Best Waders for Duck Hunting 2021 — Reviews And Top Picks

Materials of duck waders

• There are breathable and non-breathable (rubber, PVC or neoprene) materials waders made of. For example, if you plan to stay in waders all day, the breathable waders will drain sweat and sweat outward. It is worth noting that the air-passage system of these waders will work only on the shore, the steam is not output in the water! Accordingly, if you do not plan to stay out of the water for a long time then you can do with any waders, both membrane and rubber, it depends on your taste and purse. In case you need to go all day and out of the water, make long passes, etc., then you need to buy membrane waders.

• One of the membrane waders are neoprene waders. It is a foamed rubber in a special way. Neoprene, nowadays, is widely used for various purposes. The material differs significantly from the others; it perfectly preserves heat and serves as a good thermal insulation. It is often used by those who have to stop by and stand in cold water. Waders for hunting often have different camouflage colors. For example, it is quite difficult to pierce a specialized product with a branch. Just need to pay attention to the fact that if the overall has a regular rubber boot, it is necessary to take care of its insulation. Membrane waders differ in light weight and comfort in use. A variety of fabrics are used: from inexpensive PU (polyurethane) to much more expensive GoreTex. The reason of the popularity of breathable waders is their versatility. They can be worn in the hot summer days, and sweat will not become a serious problem. They can be worn in cold weather by tucking in under the thermal underwear and fleece pants and it will effectively remove the sweat from the body. Their typical baggy also has its advantages during transitions over long distances and during alloys on a boat.

• Waders made of nylon or PVC. It can be a good choice for beginners. They are durable, cheap and well kept in water. However, they are not breathable. Therefore, when you have traveled a certain distance of the way all the perspiration in the form of steam accumulates in them, and then, entering the water, you will feel how this vapor began to condense and flowed on your legs. Such waders can be bought if you walk less and use them not often.

Types of waders

There are waders of two types: bootfoot and stockingfoot (with neoprene socks); on socks, you wear special waders that remain wet, but water will never penetrate into the waders. Considering the option of breathable waders, with rubber boots welded to the bootlegs it is hardly worth it. Unlike waders sewn under the shoes, they are much heavier, less comfortable and, moreover, they cannot be turned inside out for quick drying.

Are Bootfoot Waders Better Than Stockingfoots?

Yes, and no, because equipment for outdoor activities must be selected based on your needs. Each kind of waders has its advantages. Bootfoots are perfect for cold weather. If you want to start the season early or love to hunt in late autumn, bootfoot waders will provide you with an extended period of warm preservation. A couple of years ago, we were forced to put up with few things, such as a loose fit and weak support.

Now, there are newly shaped waders that are quite capable of being compared to stockingfoot, while maintaining their strengths. However, it’s not necessary to use “heavy artillery” all year long, especially since bootfoots require hand washing. In other aspects, this equipment does its job just fine. Also, it is worth remembering all the sand and dirt that could not get inside, thanks to the integral design of bootfoot waders.

We have heard such a myth that stockings are less durable than boots and run the risk of breaking apart when you put on your shoes. This is not the case and depends on the particular manufacturer. The main reason we choose stockings is the ability to combine them with any wading boots at will. Perhaps the need to manage the lacing and the time it takes to put them on and take them off, sometimes play a critical role, but the positive aspects outweigh these drawbacks. The undoubted advantages are great dexterity and mobility due to their lightweight, additional protection of the legs from fatigue from all the stones, and the possibility of washing them in a washing machine.

What you should pay attention to

• The seams are the weakest part of the waders. Manufacturers carefully glue them and tape them. If the seams are on the inside of the foot, then during the movement, surfaces come into contact with each other. From which, in the place of permanent contact, it is possible to damage the surface material, and then the membrane itself, will lose the waterproof property. The best way out of this situation here will be buying waders, the cuts of which are such when the seams are removed to the outside of the foot.

• You should not make a mistake with the size of waders because in practice this can speed up wear and tear of the waders. The bottom line is that during the movement the loose fabric on their trousers starts to be rubbed not only on seams but also in other places. As a consequence, problems with water resistance occur with time.

• Any waders have the possibility of an additional fitting to the figure. Usually, this function is performed by a pair of straps located at the sides at the waist or an elastic waist belt. Good if it has several levels of height adjustment. By the way, before you tighten the belt on waders or coupler in their upper part, do not forget to prick up properly to expel air from them.

Evaluate The Functionality

We understand that you can’t wait to start wandering around in the water, but in the first study, we found the main features of the waders to be:

Camo patterns

Special coloring offers advantages when hunting, making you less noticeable in the wild. There are many varieties of camouflage patterns that you can choose from, depending on the appearance of nature in your area.

Gravel Guards

Also known as gaiters, these pads provide extra protection against the ingress of dirt, water, sand, and other unwanted elements if you wear stockingfoot waders.

Reinforced Padding

Our knees are dear to all of us, and as they are most precious, must be protected. A reliable shield provides strong protection against both cold and mechanical damage.

Pockets

Along with the available storage place for necessary things, pockets can serve as a replacement for gloves if you need to warm your hands. Some manufacturers provide pockets of various configurations that you can choose based on your needs, for example, as a replacement for a chest bag.

D-Rings

Meet another useful feature for organizing your equipment. They can be located both on the front and on the back, and are used to attach any utensils from shell holders to a decoy on a carbine.

Convertible

Some models have the function of turning chest waders to waist height. This is useful if you want to have one pair of versatile waders suitable for hot weather.

How to take care of waders

Washing. Often resort to this procedure is not necessary. However, 3-5 times a season, it’s worth it, especially before the winter downtime. Most manufacturers offer specialized shampoos for membranes, but conventional hair shampoos can also be used to wash off the fat-burning coating that clogs the capillaries of the membrane. In any case, do not use hard brushes and scouring pads. Using the usual foam rubber sponge, you easily can achieve the desired result. Accuracy when washing the outer surface is needed not so much as internal because it is on the surface facing the body that there is a membrane layer, often reinforced with a reinforcing tissue with a shallow cell.

Drying of waders. It is necessary to do it after each hunting. Just hang them on a tree branch or spread it on the grass. There is nothing to get wet with waders, so they dry fast enough. The outer layer, if properly weathered dries almost instantly. It is more important to completely turn the waders inside out, including the sock, and carefully dry it. In the wind and sun, drying occurs almost instantaneously.

Storage of waders. Do not store the waders in the folded state; it is better to hang on the clothes hanger in the closet.

How To Maintain Waders If They Need To Be Repaired

Sooner or later, any waders may require repair, regardless of the brand or price. With the right procedure, they will last a decent time.

Leaking waders. If water seeps inside, a fine day can be considered over. Pretty quickly, the legs will start to freeze, and all that remains is to curtail the hunt and return to the starting point. Fortunately, neoprene and breathable waders can be repaired quite quickly and simply even at home. First, you need to dry them completely. For speed, you can use the dryer at a low temperature. All additional elements should be removed first. The next step will be turning waders inside out.

To detect punctures, sprinkle the material with rubbing alcohol, and they will appear almost instantly, possibly in large quantities. Then apply polyurethane glue to the damaged areas. This product is sold under various brand names and is sometimes included in the repair kit. After 12 hours of drying, your waders will be ready to use!

If you are in a hurry, use accelerators or add a drop of water to your glue. Large damage is repaired by sticking the patch. Leaky seams should also be treated with polyurethane glue, having previously cleaned of any contaminants. Minor damage, in the case of an emergency, can be repaired with a quick UV sealant that works in a couple of minutes under the sun.

Rubber waders are repaired a little differently. The required care area must be cleaned and treated with sandpaper, and then the patch must be glued using rubber cement. Don’t forget that you need to let the rubber cement dry slightly before applying the second layer and finally gluing the patch. Send the item under a press and leave to dry for 8-10 hours.

FAQs

At the beginning of our acquaintance with hunting for waterfowl, we asked the same questions about equipment. Here are the main answers that we prepared for a quick entry into the topic.

What are the best duck hunting brand waders?

Our team of hunters and fishers uses a self-developed rating, and here are the results of our expertise. The first prize is taken by LaCrosse, pretty expectedly bypassing other manufacturers on our list of favorites with LaCross Super Brush Tuff Insulated Waders. In fact, in the same winning team with them are Compass 360 waders. To be more precise, the Compass 360 DuraTek Neoprene Camo Chest Waders are known for the indestructibility of the seams. The Frogg Togg manufacturers close the honorable three with their Frogg Togg Max 5 HD Camo Bootfoots. Worthy of mention are brands such as SkyBuster (check out the Allen Skybuser Neoprenes), and Duck and Fish for their Duck and Fish PVC Chest Waders.

Can you give some tips on storing duck hunting waders?

To prolong the life of your waders, thoroughly clean them before putting them in storage. Pay attention to the seams and soles, too. Wipe the waders from the inside, if condensation has formed there. Dry and clean equipment should be stored unfolded. This will allow you to avoid creases and water damage by rodents and cockroaches. Drying in the sun and near heating appliances should be avoided. Protect the waders from the fumes of gasoline, kerosene, and other fuels and lubricants during storage.

How to choose a suitable wader size?

Hunting waders are selected according to several parameters by the person: boot size, inseam, outseam, and chest (or waist). Keep in mind that breathable and neoprene waders stretch a bit.

What are Stout waders, and how do they differ from regular once?

Some companies produce waders for people with different body types, or if you want to tuck a down jacket into them. Different proportions are used for the same size. While regular waders may not fit you comfortably, Stout waders can give you more room below the waist and for your legs, eliminating problems when sitting.

Conclusion

Choosing wader, you should initially follow certain rules: be sure to select the right size. Each angler is individual, has a unique shape, so it is advisable to wear a semi-overall before purchase. Particular attention should be paid to the seams. They should be glued; the sealing tape should not exfoliate. Knees should be reinforced. Neoprene socks should not be pressed or be excessively long. Some models of waders have a reinforced sole. Of course, with proper operation and careful attitude, the waders will last a long time. Therefore, do not look for too cheap models. It is better to get mid-budget waders.