Rubber Waders

The purchase of a pair of fishing waders can be a less than simple task, especially if it's the first time that you've bought them or if you are trying to buy them as a present for your favourite fisherman.

Let's first determine that there are several different styles of waders. The shortest ones, usually made of rubber are termed thigh waders and they consist of two separate boots that reach to the tops of your legs. Next comes waist waders. Not very popular, they're a one piece item that reaches your waist. They can be made of rubber, neoprene or breathable material. Finally we have chest waders. These are the ones that you'll see fishermen wearing whilst they stand in the middle of the river. The waders reach up to your armpits and can again be made from the same materials as the waist waders.

As mentioned above, rubber waders can be any of the three styles. In the bad old days chest waders were only made of rubber but these were pretty uncomfortable and really difficult to walk any distance in. Fishing in rubber chest waders can be an extremely unpleasant experience unless it's possible to park right next to your favourite spot on the river and simply walk from the car straight into the river. Rubber isn't much better as the material for waist waders, again they're very uncomfortable and not easy to walk in. However most thigh waders are still made from rubber.

When considering the purchase of chest or waist waders we should consider more modern materials than the old rubber boot. Neoprene waders are lighter and far more comfortable than the rubber version. The main problem with the neoprene version is that they tend to seal in too much heat. Now that's nice in the winter but not at all funny in the height of summer when you want to wander a mile or two along your favourite trout stream. In fact if you're the wandering kind of angler then there's really only one option and it's the most expensive one of course. Breathable waders are made from modern breathable fabrics. They are light and comfortable and any sweat is wicked to the outside of the material by a permeable membrane that is sandwiched between the outer fabrics of the material. Look at any fishing guide, it's almost certain that he'll be wearing breathables. He's out fishing on over a hundred days each year and so he has simply got to be warm, dry and comfortable.

You'll find a decent range of fishing boots including rubber waders on most of the big online outfitter sites, I tend to look at the Bass Pro site first but I'm sure you'll find them on all hunting and fishing outfitter sites.