What new waders are you guys using?

I have the Sitkas as well. Had them warrantied for a branch through the ankle and they fixed it at no cost and even covered shipping. Boots came back as a newer model and didn’t fit the same, so back they went (6 months later I might add) for a larger boot, still at no cost. They turned them around in 4 weeks. The customer service is hard to beat.

One alternative is the Orvis Pro waders. Though they come in grey, they are by far the most durable waders I’ve ever owned. I have the stockingfoots for fly fishing. I’m going on 6 years now and haven’t even had a pinhole. I beat them up very hard - I have busted through multiflora rose trying to get to some smaller streams and have had no issues. If I was going to do it again, I would have bought the boot foot version instead of the sitkas.
 
Jay K said:
So far, my favorite is the Rogers Elite Breathable waders. For $249 I don't think you can go wrong. The buckles for the shoulder straps took a little getting used to, but other than that, I like them. The handwarmer inside the chest of the wader actually turned out to be a good thing. You don't have to worry about getting an external pocket wet if you wade too deep.

When these wear out, I'll probably face the music and buy a pair of Sitka. I want to try a pair of zip front waders next. If i am going that route, I want to pay up for quality.
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Glad to hear that as I ordered these the other day. The reviews are good but hearing from someone using them is better.
 
Ed L. said:
Glad to hear that as I ordered these the other day. The reviews are good but hearing from someone using them is better.
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You,ll love that zip in liner for warmth. I did find with the pair of those I bought this past spring that I had to go up a boot size just so they weren't quite as tight on foot compared to previous wader of same type but they changed boot. You should get about 4 to 5 years out of them before leaks appear. Last 2 pair i,ve had that seems to be the track record. They're made by Frog Togs and branded Rogers.
 
roy brewington said:
You,ll love that zip in liner for warmth. I did find with the pair of those I bought this past spring that I had to go up a boot size just so they weren't quite as tight on foot compared to previous wader of same type but they changed boot. You should get about 4 to 5 years out of them before leaks appear. Last 2 pair i,ve had that seems to be the track record. They're made by Frog Togs and branded Rogers.
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From what I was told, the Roger's Elites with the zip-out insulation is the old Grand Chesapeake's from Frogg Toggs with a couple tweaks. I've never actually zipped out the liners. I have a pair of Cabelas breathable non-insulated waders I keep for early season and as a back up.

My only other complaint about the Roger's is the ankle/boot area is narrow. I've had this with other brands too though.
 
I'm hard on waders--wear them year round, fishing, hunting and for work in everything from river full of sharp rock to salt marsh full of fine mud and barnacles. I'm in the water a lot in the cold where leaks are a matter of safety, not comfort. For many years I was a huge fan of Patagonia. Pricy--but really good quality and great customer service. About 6 years ago they stopped making waders big enough for me, and I switched to Simms. Simms waders are heavier, but for quality and service were the equal of what I used to get from Patagonia. Unfortunately, Simms has been sold, I think several times, to larger private equity firms, and I have heard nothing but bad reviews about their service--so bad that one person I know ordered and paid for a pair, had them not shipped to him, and after an ownership transfer was told old sales records were no longer available and they could not verify his order and payment. All kinds of bad stories about Simms not honoring warranty, or charging really high rates for what used to be inexpensive repairs. I just ordered a new pair and went with these from Patagonia. https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-swiftcurrent-expedition-zip-front-waders/82365.html
 
Adding--I am a stocking foot waders and wading boots guy. Not enough support in boot fit waders for my uses. At a lower price point, one of my hunting and fishing buddies has a pair of DRYFT waders and has gotten 3 or 4 years of good use from them. But now that they have been on the market for a while their prices have risen. Some good close out deals right now, though. https://dryftfishing.com/product-ca...6t1AL2CFZtnsTNTloSe7el94uo5khXwhoCkY4QAvD_BwE
 
Dave Diefenderfer said:
I have the High and Dry breathables. First pair of breathables, as I always had the Cabelas SuperMags. I still have a couple pr of the SuperMags, but have not worn them since buying the High and Dry. My only complaint they have fixed since I bought mine was how the knee patches were attached. On mine the corners are beveled, but not sewn down, I assume to reduce stress and allow draining? In any case, I went to voice my suggestion at thier both in Easton, and saw that all the waders on display were fully sewn. Now I am wondering if mine where an error? In a case, though I am not hard on my waders, they are serving me well. They are local, on the Northern Neck of VA.
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Those are the same ones. I have Dave.

I've been pretty happy with them.

I sliced them just above the armored knee pad on an oyster shell. Completely my fault. I called and Ian sent me a tube of 3M 4200 repair free of charge even though I was at fault. Very good customer service.

So far all the seams have been nice and tight and dry.

I had a pair of Rogers that I liked, but they started leaking significantly from the seams after two seasons
 
I purchased TideWe breathable zippered waders last year. I am not a guy who is easy on waders nor one who is hard on them. I probably wear them 50 times/year. They have been the best waders I have ever owned however I have never owned some of the pricier brands like Simms and others. For $300, I find them to be an incredible deal. Several buddies have purchased them and have had zero issues.
 
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