Fly Fishing Four Pairs of Leaking Waders In 12 Months - Wooly Bugged 

What you said at the end is what really ticks me off about these companies. How hard is it to put the same seams from their $800 waders on their $400 ones? Then they go and put all these fancy bells and whistles that I don't need. I don't give two sh!ts about a "flip out tippet pocket" and a built in waterproof pocket for my phone. Just give me seams that work dammit!

One word!! Dryft!!! I’ve used Simms my whole life. Had to send a pair back 2 years ago and the customer service was despicable so after nearly 20 years of using Simms everything, I dumped every single piece of Simms gear i owned. Shortly after the terrible experience with Simms I was directed by a friend to Dryft. Bought a pair of waders in the spring and totally fell in love with them. Now I have Dryft gear from head to toe. Not only is it super function and durable but in my opinion is the coolest looking stuff on the market. I fish tons in the spring, usually finger lakes tribs and then all around the state for stockies. Also fish Pine in PA and all the other smaller creeks near pine. Fly fish all late spring and summer. Fish all the Ontario tribs from September through March. I’ve yet to encounter a leak, like you I truck through brush and weeks and rocks and ice, you name it. Now, I own 2 different pairs of Dryft waders, 2 Dryft jackets, Dryft hoodies, basically everything I use now is Dryft with the exception of wading boots only because they don’t make them yet. I go with Korkers and they are fabulous as well. So, that’s my 2 cents. Been watching your videos all day. Great Channel man! Best wishes for 2020, stay safe out there. Kevin Proctor Elmira NY

Thanks, very informative. I think you proved that buying the expensive waders is probably the cheapest solution.

Thank you for speaking up and making this video. I am negotiating with caddis right now about three pair of waders that I bought for me and my boys. I bought the breathable duck hunter version and all three seams at the crotch failed on all the waders about the same time. We only wore these waders 12-15 times. The tags said made in china! I remember when Ross Perot said " that sucking sound is the sound of all your money going to china". My last pair of breathable waders lasted me about 15 years. I bought them at sportsmans wearhouse around 1998. wore them until the boots fell off without any leaks.

I absolutely love your channel brother.

Good video. As a gear head, I appreciate this greatly. I have had some similar experiences. I bought a pair of Reddington waders 7 years ago when I was on a trip and forgot my Simms waders at home. I didn't expect to like them as much as I did. They ended up lasting another 3 years with no leaks, and still serve as an emergency pair with only a small leak on one of the seams. My Simms Headwaters waders lasted 2 years before leaking fairly heavily in the crotch seams. I am currently using the Orvis Guide waders and they feel like the sturdiest of any wader I've owned, but I have only fished them a few dozen times so far.

Just to update everyone, I bought a new pair of Simms G3s and I'm fly fishing with dry feet once again!

Have had a pair of Patagonia's for years. Used to get new pair when you sent them in. Now send in to get fixed. Finally wore them out. Got a pair of Reddington's years ago and have had no issues with them. I also hike and move around a lot while fishing.

Fish probably 300-400 hours a year. Bought LL Bean waders four years ago for less than $250--still going strong.

I mostly wet wade, as you might had seen on my videos. But. When I do reach for my waders. I'm like you, kinda rough on great. The Cabela's waders has lasted me 2yrs now. No issue, I'm surprised and stunned. They have held up nicely.

Yea, my friends thought i was nuts buying Simms, My G3's are still going strong and its been about 8 years. i hang to dry and im not an animal when it comes to walking through brush to get to the river. But i treat all the waders i bought that way, Orvis 2-3 years tops. Redington, i found to be pretty good except that are heavier and stiffer than my G3's and hotter in the summer. My next pair will be the G3 boot foot. Maybe im old school but its a lot faster getting on and off and warmer if im steelhead fishing. No frozen laces or BOA system to thaw under the vehicle exhaust pipe and the end of the day.

I have a pair of Field & stream waders I bought 3 years ago, and I've had one leak in the lower leg, because I had to get into some multi flora rose to retrieve my wading staff, which got away from me. i patched it and it's been good so far, that was last year. I don't have the money for Simms, even the cheaper ones. i don't fish nearly as much as you do and don't walk as far as I used to, (I'm 74), but i do get into some pretty rough walking sometimes and I can't complain about my waders.

Mike- I feel your pain. I don't get out nearly as much as you do but have gone through similar travails. I have a little fly fishing blog and coincidentally have been working on a post re: this very issue. Early this summer, I did buy a pair of Simms waders at the $279 price point at Bass Pro ( may have been the Freestone model-don't recall) and so far they have served me well. We shall see if that is a long term solution. P.S. I really enjoy your videos. I have a severe soft spot for wild little brookies from small streams, just as you do. One of the many things I like is that right up front you show the viewer what flies you are using. That is not 'rocket science' but it seems so in light of how many videos I watch where the viewer is left in the dark about the patterns being used--or they mention some local pattern I have never heard of without showing it. keep up the good work!

Mike, I love your videos especially the small creeks. Out here in Montana, I prefer wet wading after runoff into September or even October. I recently bought some Frog-Toggs for early and late season fishing. So far, so good. I've had nothing but bad luck with leaky waders in the past like so many others. I know you get some pretty hot days in PA, but i never see you wet wading. I find even breathable waders uncomfortable in warm or hot weather and love the freedom of shorts on the stream.

Amen. I'm a walk forever, wade all day guy and I can't get through a season without leaking. Had multiple pairs of Simms waders - they leaked. Went with the Redington Sonic Pro's last March and they didn't last a full year. Patch, Patch & Patch and still have wet ankles and feet every trip. Might as well start buying cheap ones and replacing them every few months.

I too have accumulated a similar pile of leaky waders. Most of them are in the 300-400$ range. If the leak is in the seams, and not too severe, I have managed to to some damage control with a fair share of aquasure. Often the leak is in the stoking foot, and then there is no way. I think I will go with the Simms G4 this season, but then again here in Norway it is 1250$ for a pair. It makes me sick...

Interesting video and comments.Have only purchased cheaper breathables in the past and gotten a few years of occasional steelheading from them. Considering G3’s next. One tip, it’s pretty obvious that the seams in the stocking feet get stressed when putting on & taking off. A few years ago I started putting plastic grocery bags over my feet and it makes it a lot easier to get in or out of them!

I purchased a pair of simms g3guide back in 2013. I am a hardcore steelheader here in BC and I bushwack these hard. they only started to leak on this inside seams last spring. they last phenomenally well. i have super heavy aquaseal all over my inside seams and crotch areas but I plant to get at least a couple more years out of these. amazing waders

I can relate. I’ve had so many brands and models in my 60 years or more of fly fishing. Still haven’t found a reliable option. I’ve had Simms and Patagonias fail me. Also Hodgman, Dan Bailey, etc etc. Thanks for making this video. Good to know others go through this too. Interesting comments on Dryft waders, I had not heard of those.

Thanks so much for this review. I'm looking at buying my first pair and know to go for g3's. Unfortunately they are overpriced here in Europe due to the middleman and importing fees. So 800 USD for a pair of g3's but still worth overspending then leaking ones for cheaper. Cheers and keep up the reviews! Regards from The Netherlands.

I too have been frustrated with the newer waders I purchased lately. My best waders were the Simms Guide Waders, circa 2002. Used them for 10 years and never leaked until after that many years. They were so comfortable and easy to get in and out, loved them to death. I patched them and patched them, sent them to Simms for repair but they’re too old and haven’t been able to fix them. I’ll probably try one last time to patch them and use as a backup pair. A few years ago I bought a pair of G4Z and I was disappointed from the start. Very hard to get out of them, they’re kind of stiff and heavy. Worst of all, they leaked after not even 10 outings. $800 and they leaked almost immediately! I’ve sent them back for repair but they still have a slow leak. I just bought a pair of G3 Guide Waders and haven’t used them yet but was disappointed at the quality of the booties, the thickness as compared to my 17 year old Guide Waders, is much thinner. I can see they won’t last long and they are not cheap! One important aspect is how you care for your waders. I suppose you’re following the manufacturer’s recommendation to let them dry from the inside first and then turn them outside out to let dry. Fold the gravel cuff down first, allow to dry then up and allow to dry. Let’s go into business and create a kickass wader that doesn’t leak. With the technology of today, it shouldn’t be too hard to come up with a foolproof manufacturing method.

Experience is the same as you have covered. I’ve had a couple of mid priced brands (including Simms Freestone) and all leak. The Simms G3 is the best investment I’ve had. G3 is cheaper over time and you stay dry.

I'm a guy who is a little on the larger side(6', 350lbs, size 13-14 boots) and originally had a hard time finding waders that fit. Every fly shop I visited tried to sell me custom order Simms that would run nearly $1000. I was about to give up till an old timer at the river mentioned Caddis Wading System. I found them online for around $100. They fit great and this will be my 3rd year of use. I fish about 10 days a month on both small mountain streams and big rivers.

Enjoy your videos as a former Pennsylvanian. Now in New Zealand I have had the same experience with waders as you for the most part, sooner or later they all leak along a seam. Fortunately I live where I can wet wade about 7 months of our 9 month trout season. I tend to wet wade as long as I can. The last two years I have used Orvis Sonic Seam waders for the approximately two months I used waders and they have not leaked. In 2015 that was 28 days and in 2016, 35 days. Not sure how that translates to your usage. I will admit to avoiding blackberry thickets, gorse and barbed wire fences once I use the waders. So far so good. My main concern is the booties and the seam where they attach to the boot. Have bought a carpet square to stand on when taking them off and on and think that probably helps. I also adhere to the advice of a steelhead fisherman writer who just bought cheaper waders as he found they generally lasted as long as more expensive ones. I think he considered 1 or 2 pair a season good, maybe you have just been having some bad luck. Thanks for your videos.

Totally agree with your video and thank you for made it. I had Patagonia waders five years ago, many problems with it and just after some many months of using. So, i bought G4 Simms waders for four years now, and i had never problems with.

Using this video so I can convince my wife why I should buy the G3s, LOL. Seriously though, thanks for the review!

I have a pair of Frog Toggs waders I mostly use for fishing from a boat, or from the bank but using a drift boat to get there, in fall/winter/spring in Oregon. They have lasted so long I don't even remember when I bought them. I do a LOT more walking, and wading, in my summer waders. They rarely last two summers, and I've tried a lot of brands including Simms. My going theory, since I don't poke holes in them, is the rubbing and stretching from walking actually damages the fabric at a microscopic level. The water eventually can just start seeping in everywhere. I can fill them with air and hold them under water and no bubbles, but if I fill them with water (inside out) and wait little wet spots start to appear all around the knees and shins.

I wear frogg toggs Pilot II waders. Absolutely love them. I do a lot of river fishing in Texas in the winter and spring. Nothing but thorns vines and brush here. I also duck hunt mainly flooded timber. They have held up great for two years. The Pilot II waders don’t have a crotch seam so that eliminates a ton of leak points. I’m sold on them. They also just released the new 2018 waders and they offer a zippered front.

I own the Orvis Silver Sonic guide wader they are right around and I love them $425.00 retail you might check them out the next time you need a pair

any up date??? for the upcoming2019 season??

I have had the same issue this year ! And over the years! Redington, Cabela’s brand! Frogg Togg Steelheader just got them this year they lasted two months ! Sick and tired of buying waders and within a couple trips they are done for. I finally said screw it and got Simms G4 went salmon fishing up in Pulaski and they were awesome hopefully they last !

I am lucky enough to live where I can wet wade during the summer. In the winter I use a set of Bass Pro neoprene boot-foot waterfowl waders. I have aluminum studs in the boots for a non-slip grip. Now my fishing-snob buddies in their Simms make fun of me, but I am dry and have had only one pair in 7 years. Plus the neoprene is warmer in the cold.

I work in a fly fishing shop and also do a fair bit of part time guiding and journalism and I’ve had the same pair of vision ikon for the past 2 years. From muddy bank to high country twig water creeks and they still haven’t let me down yet.

What’s up brotha. Just like you I fish at least once a week and do some part time guiding in the Catskills. I put a lot of hours in and am very hard on my gear / waders. I have owned most of the top brand waders and can’t speak more highly of the orvis silver sonic wader. I had them now three seasons and literally beat the crap out of them. They are still going strong and have not had any leaks.

I have a pair of Redington waders I've had for 3 years with no issues. I fish just about every week end. I fish a lot of freestone streams here in the West where there's lots of nasty gorse along the banks and always the potential for a butt ride down a rocky bank. Most of those streams are pretty shallow so I went with a pair of $40 wading pants from Bass Pro shops that I use a lot and haven't leaked yet into their 3rd season. I figure if those leak I'll toss 'em and just buy a new pair. Actually I prefer the wading pants to the chest waders any way for comfort and ease of on and off.

Mike, I’m 2.5 years into fly fishing and in my second pair. My first pair were the Patagonia Rio Gallegos waders also. They lasted about a year. I sent them back and took store credit. My next pair were Orvis Pros. They’ve worked pretty well so far but started leaking recently. I’m admittedly hard on waders bc sometimes I have to slide /climb down banks bc of physical limitations and I’d rather not roll down the bank! I use them 1-2x’s a week also. I’ve patched the Pros and will see how it goes otherwise send them back and see what they say. Good to know about Simms if I need to buy again. Lol I remember seeing this video years ago and retrieved it to hear your story again. It makes sense to do what you suggest. Best, Tony

Interestingly I had the same experience with my Patagonias as well. I sent it back and shared how I exclusively use Simms and Patagonia waders. The Simms never gave me any trouble but the Patagonias always does(provided I sent numerous pictures of me all wet in my socks!). They ended sending me a brand new one without question. I ended up not having the same problem anymore but then I never invested in Patagonias anymore as well!

My first set of waders were a set of simms freestones. I fish a lot. 2 or 3 times a week 6-8 hours at a time through some pretty hard country. Didn't start to get pin hole leaks in them in the legs til their 3rd season. I just used aqua seal to plug the holes when it happened. I finally laid them to rest after 4 seasons. I probably held onto them a season too long but I got almost a good 3 seasons of solid fishing out of them until they started to leak. They cost me $350 AUD at the time. Just bought a set of G3's hoping i will get even longer out of these.

I've got five pair now and they all have leaked. Fish 2 days a week in Missouri all year every month. Walking the banks occasionally falling and every wader leaked. Simms g3 leaked in the 12th month as well but Simms fixed them for free. Whiteriver lasted 10 months on average. Check out LL Bean. I may buy one of theirs next. I always have a pair in the repair process. Maybe the g4 would give that toughness with all of the layers that someone like me would benefit from. I think the walking part on the bank is the culprit and the falling on ice that is under the surface during winter.

Thank you for the video! ive been fly fishing for about 4yrs now and am obsessed! but ive experienced much disappointment in waders as well. i will spend 10-12hrs walking through woods and banks in search of the next best hole. ive been afraid to drop hundreds on a single pair waders but have already had about a half dozen pair and multiple patch kits. ive even stood in waste deep water for hours with leaking waders king salmon fishing in NY. this video pushes me closer to G3 or G4 waders which i really want but am hesitant to drop that kind of coin on a dice roll. would rather add another rod, reel, or combo to my arsenal. but with fall fast approaching i think im going to put my faith in high quality high price theory. wish me luck, thanks for the video, and tight lines!

Have you looked into the dryft wader?

Thanks for a good video. My son has started fishing and I would like to give him a pair of waders in a reasonable price range. Have you ever had a pair of neoprene waders go leaking?

I like using cheap waders, but paired with contractor bags as socks/leggings (the bag goes over your wool socks and sweatpants). Leaks have always been small and typically I can patch them up. Small leaks wont get past the contractor bags and you stay dry (might be a bit cold but nothing drastic) You could go above and beyond and bring a 2nd pair of waders if you're going out somewhere far and remote.

I can understand the amount of time you spend on the water. The trekking to find nice water. What you didn’t mention was how you cared for your waders? Owning my first pair. Which I’ve spent $200 on the Tributary. I’m gonna take the utmost care of them. Wear the right fabric under them and follow the manufacture instructions on how to get the most out of your waders. I’ve spent a lot of money on my Simms waders and I’m going to make sure they last.

My two pairs of simms waders and boots got stolen...the guide zip ups were my favorite...i guideed on the south platte for several years...i got the gear on the special guide deal they gave...made them affordable...now im out of luck...dont work out of that shop anymore...its out of business... Looking around its overwhelming. The comment that called them over priced trash bags...so true...simms service is horrible...their reps are arrogant...so im at square one too... I looked at the dryft product...maybe its a match? Love your channel

I just bought the Orvis Pro’s and while waiting for them, saw Costco had the new Hodgeman H5’s for $140.00 so I picked them up for a back up pair. They are super feature rich. Aqua guard zippers on both the front pouch and the pass through hand warmer pocket. Ergonomic form fitting booty’s. They make an insulated pant that snaps in. I haven’t even recieved the Orvis Pro’s and I am considering sending them back and buying one or two additional pairs of the Hodgeman’s. If every pair of waders leak, then I’d rather be $140 into them instead of $800.

Love the vids especially the Salmon River ones - maybe DSR can use some of them as promos? Too bad about the waders. I have Patagonia waders and they have been leak proof knock on wood.

Yeah, I think Simms will be the way to go for me. My Orvis silver sonic started leaking after about 6 months, or about 100 days of fishing. I'm like you, hiking and moving around a lot in them during my trips. I'm bummed because of their cost and the leaks have all appeared on the glued seams just coming apart. I'm not sure how to go about fixing them or I'll just have to call orvis. Enjoy all your videos!

You can always give LLBean waders a shot. They have a 1 year money-back warranty which seems like it would encompass the timeframe where you normally encounter leaks.

You should contact Simms and see if you can into the pro program. They take very good care of us guides. For me, the big bonus is just dropping my stuff off in Bozeman and getting my new stuff in a couple of days.

I have a pair of Rio Gallegos and they have been amazing actually better than my older Simms Guide.

I'm on my 3rd year with dryft waders with heavy use. these things have been through hell. from the mountains of pa to the shores of Ontario. just now getting some dampness after 9 or 10 hours wading. it seems like it's a shot in the dark to get a pair that doesn't leak.

I have had pair of Orvis Super Sonics for about 4 years. Until recently i thought they were bullet proof. Just got my first leak. Have you had any luck with doing your own repairs?

I have a pair of ll bean emergers cost me 84 bucks and they are 8 years old and I had my first leak in my last video. I could feel the water seep in above my right foot where the gaiter meets the neoprene booty. I'm going to try to repair it with aqua seal. I also at the same time bought a pair of ll bean boots which were crap the rand started coming apart after 1 outing. I got a full ll bean refund and I immediately switched to Simms boots which are awesome and I still use.

I've been there brother this year went through 3 pairs up on walnut and racoons creek for steel head just bought a pair of iwaders s1 stretch I'm putting them through there paces so far no leaks the boys down under might have something and only paid 145 for them

$50 pair of redington crosswater? (whatever their base model is) waders on sale from a big box store, only issue was when I feel down a hill and put a hole near the ass (yes, a new hole). Aqua sealed that hole (the new one), and that's the only repair I've done on them. Have three solid seasons on them, walking lots. No leaks. They aren't the most breathable, but they're also not a plastic bag. I fish about 50-60 days a season, and I'm not easy on any of my gear. Want to upgrade, but not sure anything else will live up to my expectations. Thanks for this video!

G 4's lasted through 5 days in AK but leaked after 5 more days at home.........I don't know what to suggest........

Thanks for the video. How frustrating. It would help if you talked about how you washed, maintained, and stored them. That can have a big effect, so it would be helpful to know in the context of the video.

I have a pair of allen waders (2 seasons) that i really like however one of the socks is leaking. Any idea how to fix this?

Love my Reddington zipper front waders.

went though this for years also man, still haven't found a good pair

I love my G3's and they are tough, but I fish a lot. I am kind of in the boat that all waders, even the best wear out if you fish a ton. I bought my G3's in 2016 and put my first leak in them after about a year. Now I have three leaks and my crotch literally is wearing away. You can see the hole that has formed where the edge of the seam tape starts on the outside of the wader in the crotch area. Despite all this, I still think they are by far the most comfortable and toughest wader. I do know a bunch of other guys who have put holes in their simms waders their first year though, just depends on time on the water. The real test will be how the warranty system will be. They might try to weasel their way out. Who knows...

I paid 400$ for my Patagonia waders, got 2 years of heavy use out of them (without ever once cleaning or reconditioning them =0) before they started to leak. Just got them back from Patagonia, they replaced the aqua socks because they were leaking, they also fixed the leak around the knee area, the whole process being free!

SIMMS G3 were superb up to 2016. After that, I have bought 4 pairs of G4 and G3 and all of them leaked within the year. So frustrating.

I had Patagonia waders leak within 18 months of purchase and I only fish the beach no brush involved. The orvis silver sonic I got 2.5 seasons out of before they just started leaking everywhere. I paid 80$ for a pair of Redington that lasted as long as the expensive orvis or Patagonia. I just bought a pair of Simms freestone (my first Simms waders ever) we’ll see if they last. I saw reviews from a year of use and people said they were fishing hard and still their waders were holding up. I guess if I can get a couple seasons of hard fishing it’s worth it.

Cheaper to buy a boat lol 😂

What are you using today?

You are correct sir. Buy the best waders that you can. Patagonia service has been great but my waders still leak. Thanks for the video.

Have you tried the new 4-layer G3 waders? I know you are hard on your gear so I would like to ask you to share your experience with them, if you have any. Tight lines!

I'm on my third leaking pair of Simms. Kind of disappointed. In their defense, I fish a lot. Probably 300 days/year. First pair were wader pants. Made it 6 months. Then,bought G4s and they lasted about a year before a seam leak in the crotch. Current pair is leftover (new stock, old style) G3s. After 15 months they have also developed a seam leak. I also fish for 6-8 hours per outing and often walk several miles. The further from the truck, the less people/ pressure. I'm going to see if Simms offers a refurbish option for at least my G3s and G4s.

After 10 years with a pair of $200 Hogman waders, they started to seep through the feet tape. I replaced them with a pair of Orvis Encounters - leaked first time out within in first month of puchase. When I inspected them I found the seam tape on one of the feet was only half glued and peeling back. Orvis was very gracious about refunding my money, but very frustrating considering the Hodgmans lasted 10 years. The Orvis sales person told me that was not normal but the Encounters were entry level waders. So I guess the moral is do not buy waders under $700-$800.

Michael: I listened to your sorry story and sympathized with you. I slipped and fell in while steelheading. I had my wading belt on to keep the water from seeping down into my waders, but I learned that the waders trapped the air below the belt. I found myself floating down river with my boots and legs above water and my head and chest below the water surface. I had to flip myself over onto my stomach, so that I could stand up and walk to shore. I think the solution is to get a wet suit. You will be wet in the legs, but you won't have to worry about drowning or the leaking, because the water between your skin and the wet suit will keep you warm. Simms, Patagonia, and Orvis have all of us "snowed" too long! Get the sleeveless model.

I had a pair of cheap redington crosswater waders and hunted and fished for 4 years with them. This year finally leaked. I’m happy overall with the price of the product and how long they lasted even when abused

I live in a warm climate so I can wet wade most of the year. During the colder months I just wear my rio azul from patagonia and I don't go hiking alot on the river I fish on because there's multiple entry points from a car and it's easy to navigate the river so my patagonia will last me awhile.

I bit the bullet and just bought a pair of G4 Simms, and G3 guide boots

Anybody try Dryft? Are they good other than made in China? I've heard nothing but bad with Patagonia waders. I bought a pair of frog togg and the crotch leaked on the third trip, p.o.s. I have a pair or of hammered G4's that are about to give up the ghost but the 700 buck pricetag is not in my budget.

Vision Kura should be very durable. Getting a pair myself this week. Is your friend happy and dry in your old G3's?

I have Cabelas waterfowl waders and have beat the crap out of them over 25 years and they won't leak. They are heavy and perfect for cold water fishing, but too warm and not breathable for a hot day on the Delaware.

Bought a pair of entry level cabelas waders for around 200 bucks. They were leak free for almost 6 years. Best pair of waders I have ever owned. When those started to leak severely, I went out and bought a pair of waders for 500 bucks. They leaked within the first six months. Granted, I fish on average 180 days a year, and live in eastern PA. I am constantly walking through briars and thorn bushes. However it’s not punctures that cause leaks, it’s always at the lower leg, especially at the booty seam. Maybe one day someone with come out with a reasonably priced wader with leak free seams. Or maybe that’s wishful thinking.

Finally got a pair of Simms Headwater - keeping my fingers crossed for no leaks. Had a pair of cheap Reddingtons that leaked in the crotch after a dozen outings, then leaked in the ankle after 6 months.

Has anyone tried flex seal spray on the inside of waders?

Amen!!! Right with ya!!!

My wife bought me a £240 Simms wedding fishing jacket for my 21st birthday I am 44 years old now I still use the Simms jacket at least 10 times a season and I kid you not the jacket is still perfect with no problems. That's value for money.

Good video, I like your content! I know that you lumped Redington in w/ Frog Toggs, PLEASE DON"T DO THAT. Yes, Redington has been known for making lesser priced items as opposed to the likes of Simms and Pat., but if you'd really like to find a pair of waders that will compete with the 500$+, give them a try. The Sonic Pro, which can be bought for 250-300$ is a great option. Their fit is awesome for taller, skinnier guys like me and they have tons of adjustment. The workmanship that goes into them is great too. But best of all, their warranty. I was shocked when I heard you say that Pat. wanted $50 to fix waders that weren't too old. Redington doesn't care how old they are. No cost to you(except shipping to them), they will replace them free of charge. If it's your fault, no biggie, just tell them and they'll still replace them. I was in a hurry to get my first pair back from them after I tore the belt loop off bush whacking, they asked me to send it to "attn. Mark". Mark had me a new pair in 6 days. Just a thought. I love Simms stuff and still enjoy their products I use, but for waders, I will be sticking with Redington.

The key to happiness is managing expectations.

Hi, You should check out the Scierra X-Tech CC6, six layers in the legs & butt, now being discounted.

I bought a pair of the new G3 Simms for 499 from Simms and they are awesome no leaks.

I am looking at a new pair of Patagonia swiftcurrent exp zip fronts... now I am having second thoughts, as I to log many hours and miles on the river.

Thanks for this content. Do you have an update on waders for 2022 ? I’d love to buy a pair of wader paints or chest waders that will handle the abuse that I put them through. Any info will be appreciated!!! I fish for wild trout 2-4 days a week here in West Virginia and cover a lot of rough miles through briars , climbing over guard rails and walking through brush. Thanks!!

Reddington wadera i think i spent 150-175 for them. 5 years later im still using them, one small leak i patched, but im still using them with no plans to up grade them just yet

Ya know my friend my, I used to spin fish for crappie and blue gill. so I bought a pair of waders (neoprene ) from gander mountain. about $130.00. summer months sweat your coconuts off! had them or about 4 years. still going strong. and I beat the hell outta them! well since I started fly fishing and you get new (fly fishing) buddy's. they're all fishing with their fancy waders on and I got these cheapo neoprenes on. so I'm asking what's a good wader? they tell me this and that. so one day I go out and purchase the G4Z's. since I'm a big guy plus the G3 guide boot, it set me back $1095.00. had them almost a year. I go over everything. my friends are jealous cause they can't do what I do afraid theirs will leak. they're the only pair I've owned are far as light weight waders. I spent the money hoping I don't have to shop every year for a new pair of waders. great video by the way.

I was going to buy water prof spray for my little leaks I cant find

i had the same experience with scierra/ orvis. if you search the internet you will find tons of comments, articles regarding this issues in the end its a rip off in my eyes for the amount of money you pay. so lets produce our own brand :-)

I have come to the conclusion its not worth spending over 200 bucks for waders. If they leak, i get a new pair. Right now i have a pair of white river waders from bass pro which seem to be holding up. I also have a pair of orvis silver sonics which are leaking in the boot. I tried to repair my self but still haven't found where its leaking.

I wanted to get Simms G3’s but I went with Dryft primo zip ($349) So will see if there anything like Simms as far as Durability

I bought a pair of what most would call cheap Reddington waders. Had them now for 3 and a half years and no leaks. They cost me a little more than $100. I would guess that you have well over $1,000 of garbage. 4 waders that did not make it 12 months. you be better off with the Reddingtons. If they would leak after 4 or 5 years they are only $100 go buy another pair. For what you spent on 4 waders for 1 year I would have enough to last me the next 40 years. Just my 2cents.

LL Bean Nuff said.

I’ll start off by saying I’m fairly new to fishing and I only had time for a short evening of research on waders after watching this video so here goes nothing. Also, I know I should just buy the G3’s but I figured I’d see if anyone has any experience with these first... What about LL Bean Emerger waders for $180 or LL Bean Anglers for $150 or Simms Soul River/Tributary for $180. Cabelas seems to have major quality control issues as of lately so that’s a no go. Simms G3’s are not imported where as the more affordable Simms are but they still have good reviews. Maybe this one was a fluke? And let’s say I did buy G3’s and decided wading isn’t for me... how is the resell value? I would think they would go quick and hold their value well. Any positive input helps. Thanks in advance guys.

Had you purchased the better brand of Orvis waders you would not be making this video...Orvis Silver Sonic Guide Waders...They are the best and I have had SIMM's Waders and they do not stand behind them.. I am retired and put many hours on the streams and rivers..Walking over hill and dale. They are the best I have fished yet...Tight Lines and Dry Waders...

That's why I primarily wet Wade, or use tall boots. Yes your feet get cold especially in April and May. That being said I rarely Wade waist-deep. Typically those are the deep areas I'm trying to cast into. Ditch the waders and go natural. My streams are somewhat shallow. The willowemoc, Beaverkill, Esopus, streams of the Catskills. You end up walking the shoreline more and sacrificing some Back cast but I like it and I'm not making these companies rich. In the summer it's a real joy to be in the Woods in the small streams searching for brook trout when the big streams are too hot. You can keep it simple. Good quality sandals with a sturdy sole, or sacrifice a pair of hiking boots. Screw in some kold Kutter ice cleats and you eliminate slipping. Aftertime the cleats scrub off but you got a lot in the bag you just replace them. Waders will always be necessary. But the less you use them the longer they last