Fall is officially here. Say goodbye to your wet-wading gear for the season and climb into some waders. October is one of the best months of the year to be on the water here in Colorado. But the frosty mornings and cool evenings require a solid pair of waders.
The thought of purchasing new waders can seem intimidating. There are so many different sizes and configurations, it’s difficult to know where to begin. Fortunately, our crew has lots of experience fitting waders. We asked them for their wader fitting tips, and here’s what you need to know:
Fit and Measurements
Anglers All eCommerce manager, Blake Katchur, says to start by using a manufacturer size chart and then asking one of us here at the shop or over the phone. This provides a baseline and a good place to begin. We have fit thousands of anglers in waders and have a good idea where to start.
“With the sizing chart as your starting point, I’d recommend that you add two extra inches in the inseam,” Blake told us. “Wader material doesn’t stretch, so you’ll need extra material to be able to lift your leg into a boat, over a fence or up a cutbank.
“Then make a fist and place it at your chest,” Blake added. “You should be able to slide that fist between your body and your wader. This provides room for a jacket under your waders.”
By adding a couple of inches to both your inseam and your chest measurement, you give yourself flexibility for movement, as well as layering needs.
Don’t expect that waders will fit like a tailored suit. Having a little room is ideal as it keeps the fabric from being fully taut while you push through willows and brush that could puncture the material.
Zip or No Zip?
Zip-front waders certainly offer some great benefits. But there are pros and cons to this completely waterproof front zipped wader feature. Which one is right for you? Blake offers a few thoughts on the subject.
“It’s easier to get into and out of a zip wader, without a doubt. Especially over a bulky jacket,” Blake mentioned. “But on the other side of the argument, the zipper creates a stiffer front fabric. Some folks might find this uncomfortable. Additionally, there’s no pass-through pocket on a zip-front wader.”
That stiff front panel and the lack of a kangaroo pocket are issues to consider. But for anglers who find it very cumbersome to get in and out of waders, these downsides may be easy to overlook.
Features
Each wader brand and model boasts unique features that are worth considering when looking for your next wader purchase. For example, the new Simms Confluence Wader and the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders have built-in knee pads.
Store manager, Jimmy Juliana, is a big fan. “For me, the knee pads were a game changer,” he said. “You don’t realize how often you kneel down to land a fish, tie your laces or re-rig. Having that padding there is really nice.”
Pocket options, different types of suspenders, and gear keepers are other things to consider as you evaluate waders. As you look at the mid to higher price waders, you will find pockets that zip closed. This is a nice feature for the angler in the rower seat, as it can help prevent the handle of the oar from catching your pocket! If you like stashing your favorite flies, tippet, etc. in your wader pockets, the added security of a closed pocket is a bonus too.
Many of the higher priced waders will also have thicker and more adjustable suspenders, or ones that drop down to waist height. If you spend 20+ days a year in waders, this level of comfort is nice to have. Also look for gear attachment points and belt loops. These are small things that can make a big difference to each angler and how they kit out their waders for a day on the water.
Women’s Fit Waders
Long gone are the days of unisex or men’s waders for all anglers, men or women. And luckily also gone are waders that came in only medium, large and XL. The industry's best wader manufacturers like Orvis, Simms and Patagonia now carry a dedicated line of waders specifically designed for the female angler. These waders are cut differently and often offer different features to better fit the body of lady anglers. You will also find short, petite, and full waders in this category to cover a greater range of sizes.
Ultralight vs. Guide weight and Pant Waders
As you cruise through the wader options you will see descriptors like “ultralight” or “guide”. Many times, these speak to the materials used to build the wader and how many layers are used.
If most of your fishing is done between April and October, an ultralight wader like the Orvis Ultralight Wader could be a great option. Packability is another bonus to the ultralight options.
“I look forward to hiking into some backcountry spots each fall,” Explained shop sales associate, Delaney Chapman. “But with temps dropping, waders become a must. I can easily pack the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Ultralight Wader into my backpack, make the hike to my destination and put on waders lake-side, instead of trying to hike in them. These waders pack to about the size of a Nalgene.”
On the other hand, if you plan to be in waders 8 hours a day, 40 days a year, and through winter temperatures, the added durability and protection of a guide or expedition weight wader is likely for you. These waders are designed to keep you fishing in the most demanding environments.
Another option that works for many anglers fishing smaller water, fishing out of a boat, or those not interested in deep or difficult wading, are pant waders. As the name implies, these waders stop at your waist and are worn like pants.
Wading Boots
Purchasing wading boots often brings up some of the very same questions about sizing. Blake recommends sizing up. “You want your wading boots to be a half size, to a full size bigger than your normal everyday shoe,” he said. “If you are a 9.5 street shoe, buy a 10. If you are an 11 street shoe, buy a 12.”
The extra room is valuable to make sure you have comfortable space for thick socks when fly fishing conditions get cold. A boot that’s too tight can restrict circulation and amplify those cold conditions.
Other Considerations
Don’t forget the importance of quality layers! The very best breathable waders won’t function properly if you’re wearing cotton underneath. Seriously, we’ve spoken to folks who thought they had a leak in their waders, only to discover that they were wearing cotton socks underneath. Cotton absorbs your body’s natural moisture, and it will make your feet wet, even in a quality breathable wader.
High quality base layers will help move moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable from the inside. Consider synthetic long underwear, cold-weather fleece pants, or even a non-cotton hiking pant. The same rules apply when it comes to your feet. Ditch the cotton socks for a pair of high-quality merino wool or merino-synthetic blend socks.
A solid pair of waders can last for years if you treat them well. Hanging your waders for storage in between trips or seasons as opposed to folding them or leaving in a bag keeps the fabric from developing weak spots or leaks. When you return from a trip or a day of fishing, immediately hang your waders to dry. If you filled them, or got any moisture inside, remember to turn them inside out next to fully dry before hanging.
After extended use, you may find a need to wash your waders. Manufacturers often recommend using a powder laundry detergent and then a quick spin in the dryer. Alternatively, we highly recommend using a Gore-Tex safe detergent like NikWax Tech Wash followed by a wash-in re-waterproofing agent like NikWax TX Direct. This will renew the DWR finish on the outside of the waders, allowing water to bead up and roll off, just like when your waders were new.
Ask Us for Help
If you have questions about getting into a new pair of waders, please don’t hesitate to ask. Stop by the fly shop in Littleton and we will help you try some on today. You can also give us a call at 303-794-1104 and we can help point you in the right direction.
