Breathable Wader Issues - Resolved in a great way

Mark W

Mark W

Well-known member
3-4 years back I purchased Cabela's top of the line camo waders (don't recall the name right now). I used them this summer and they have developed leak in the seam somewhere in the crotch. I've looked for any holes or wear scrapes and there is nothing. I'm going to se if Cabelas takes them back under their unlimited warranty for their name brand stuff. Expecting some pushback, what can I do to find the leak and repair it?

I saw a rubbing alcohol method to discover small pinhole leaks and that looks easy to do. Hopefully this is the issue and I can just dab some Aquaseal on the pinholes. If not pinholes, and it is a seam, any suggestions should Cabelas not take them back?

And, since I wore these this summer, I did swat in them particularly in the feet. The waders have now developed quite the scent (stink). Do I just throw Arm and Hammer down the foot, spray with Lysol? Suggestions.

Thanks -

Mark
 
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Mark W said:
Expecting some pushback, what can I do to find the leak and repair it?
Mark
Click to expand...

I've no experience with patching breathable but can't imagine it being more difficult than neoprene. The best method I've used for finding the leak is to blow the waders up with air and spray the suspect area with soapy water. Seeping bubbles will be the tell-tale sign of the leak's location. I use a shop vac with the hose on the exhaust side to pressure the waders and tie the opening chest opening closed with cord.


leak1.jpg


leak2.jpg

 
Leaks on seams can be hard to find. If you don't find it, try covering the seams with thinned Aquaseal. (Can't remember what to thin it with, but think it says on the label.) Get it to a consistency you can brush on with a small chip brush.

I think the alcohol method only works in some waders. Works on SIMMS.
 
Someone suggested cutting a small hole in each knee so that the water that comes in at the crotch has a place to drain. Wonder if I would have to connect via a straw or tubing? [smile]

Mark
 
Mark W said:
Someone suggested cutting a small hole in each knee so that the water that comes in at the crotch has a place to drain. Wonder if I would have to connect via a straw or tubing? [smile]

Mark
Click to expand...

That is certainly an option for the leak. As for the funk, boot driers used religiously are your friend.
 
I filled my neoprenes with water and marked the leaks with a white crayon. Then drained, dried & sealed.

For the funk, try Carpet Fresh or some other deodorizer powder and put some in there. Baking Soda works too. But you still have to dry them after every use.

I have Peet boot dryer that is at least 15 years old, its an essential piece of equipment I would not be without. If you don't have one, get one!
I need to get the glove dryer attachment too.
 
I read on another forum to use waterproof boot and tent spray sold at walmart. I know it works great on canvas shoes. For the funk stuff some dryer sheets in each foot a leave for a few days.
 
I have a dryer and a boot hanger I use after every time the waders are used. At home that is. I took these waders to the cabin to use during the summer and didn't bring the dryer nor a boot hanger. I would wear, fold up, and place on a shelf, in a dark and damp lakeside storage building. Lesson to self - don't do this anymore. Bought another boot hanger at Fleet Farm yesterday that will make it to the lake, just need to get rid of the smell the waders accumulated over the summer.

Mark
 
So out of curiosity, I looked up my receipt on the waders in question. On the back was the warranty were the waders i bought had a lifetime warranty that even covered normal wear and tear. Thought I would see if Cabelas would exchange them thinking there was no way. Read some stuff on line about how Cabelas changed the wader warranty to 1 year so I was expecting an interesting discussion with a store manager.

Got to the customer service desk and said my waders were leaking from somewhere I can't find in the crotch and he said it was most likely a seam. He said go back to the wader section and pick out my new pair of waders. Should have seen my face. I was all set to make my point on the lifetime warranty and whatnot and he took all that away from me.

They didn't make the ones I bought anymore so I got the latest version of the waders I had. Was even allowed to go up a size in the foot as the new ones didn't fit the same as the old ones.

Made the exchange and headed home.

Way more than I expected and quite pleased. I figure when these go bad, it is on me to replace. One bad thing - new waders are Max5 camo, old ones were Max 4. I won't match anymore...[;)]

Mark
 
Mark,
Glad to hear that worked out well for you. I'm looking at new waders myself. Which breathable waders did you buy?

Zane
 
Yeah, the clashing camo is a serious fashion faux pas--and don't think the ducks won't notice. I was in LL Bean today picking up a few last minute fly tying odds and ends--I am tying furiously for 9 days in Yellowstone starting Sunday--and they had a sale on camo going on. Overheard two 20-somethings outfitting themselves for early goose, which starts soon. and they agreed that the LL Bean wading jacket wouldn't match the Cabela's waders one of them already had.

I thought about saying something, and then remembered some great advice I got when I was a beginning teacher--"You can tell over and over, but it's experience that teaches."
 
Doesn't that just frost ya when your all geared up and they say take what you want!....lol. I just took advantage of the breathable wader sale. You're right about boot size. Cables waders use to be a bit oversized at least for me. It was great for being able to wear two pairs of socks. Not anymore. I had to send these back and go up a size. Oh and now that they're max5 I won't clash with my new Gander Mountain coat in max5 I bought at the going out a business sale!
 
I guess they would be just dumbfounded that some days I don't wear any camo and still shoot ducks!
 
Zach - here are the waders I got

http://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-DRY-PLUS-CAMO-HUNTING-WADERS-REG/2278265.uts?productVariantId=4610345&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=04460460&rid=20&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoM38rtaB1gIVKjPTCh1SKAzGEAQYASABEgJGI_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Ed - I got a great deal on a new ice fishing coat during the Gander big sale. Amazing what you can find if you are there at the right time.

Carl - I often thought the best camo would be golf attire. We see so many ducks and geese up close when out golfing it is ridiculous. I often thought of asking some of these rural golf courses if they would mind me putting in my 12 gauge into my golf bag as one of my allowed number of clubs. Tee off right after sunrise and do a combo golf/hunt thingy.


Mark
 
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