[salmotrutta]

Any place to get cheap waders? Or are they priced similarly across the board? I'm looking for a good pair, without paying a fortune. Thanks in advance.

[frozenfire]

Really depends what you're looking for.

Hip waders? Chest waders? Neoprene? Breathable?

If you're looking to go cheap, your best bet is probably Canadian tire. Mind you, the cheaper you go, leaks will occur sooner rather than later.

When I first got into wading last year, I wanted breathable waders as I knew I would be fishing throughout the year, and also for long periods of time during an outing. Breathables will keep you more cool. There are downsides to breathable waders though. They are more fragile.

Neoprene waders are thick and more durable. Used mainly during the colder months of winter as they are very insulating. They are not breathable and if you sweat in them, they will stick and become a pain to remove. That's why you rarely see them in the summer months.

Then there are the rubber ones you can get at CT or something. They are not breathable and you get the same problem with them sticking to you and overheating. They are cheap and tear easily.

You also have the option of getting them with the boots attached, or without boots.

My first pair of waders were a breathable set from BPS. I didn't even take it out on the water before I returned it. I was just passing by and it was convenient for me to pick them up. After some research and several people telling me they leak regardless of how you take care of them, I went and got my money back.

I ended up getting a pair of Simms Freestone waders and got a matching pair of wading boots. No complaints. They've been good aside from when I stupidly stumbled into sharp branches while steelheading and put a small hole in one leg the 2nd time I took them out. Nothing Aquaseal can't handle though LOL

[efka]

Frozenfire, aren't your freestones breathables? what waders you had at the begining, crystal river?

[wishniwasfishn]

I picked up my chest waders from Tremblays Tackle in Orillia. They were fairly cheap (around $100) and i haven't had any problems with them. There are no leaks and the small tear that occurred from trekkin through the bush was very easily repaired with a nylon adhesive i got from Canadian Tire for $5.

[salmotrutta]

Quote

Really depends what you're looking for.

I generally like to be as stealthy as possible when sneaking up on fish --> fire ants seem to employ a similar tactic when sneaking up my pants and shoes.

Don't get me wrong, I love all aspects of the adventure and I have found an instant solution for the fire ant sting, but it's time I invest in waders before I get a more serious poison ivy infection or what not. Curiosity tends to get the better of me and I've fallen into creeks on a number of occasions

I'm thinking neoprene - the temps are cool enough now - and I can always buy a breathable pair next summer.

[frozenfire]

efka said:

Frozenfire, aren't your freestones breathables? what waders you had at the begining, crystal river?

Yeah, they are breathable.
I had the BPS ones...can't remember what model or name. They were breathable also.

salmotrutta said:

...fire ants seem to employ a similar tactic when sneaking up my pants and shoes.

LOL

salmotrutta said:

I'm thinking neoprene - the temps are cool enough now - and I can always buy a breathable pair next summer.

You can always do that...but you're spending more!

[fisher12]

The cheapest place to get them is at any Canadian tire store.

[efka]

fisher12 said:

The cheapest place to get them is at any Canadian tire store.

you get what you pay for
lebarons has
3mm neoprene bare waders for $79
3.5mm neoprene caddis for $65