Best Brand of waders

Pulled the trigger on the new La Crosse Swamp tough waders. The fit and feel of these are amazing.Lots of extras of the little things. Both velco and snap locks secure waders over the shoulder. Don't need both all the time, but quick light adjustments are easy with the set up. Multi waterproof secure staches abound. right and left straps connect to be a wader belt.

Great fit for this 12 king buyer. So nice, I were them while driving the AWD vehicle to and from the lake.

Passed the "dry' test multiple days in the field so far.

Only thing I don't LOVE about them if the buildt in game bag in the back. It's not removable(unless I use a knife), Just gets in the way and keeps me from sitting back in a chair in the boat blind.

Knife might westle the wadders soon for control of the back hatch.
 
Around my parts, the latest and greatest (probably toughest) is USIA. They're made locally here in St. Helens, Oregon. They are a drysuit and military accessory contractor. Their waders are basically a drysuit covered in cordura and, boots of your choosing attached. They are tough. They are not insulated. They are loose enough to layer clothes underneath and, they give me more range of motion than the neoprene waders do. Some people have complained that they are noisey, and, I guess, if you sneak to sluece, that might be an issue, until they are broken in some.

Here is a picture of mine from last year when I got them.

USIAwaders_zps1334ac92.jpg
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I'm not real good about keeping track of what rules are from forum to forum, with regard to links. So, just do a search for them on line. They have a website. There wader business is fairly new compared to their drysuit business so the website is constantly changing. These guys are really making a name for themselves, not just locally either.
Check them out.
Some of the other hunting and fishing sitres already have people reviewing these as the word gets around.
 
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I'm not real good about keeping track of what rules are from forum to forum, with regard to links.
Click to expand...

Michael

Absolutely nothing wrong with a link to a website for a product you recommend and otherwise have no affiliation with...

http://usia.com/shop/hunting/

That is a potentially cool wader alternative...the website is a little clunky, mind me asking what you paid for yours?

Chuck
 
The owner of USIA ran a special on a local hunting and fishing forum. They were the first generation. I paid $149. Since then they have been selling them for $199. The second generation waders have improvements mine don't have.There are extras you can add that run the price up more, like water tight zippered pockets instead of the velcro pocket mine has. They guarantee to fix any leaks and, you can replace the boots if they get damaged. I don't know of any neoprene waders you can replace the boots after failure, for any reason.
 
I sent off a request for the USIA catalog, just in case I get to go hunting next year. As a lifelong boat hunter with favorite LaCrosse hippers and a long LL Bean parka, I still am trying to adjust to being a walk in guy with waders. Never liked waders. No zipper. (Though I hear there are some being made now.) I put four years problem free on a pair of Cabela's First Flight because they make those big enough for me. (Size 15 boot, 58 chest, 54 waist, 6 foot 2.) They are lightweight and reasonably easy to shove out of the way when disrobing to acquire access for coffee relief. So lightweight in fact that they will twist on you like pantyhose if you're not careful and you will find yourself all bound up hopping around trying to get into them. I only know about the panty hose comparison because a female companion was watching me suit up one Zero Dark Thirty and instantly realized why I was having trouble. Got them untwisted and now I know to watch for that. The light insulation doesn't bother me because I am a dyed-in-the-wool (literally) user of wool hunting clothing. Only drawback being neuropathy in my ageing feet, so I need to figure something out about that or risk frostbite.

I've heard there's an outfit somewhere in the west that makes custom big and tall waders...is this St Helens outfit the one, or is there another?
 
My Supermag waders from Cabela's just arrived last week and I quickly found out that you get what you pay for. These are well made and most importantly with the 1600 grams of Thinsulate, they are warm. I have found out that with age, keeping warm while duck hunting becomes more of a priority.
Kristan, thanks for the tips on how to keep them in top shape. I'll attempt to do that.
Al
 
Bill, I hear you about cold feet-I don't get them too often but my wife does. I was looking at a pair of remote control heated insoles that I saw in a catalog for her-sounds like it might be a good investment!
 
I'm definitely interested in the USIA waders. Sick of seeing made in China on everything. Especially hunting gear.
 
Not to revive an older set of postings, but I finally got several days of hunting on my Equader 2.0's from Drake.

I find them:
1. Much warmer than anticipated. The tighter fit through the legs and stomach seems to keep me warmer that previous style Drake waders.
2. Boots, although seemingly huge, are much easier to walk in than my previous Equaders. The ankle clips really do make a difference in extracting my foot from the CT marsh mud without slipping my foot out of the boot.
3. The now larger (seems like) kick off heel makes it so much easier to remove my waders without falling or having to sit down. This is important because I am typically covered in mud from slogging around in the marsh making adjustments, retrieving birds, and getting back to the ramp after dark and without the tide.
4. The now MUCH higher sides allow me to more comfortably and confidently venture much farther out into the water without worrying if I'll flood my waders. Plus, the new height does not bellow outward when I am sitting and I feel I am mounting my weapon much more readily/easily without the lower cut waders in the way or pushing my jacket(s) out. My shooting percentage is MUCH higher this year with the waders and a Drake jacket being the only change I've made.
5. The boots are warmer. I don't know why, but they are.
6. I like the Blades camo pattern. Wish Drake had them in KW1 pattern, but the Blades will do.

Before anyone complains.... I am in no way associated with Drake. In fact, I had a HUGE issue with them up until about a week ago. If you'd like to know why PM me and I'll share...or read my newer post which is forthcoming.

Stay warm and dry and shoot well!!

Mike in CT
 
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