As we approach the end of summer and wet wading season comes to a close, getting into a pair of waders on those cool mornings is a welcome change. Waders extend the fishing season, allowing us to fish comfortably well into the fall and even winter months. When it comes to waders, easily one of the most common questions we receive is, “What do I wear with my waders?”
In case you missed it, check out our previous article with some FAQs on Wet Wading. This time around, we’ll take a look at another one of those common fly fishing questions – what’s the best way to layer with waders?
1. What Not to Do
First, there are a couple of common mistakes anglers should avoid. The first, is wearing cotton clothing underneath your waders. Cotton absorbs moisture, including sweat and once it’s wet, it loses all its insulating properties. Cotton clothing does not allow a waterproof, breathable membrane like Gore-Tex to function as it should.
We’ve actually heard folks complain about leaky waders, only to discover they were wearing cotton socks underneath. Your waders might be perfectly fine – but as cotton soaks up moisture inside your waders like a sponge, you may feel totally wet by the end of the day.
Another clothing mistake anglers make, especially on otherwise warm days, is wearing shorts under waders. While this might sound like a good idea to keep cool, you will likely end up very clammy and uncomfortable as you sweat against the wader material and that moisture has nowhere to go.
On the other end of the comfort spectrum, staying warm, we’d recommend anglers avoid wearing very bulky, heavily insulated items. An overly bulky jacket smashed inside those waders won’t allow that breathable membrane to work properly. You’ll experience a greenhouse effect. And instead of staying warm and dry, eventually it will have the opposite effect.
If temperatures are cold, it’s much better to layer with multiple base layer and insulating pieces rather than a single, heavily insulated item.
With those things in mind, here are a few layering tips from the bottom up:
2. Socks
A great layering system for your waders begins with good socks. The weight of the socks should vary throughout the season. Early in the fall, a lightweight polypropylene sock like the Simms Guide Wet Wading Sock is a good choice. As the fall weather gets chilly, a sock like the Simms Merino Wool Midweight Hiker or the Women’s Merino Wool Thermal Sock will keep our feet comfortable.
No matter what time of year or the weight of the sock you choose, look for quality synthetic and merino wool materials. These materials wick moisture away from your feet, allowing it to escape and keeping those breathable waders working just like they were designed to do.
3. Pants
There are a couple of ways you can approach pants inside your waders. Probably the most comfortable is a set of long underwear, in a weight that’s appropriate for the time of year you’re fishing. Anglers All eCommerce Manager, Blake Katchur, says that if he knows he’s going to be in waders all day long underwear is his top choice.
The only downside to that approach, is that you can’t exactly jump out of your waders and go grab a beer in your long johns…or at least, we wouldn’t recommend it. If you plan to be in and out of your waders throughout the day or whenever you need something more versatile, a pair of quick dry pants is the next best option.
Check out our selection of both women’s pants and men’s pants for layering under your waders. From quick-dry pants to thermal-weight long underwear, we’ve got your legs covered.
4. Tops
Layering on top will follow similar rules. Avoid cotton, and look for quality technical fabrics that will move moisture away from your body, allowing those waders to breathe. We like to start with a lightweight base layer – if temperatures get warm during the middle of the day, something you can wear on its own.
Over that base layer, we might wear a hoody or a fleece pullover, depending on the temperature and the time of year. Check out our men’s tops and women’s tops for some ideas.
When the weather turns cold or for those frosty fall mornings, we’ll add a puffy jacket or vest over top of these layers. This is a good thing to keep in mind whenever you’re getting fitted for new waders. Make sure you have enough room under your wader suspenders to add layers, including a puffy jacket when needed.
5. Wading Jackets
Of course our favorite jackets will vary depending on the weather and the season. But a quality waterproof, breathable jacket worn over your waders adds a layer of waterproof protection, as well as protection from wind. With a quality layering system underneath your waders and a solid wading jacket over the top, you can take on just about any type of weather.
Take a look at our women’s jackets and men’s jackets to see some of our favorites.
6. Accessories
When it comes to wading accessories, the first things to consider are your extremities. Hats, including a warm beanie are critical to keeping you comfortable on the water. And gloves are another must-have item starting in the early fall.
Next, you can find ways to personalize and kit out your waders to make them work best for you on the water. Carrying a net always presents a challenge. Some of our favorites net solutions include, the Fishpond Net Holster and the Umpqua ZS2 Net Quiver.
Next, you can add a supportive wading belt, an extra pocket to hold your phone and keys, or a wading staff with retractor. And last but not least, we’d recommend a wader and boot bag for getting those wet, dirty waders home (and your car clean). A couple of our top sellers include the Umpqua ZS2 Wader and Boot Tote and the Fishpond Flattops Wader Duffel. You can check out those bags and the rest of our top wading accessories here.
Contact Us With Questions
If you need help with waders, boots or any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember, there are no dumb questions in fly fishing! Come visit us at the fly shop in Littleton, or give us a call at 303-794-1104. We’d be happy to answer any questions and help you feel prepared for your next day on the water.
