they will leak.