Complete Guide to the 21 Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2018

Cold, leaky waders will absolutely ruin an otherwise perfect day on the water. Our look at the best fly fishing waders will help you avoid that fate.

Many of us use nature as an escape from the stress of everyday life.

Stepping into the Great Outdoors and taking that first breath of crisp, open air truly is an amazing feeling.

And as almost any fisherman will tell you, there’s no better way to step into the Great Outdoors than to literally wade out into it.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the sport, you’ll need the right gear.

And for fly fishermen, a great pair of waders is not to be overlooked.

Our goal with this article is two-fold:

1. Describe the wide world of fishing waders, and
2. Identify the best fly fishing waders across 7 categories.

Why 7 categories?

Because there are a lot of different fishing environments and a lot of types of waders!

In this article:

• We’ll kick it off with a quick rundown of our picks for best fishing waders,
• Then go into detail about how to choose the best waders for you, and
• Finally tie it all up with a more detailed look at out 21 best fly fishing waders.

Click here to skip the “How to Choose” and go straight to the reviews!

How to Choose the Best Fly Fishing Waders for You

Despite the fact that fishing waders sort of look like one big ol’ sack anyone can fit into, they absolutely aren’t one size fits all. What may be perfect for my needs may be the total opposite of what you need.

In this guide I’ll do my best to highlight the best fishing waders for various situations, but first we should evaluate the different types of waders you’ll be wading through.

(I know, terrible joke.)

• Material
• Bootfoot vs stockingfoot waders
• Chest vs waist vs hip waders
• Quality vs cost
• Gravel guards, knee pads, pockets, and other extras

As you read, make note of your experiences and please comment at the bottom of this article!

Material

Back in the day there wasn’t much choice when it came to fishing wader material. If you wanted to stay dry, you lined yourself with rubber.

While these rubber waders got the job done, they had some significant drawbacks:

• They’re heavier.
• They’re stiffer.
• They trap moisture and can get steamy even in cold water.
• They’re just plain ol’ uncomfortable.

Today you aren’t limited to just rubber. As you’re shopping for your first or next pair of fishing waders, you’ll probably come across these 5 options:

• Rubber
• Canvas
• Neoprene
• PVC/Nylon
• Synthetic breathable material (e.g. GORE-TEX or Dri-Plus)

And generally you’ll be choosing between those bottom 3.

Let’s take a look at how these 5 different materials grade out in the most important categories:

Let’s dive a little deeper into each type of wader material.

Rubber Waders

The original old school material, rubber waders do one thing well: keep you dry for cheap.

But as kid who’s ever worn those cheap rain boots can tell you, rubber can be seriously uncomfortable. There’s no padding at all, zero insulation (growing up in New England I had so many frozen toes on cold, rainy November days), and there’s nowhere for moisture to go.

Make no mistake about it: If you wear rubber waders, you’re going to sweat.

But that doesn’t mean rubber fishing waders are a no-go from the start. It all depends on what your intended use is.

Best Use: Warmer climates, preferably if you’ll be mostly stationary. Also a solid option if you’re on a budget, just don’t get them if you’ll be moving around in colder climates.

Image via the National Park Service

Canvas Waders

Canvas waders are another old school style that are a serious step up from rubber waders. While canvas waders are moderately heavy and fairly expensive, they’re about as tough and rugged as waders come.

In the grading table above, you’ll notice I’ve given canvas waders a D in breathability, because technically they aren’t breathable.

However, canvas waders typically are looser-fitting, which gives you some room to aerate. This also allows you to layer up underneath with breathable clothing to help keep yourself warmer (hence the B for warmth).

But as previously mentioned, the major upside to canvas waders is their durability. If you plan on moving through thick brush, you’ll want to consider canvas. Branches or brush that would slice rubber waders or tear through neoprene waders will barely nick canvas waders.

Best Use: When you plan on moving through rough, thick terrain. Also great if you like layering up underneath the waders, as canvas waders tend to give you a little extra bagginess. Ideal for duck hunting.

Neoprene Waders

What’s neoprene? Think a diver’s wet suit.

The most popular style of fishing wader, neoprene does one thing superbly well: Keep you warm!

(And they’re pretty comfortable, too.)

Neoprene waders generally come in two different thicknesses:

• 3.5mm
• 5.0mm

I’ll be honest, you probably don’t need the 5mm waders unless you plan on patrolling some truly frigid waters. Even at or below freezing, the 3.5mm waders will keep you plenty warm.

So if neoprene waders are so warm and fairly comfortable, what are the downsides?

Pretty much everything else.

First, they aren’t breathable at all. Like with rubber waders, you’re going to sweat. And because of how warm they are, you might sweat a lot. Second, they’re bulky, heavy, and not at all easy to get on and off. Third, they take forever to dry, which makes storage a pain. Fourth, they tear pretty easily. While you can patch them with neoprene patch kits or some ingenious DIY solutions, there’s no denying neoprene waders just aren’t that durable.

Best Use: When you need to stay warm and under budget, neoprene waders give you the best warmth per dollar spent.

PVC/Nylon Waders

PVC and nylon waders are the “new rubber” according to Frogg Toggs, an outdoors clothing retailer. I think that’s an apt comparison.

Just like rubber waders, PVC and nylon waders will keep you dry for cheap. But PVC and nylon waders are lighter than rubber waders.

However, they share the same downside: warmth.

Best Use: For light or infrequent use when you just need to keep dry. Do not go with these if warmth is important.

Synthetic Breathable Waders

Welcome to the 21st century!

Or actually the 20th century as the first pair of GORE-TEX synthetic waders hit the market in 1993.

Put plainly, synthetic breathable waders are the best fishing waders money can buy.

It’s almost like these waders were engineered in a lab to give you the perfect combination of warmth, weight, breathability, and durability.

Oh wait, they were engineered in a lab? Nevermind!

Breathable waders definitely provide the best combination of almost every category graded above, but they still aren’t perfect. I mean, they didn’t get A grades across the board. Most notably, while breathable waders are warm, they aren’t the warmest. That best-in-class warmth would come at the expense of their conveniently light weight.

There’s also the matter of the price tag, as a quality pair of breathable waders is probably going to be pricey. Some pairs even approach $1,000!

But overall, breathable waders are significantly better all around than any other fishing wader material.

Best Use: Everything but the coldest of conditions. For generally cold conditions, breathable waders can be supplemented by additional layers of clothing without sacrificing their breathability.

Bootfoot vs Stockingfoot Waders

The next major consideration is the type of foot you want your waders to have. They come in two classes:

1. Bootfoot: Have attached rubber boots
2. Stockingfoot: Have attached neoprene sock; you must purchase boots separately

Let’s let at some pros and cons for each:

Bootfoot Waders

Stockingfoot Waders

You’ll probably find buying bootfoot fishing waders to be less expensive than separately buying stockingfoot fishing waders and wading boots, but obviously that depends on the specific gear you’re looking for.

Chest vs Waist vs Hip Waders

When I think of fishing waders, I think of the overall-looking style that looks like the snow pants I used to wear as a kid. But that’s only one style of waders. There are actually 3 different styles of fishing waders:

• Chest waders
• Waist waders
• Hip waders

In the shocker of the century, each type of wader is named for how high it goes up on your body. Let’s take a look at each different type and the type of fishing they’re suited for.

Chest Waders

The most versatile wader because one pair will work whether you’re in trickling creeks or waist-deep rivers, chest waders are the one to get if you want one catch-all wader style. The downside is they’re obviously heavier, bulkier, and hotter than waist or hip waders.

Best Use: If you plan on river or stream fishing, especially in climates that aren’t too hot.

Waist Waders

If you don’t want the bulkiness of the overall-style chest waders yet need something more than the high sock-style hip waders, then waist waders are your go-to.

Best Use: For wading up to your knees (or a touch higher) in slow moving streams, especially in warmer environments where you’d rather wear a thin upper layer to prevent sweating.

Hip Waders

If you just want to splash around in the creek while keeping your pants dry, hip waders are an awesome option. They have the triple bonus of being the lightest, most portable, and generally cheapest of all 3 wader styles.

Best Use: For those just looking to wade into the shallowest of streams with little splashing, and also good if you don’t need any insulation and are looking to save some money.

Quality vs Cost

When choosing the best fly fishing waders for your needs, ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. How frequently will you use them?
2. Are you comfortable patching them when repairs are needed?
3. What type of features are you looking for?

(We’ll answer that third question in the next section.)

If you plan on using your waders 10-20 times per year or less, you should expect to get 3-5 years out of a decently good pair of waders.

If you plan on using your waders 20-30 times per year or more, then you may only get a 1-2 seasons out of them.

Please note this depends on how well you take care of them and the type of terrain in which you use them.

You can extend the lifespan on a pair of waders through patching to repair any leaks. Here’s a great guide on how to repair fishing waders by the American Boating Organization.

Speaking of leaks, I once read something on the Internet that summarized fishing waders pretty well:

All fishing waders will leak, it’s just a matter of when.

The difference between low quality waders and high quality waders is how long until they begin to leak. In an attempt to keep costs down and deliver a cheaper product to market, wader manufacturers obviously compromise quality, and that frequently manifests itself in weak seams. These seams often are the first places where leaks appear.

The question then becomes, which of the following scenarios is cheapest?

• Buying high quality waders and repairing as needed for multiple seasons.
• Buying more affordable waders that don’t last as long and repairing when possible, but replacing more often.

As far as features, well, let’s take a deeper look.

This man has about a billion pockets; image via National Park Service

Gravel Guards, Knee Pads, Pockets & Other Extras

In this section I want to touch on some of the features and accessories that you should consider when searching for the best fly fishing waders for you.

Shoulder Straps // Some shoulder straps are designed just to hold your waders up. Others are designed to be comfortable. There’s even a class of waders called convertible waders that are designed to allow you to convert them from chest waders to waist waders, for when it’s a little hot out and you don’t need to be dressed like a human burrito.

Cinch Belt // This is the part around your waist that tightens your chest waders. It’s an oft-overlooked but necessary feature for three reasons: (1) To prevent the waders from being overly baggy, (2) to allow you to adjust the airflow below the waist, and (3) to allow you to tighten up your waders so that, in the event of a stumble, less water rushes into your waders and takes you under.

Gravel Guards // The downside of stockingfoot waders is the need to buy wading boots separately. While this allows you to buy higher quality boots designed for your needs, separate boots also introduce the possibility of rocks and debris ending up inside your boot. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can lead to tears in your neoprene stockingfoot lining. Gravel guards (or gravel cuffs) roll down over the top of your boot to prevent this from happening. In my opinion, quality gravel guards are a must.

Knee Pads // They add a little extra bulk and weight, but knee pads are seriously handy, especially if you traverse uneven stream beds. Knee pads are like cell phone insurance. You don’t think you need it until you do. One stumble resulting in your knee being introduced to rock, and you’ll wish you had some. Also note, some fishing waders have removable knee pads.

Pockets // Pockets come in myriad styles — external, internal, hand-warming, etc. — so make sure to think about the gear you’ll be carrying and the types of pockets you may need. I’ll also include in this section other storage means, such as D-rings. Those can be handy for hanging things, like your net.

Front Zipper // Harking back to my New England youth, I used to hate getting dressed to play in the snow, only to have to go back inside 15 minutes later because I had to pee. Do you know how long that stuff took to put on? A convenient, leak-proof front zipper can be a Godsend.

The Outdoor Authority’s Best Fishing Wader Reviews

After 2,000 words of “How to choose the best fly fishing waders for you!” it’s finally time to actually name the best fishing waders. We’re breaking them down into 7 categories.

Best Breathable Chest Waders

Simms GZ4 Stockingfoot Waders

Bottom Line: Best-in-class waders from a recognized authority in outdoor gear, the Simms GZ4 waders are expensive but worth every penny for the fly fisherman who needs to be dragged out of the water.

Patagonia Rio Gallegos Stockingfoot Waders

Bottom Line: Not quite as pricey as the Simms GZ4 waders but still offering elite performance, the Patagonia Rio Gallegos are convertible from chest to waist waders and made from 4 layers of Patagonia’s resilient breathable fabric.

Compass 360 Deadfall STOUT Stockingfoot Waders

Bottom Line: A quality wader without a ton of extras, the Compass 360 Deadfall series is a great budget breathable wader. This STOUT version is designed for the — ahem — larger anglers among us.

Best Neoprene Waders

Frogg Toggs Amphib 3.5mm Neoprene Stockingfoot Chest Waders

Bottom Line: A great combination of affordability and performance, the Frogg Toggs’ Amphib 3.5mm Neoprene waders feature a high-rise design on the chest and a super snug fit for superior warmth and dryness.

Red Head Bone Dry 3.5mm Neoprene Bootfoot Chest Waders

Bottom Line: The bootfoot, convertible chest-to-waist design separates the Red Head Bone Dry 3.5mm Neoprene waders from other pairs listed here. They offer a few nice extra features, such as chest handwarmer pockets and side cinch straps to customize the fit, but there are some concerns about the durability of the boots.

Cabela’s 3mm Neostretch Neoprene Bootfoot Chest Waders

Bottom Line: A thinner wader made from 3mm of Cabela’s trademarked Neostretch material, these bootfoot chest waders are a camouflage-patterned, all-season wader that’s perfect for both anglers and hunters looking for a neoprene wader that offers more comfort, though at the slight expense of warmth in colder conditions.

Best Waist Waders

Patagonia Gunnison Gorge Waist Waders

Bottom Line: If you’re wading in smaller streams where you only need lower body protection, Patagonia’s Gunnison Gorge waders might be the best you can buy. I love their light 2 lb design and high quality seam construction. The waterproof internal pocket for your phone is a great feature, too.

Simms Freestone Waist Waders

Bottom Line: These Simms Freestone waders are nearly identical to the aforementioned Patagonia Gunnison Gorge waders. They’re a couple ounces heavier and are made of a different material — though still high quality and breathable. In our opinion, choosing between the two waist waders comes down to which brand you prefer.

Cabela’s Breathable Stockingfoot Waist Waders

Bottom Line: A quality waist wader for significantly less than the Patagonia or Simms waders listed here, Cabela’s breathable stockingfoot waist wader is great for anyone looking to stay dry in shallow wader without paying through the nose.

Best Hip Waders

Allen Black River Bootfoot Hip Waders

Bottom Line: The best hip waders I have ever used, the Allen Black River bootfoot waders can handle heavier usage compared to other hip waders in their price range. One word of caution: The boot size runs a touch small, so consider sizing up!

Frogg Toggs Rana II Cleated Bootfoot Hip Waders

Bottom Line: A value hip wader that offers convenient wetness protection, the non-insulated Frogg Toggs Rana II cleated bootfoot waders are intended for less than full-time duty but still deliver comfortable performance when called upon.

Hogdman Mackenzie Cleated Bootfoot Hip Waders

Bottom Line: The Hodgman Mackenzie hip waders aren’t going to win any awards for quality, but they offer performance in the lower price range.

Best Beginner Waders

Caddis Breathable Stockingfoot Chest Waders

Bottom Line: The best beginner waders on the market, Caddis’ stockingfoot waders are made from breathable material with a comfortable fit that will introduce you to the world of waders without breaking the bank.

Frogg Toggs Hellbender Breathable Stockingfoot Chest Waders

Bottom Line: Nearly identical in quality, price, and performance to the Caddis beginner waders above, the Frogg Toggs Hellbender waders are an affordable option for beginners. However, it should be noted that users have reported a slightly higher leak rate than with Caddis.

Frogg Toggs Amphib 3.5mm Neoprene Bootfoot Chest Waders

Bottom Line: Probably the best affordable neoprene wader for beginners, the Frogg Toggs 3.5mm neoprene wader is a no-nonsense, all-in-one bootfoot alternative if you prefer that convenience.

Best Waders for the Money

Cabela’s 5mm Neoprene Stockingfoot Chest Waders

Bottom Line: Cabela’s is an (unofficial) industry leader in “Bang for Your Buck” and the story is no different with these 5mm neoprene waders. That’s a thick wader providing warmth and insulation that may be over the top, but it also ensures you’ll be able to use them in some of the coldest conditions you can imagine, all for a great price.

Hogdman H3 Breathable Stockingfoot Chest Waders

Bottom Line: An affordable breathable wader with 3 layers of fabric (instead of the 4- and 5-layer breathable waders featured elsewhere in this article), the Hogdman H3 is a great light-use wader for those looking for a breathable wader for a bargain price.

Frogg Toggs Pilot II Waist Waders

Bottom Line: A key component for “Best Waders for the Money” is how much performance you get for dollar spent. That’s what separates “Best Beginner Waders” from this section, because sometimes you pay a little extra and get a lot more. That’s the case with these Frogg Toggs Pilot II waist waders, which aren’t the cheapest waders out there but have impressive insulation and durability for what they cost.

Best Women’s Fishing Waders

Simms Women’s G3 Stockingfoot Waders

Bottom Line: A women-specific design from the industry leader in fishing gear, the Simms Women G3 convertible stockingfoot waders are made from 3- and 4-layer GORE-TEX that delivers unrivaled performance for a pretty good price.

Redington Women’s Willow River Stockingfoot Waders

Bottom Line: Another convertible wader at a lower price point than the Simms G3 waders above, these Redington Willow River waders give you a comfortable design with 3 layers of breathable (non GORE-TEX) material.

Hogdman Women’s H4 Breathable Stockingfoot Waders

Bottom Line: One of the most affordable women’s fishing waders, the Hogdman H4 waders are not chest-to-waist convertible but still feature 3 and 4 layers of Hodgman’s breathable material.

What do you consider to be the best fly fishing waders? How about the best chest waders, best waist waders, or best breathable waders? Which waders are you using and what has your experience been? Let us know in the comments!