Waders are bib overalls made of special material, most often intended for wading fish. Equipment of this type is actively used by floaters, spinners and lovers of other types of fishing, and is also loved by those who are fond of extreme sports - riding ATVs, motorcycles, bikes. Thanks to such clothing, the angler can comfortably enter the water to reduce the casting distance, as well as choose the right position away from the shore, on the border of the water and coastlines. Entering the water allows you to scare away the fish less, and also allows you to cast at the optimal angle.
Waders are in the arsenal of every avid hunter, tourist, speleologist, and river rafting enthusiast. Even if you need to go deep to overcome water obstacles or move through wet grass, the equipment will provide reliable protection from getting wet. By adding a waterproof jacket to your overalls, you don’t have to be afraid of rain of any intensity.
Types of waders
Products are distinguished by the type of fabric used for sewing. There are several types of fishing waders:
- PVC waders: such equipment can be chosen if your stay in the water is not long and the overalls are planned to be used in the warm season. It is important for the fisherman to know that such models quickly give off heat and do not provide good air exchange. Accordingly, it is easy to sweat in such clothes, which will cause some discomfort. PVC waders are the most affordable;
- neoprene overalls: the strength indicators of neoprene overalls and waders made of PVC are identical. However, neoprene models are distinguished by elasticity and lightness. The fact is that neoprene has a porous structure, which provides reliable protection from low temperatures. Accordingly, neoprene waders are ideal for fishing in the cold season. In summer, it will be very hot in such waders - due to poor air exchange, you can quickly sweat in them. The cost of neoprene waders is higher compared to their PVC counterparts. However, some manufacturers produce equipment that falls into the budget group;
- overalls made from membrane fabrics: the most expensive and convenient to use are wading overalls made from membrane fabrics Aqua-Tech, Endura, Fine-Tex. They do not get wet, provide good air exchange, and remove excess moisture from the body. When choosing such waders, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the material. Some models have pads in the back, on the knees. Thanks to them, the likelihood of mechanical damage is significantly reduced. Waders are also available with welded boots and comfortable neoprene socks.
What are waders?
We are often asked what waders are?
Waders, waders, waders, etc. - all this is a wading suit that allows you to stay in the water up to chest level for an unlimited time. All wading overalls can be divided into two categories: these are overalls made of breathable membrane fabric, which are called waders, and wading overalls made of rubberized fabric or PVC, the key differences being weight and the greenhouse effect. Simply put, in rubberized or PVC overalls, after just an hour of normal walking, fatigue and a feeling of dampness appear inside due to condensation, and several hours spent in waders, in terms of sensations and comfort, are equal to being in ordinary clothes. Comfortable use of waders is ensured by breathable and at the same time waterproof membrane fabric. There are two types of waders: with boots and one-piece with neoprene socks; special wading boots are put on the socks, which remain wet, but water will never penetrate into the waders.
What are the differences between cut and fabric?
The main differences between membrane fabric, according to marketers, are indicators in numbers, measurement of the water column and moisture removal. In fact, it is almost impossible for the average person to feel the difference between the most expensive GORE-TEX and the average-priced fabric made in Japan, Korea or Taiwan. Wear resistance is achieved through additional layers of fabric on vulnerable areas of the waders; the more layers, the stronger. Also, the service life of the waders is increased by the absence of vertical seams on the inside of the legs. The maximum level of comfort is achieved in waders equipped with a waterproof zipper; the zipper allows you to conveniently take off and put on the waders, relieve yourself without taking off your jacket or lowering the waders, unzip it in the heat for additional ventilation; with careful use and little maintenance, the zipper will last for many years.
What are wader boots?
Wading boots are wet type boots. When passing through water obstacles, the boots remain wet, but water does not penetrate into the waders. High-quality wading boots are made only from durable, moisture-resistant materials, have a durable sole, provide excellent ankle support, protect waders from cuts and punctures, and have a non-slip rubber sole with a special tread.
What is a wader jacket?
The jacket for waders is distinguished by membrane fabric, lack of lining, short length and high pockets. In any alternative jacket, when you go into waist-deep water, the lining and the contents of the pockets get wet, and the moisture spreads up the lining. The jacket should never be tucked into waders, as if it rains, water from the jacket will drain into the waders. When choosing a jacket, you should pay attention to the protection of pockets from water and dirt and a reliable main zipper.
What to wear under waders?
Thermal underwear and thermal socks are mandatory pieces of equipment. In the warm season, use moisture-wicking underwear and socks; in the cold season, use underwear and socks that accumulate body heat for maximum insulation; wear fleece or Polartec clothing as a second layer of thermal underwear; the best insulation is a thermal jumpsuit with a cut adapted to waders.
How to choose waders for an ATV?
For a true ATV rider, waders are a must-have piece of equipment. Waders significantly increase the cross-country ability of the ATV despite the presence of a snorkel, winch and other tuning. When passing through deep fords and puddles, an ATV rider wearing waders continues his journey dry, unlike competitors wearing boots. Considering the conditions of extreme use, a mandatory criterion when choosing waders for an ATV is durable, reinforced fabric between the legs, knees and seat. These places on the waders are subject to increased wear and tear when in contact with the ATV.
Finntrail equipment for the 2021 season will be available in Category A this spring. Updated models of waders, jackets and boots will be presented.
Waders with welded boots
Despite the fact that such overalls provide additional warmth to the legs, they are difficult to dry after use. In cold temperatures and high humidity, the boots remain wet and the angler will experience discomfort when using the waders repeatedly. Boots are in most cases made of EVA or PVC. For fishing on a pond with a littered bottom, it is recommended to choose products with more durable PVC boots. However, due to the high thermal conductivity of PVC, the fisherman’s feet will freeze faster. Boots made from EVA retain heat better. It is important to treat the use of such products with the utmost care.
Neoprene socks
Overalls with neoprene socks can be thoroughly dried even in the field. To do this, simply turn the product inside out. However, for maximum comfort, anglers should purchase wading boots or other footwear. When choosing the optimal model, it is advisable to pay attention to products with anatomically shaped socks. This will ensure durability and comfort during wearing.
Some waders models are equipped with special elements for greater comfort during use. These can be waterproof pockets, retrievers for fixing auxiliary tools, carabiners, and a sealed zipper. Despite the fact that the cost of such models is much higher, thanks to the additional equipment, using the equipment will be as convenient as possible. If the buyer’s budget is limited, you can choose a decent jumpsuit among the classic models.
Membrane waders, Gore-Tex and similar
Comfort is achieved through the use of breathable membrane fabrics with one-way flow.
The inability to wick away sweat can make even the best fishing suit a portable torture chamber. But the ability to breathe freely on the skin while standing waist-deep in water feels great and seems like a real miracle. Tips for choosing are quite simple. Focus on technology, multi-layering and unknown manufacturers can do anything.
Leading manufacturers of membrane waders
The undisputed leaders are LOOP, ORVIS, AIRFLO, SIMMS, Patagonia, Cloud Weil, OLD Captain . For our middle zone, the Finnish Vision and English Snowbee models are good. Scandinavians POOL-12 also deserve attention.
When choosing, be sure to pay attention to additional strengthening of wear areas. Membrane fabrics are quite vulnerable to external influences. It’s better for the pad to be scratched than for the suit to be damaged.
Membrane waders usually come with a neoprene toe cap and special lace-up wading boots. The connecting seam in this case is a weak spot. Therefore, never take off your boots carelessly. Always unlace carefully.
Quality of wading waders
The service life of the overalls depends on the reliability of the fittings, the quality of the material used, the accuracy of the tailoring and the correctness of the cut. When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the seams. They should be smooth and neat. To ensure maximum tightness, manufacturers additionally glue them with thermal tape or boil them. It is advisable that the seams are not located on the inside of the trouser leg, but are brought forward. This arrangement protects the seams from premature wear.
Size selection
When choosing a size, it is important to remember that in cold weather you will have to wear additional clothing under your overalls for a long stay in the water. In this case, a jumpsuit that is too large will wear out faster in places where the material comes into contact with the body, as well as at the seams. Almost all models are equipped with elastic straps that provide convenient adjustment of equipment to fit your figure. However, if the overalls are too large, fasteners will not solve this problem and the equipment will still wear out faster. When choosing waders, it is important to take into account all the anatomical features of the figure.
Choosing a suit for cold water
A wading suit for fishing in cold water should not only ensure tightness from moisture and safety when walking, but also maintain body temperature. Neoprene wading suits are the best solution for cold water. However, if you change places frequently and constantly get in and out of the water, the body begins to sweat, which causes itching and other discomfort. The membrane model removes steam well.
- Advice! When fishing, we wear thermal underwear under a wading suit that maintains body temperature well. To keep your body warm and dry, you can also wear extra neoprene socks on top of your overalls.
Recommendations for use
After using the wading suit, you need to wash off the sand and dirt from its surface, dry it well and store it. Equipment can be washed in warm water no more than 2 times a year. To remove stubborn dirt, you can use a sponge with soap or shampoo. The inside of membrane waders must be cleaned with particular care. The overalls must be inspected regularly for possible damage. To eliminate them, you can use glue or liquid patch.
Wading shoes
It is important that boots for wading fishing secure the foot in the ankle area and also provide good stability. The sole of special shoes provides a high level of grip on sandy, stone, clay surfaces, and wet grass. High-quality wading boots are lightweight. In addition, they should dry in a short time and be cleaned without any problems. Modern models are equipped with special mesh inserts and drain holes that ensure the removal of water after going ashore. An angler can purchase wading boots one size larger, since in the cold season it is impossible to do without thermal socks.
Adviсe
- To quickly put on and take off a wading boot with a neoprene sock. Use slippery nylon socks over neoprene.
- If you have the financial opportunity, choose models with a waterproof zipper. However, if this is not possible, still take a suit with a zipper. This refers to the zipper located on the front of the suit. It is much more convenient and correct than diapers.
- It is better to fasten the belt, squeezing the air out of the suit. This is done as follows. Enter the water and sit down, the air will be squeezed out. Stand up straight and fasten your belt.
