Most anglers can’t stay completely dry when they’re out on the water. Between fighting the fish, casting lures, and well enjoying yourself you’re bound to get a bit damp at some point. But sometimes getting wet is a necessary part of angling and there are times when the only way to get your catch is to throw yourself into the water, and you need to be able to do this without hesitation.
You may not have thought about wading gear before, or if you have maybe you've stopped after wading boots, many novices think that wading equipment is an extravagance you don’t need when out on the water, but you’ll be shocked by what sort of angling experience you’re missing out on by not investing.
Good quality waders will keep you dry, safe, and often with more easy access storage in the pants and vest than you’d have otherwise. Beginners often think they’re saving themselves trouble and money by not purchasing waders, but the risk that you put on your health throwing yourself into bodies of water without protection and the risk of damage to your tools makes this something worth examining.
Waders used to be made from less breathable materials like cheap rubber which made you hot and sticky in the summer with a high risk of dehydration, and meant your waders smelled even after drying. Waders are now much more breathable and keep you cool even in the summer so you can enjoy your fishing to the max.
Cheap and badly designed waders are still out there though and it can be hard to sort out the products you do want from the ones you don’t. Luckily we’ve put together some of our best picks of waders currently available for you to look through, and if you still want a bit more of a steer on the sort of thing that might be useful than check out our buyers guide which will take you through some of the most important factors before buying waders. So let’s wade on, shall we!
Top 5 Fishing Waders
OUR TOP PICK
Frogg Toggs Hellbender Breathable Stockingfoot Waders
EDITORS CHOICE
Redington Crosswater Stockingfoot Waders
BEST VALUE
Ouzong 3 Ply Stockingfoot Waders
OUR TOP PICK
Frogg Toggs Hellbender Breathable Stockingfoot Waders
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
It’s true that angling requires a lot of equipment and when you’re starting out you’re faced with the choice of investing in your equipment or buying cheaply at first to see if it’s something you need or something you can do without. The problem with waders is the cheap ones will probably not show you why waders can massively improve your time on the water because they’re likely to fall apart quickly, or be sticky and uncomfortable to wear for long periods.
That’s why first up we have this option from Frogg Toggs, buying from a reputable brand can often put new anglers' minds at ease over quality and Frogg Toggs certainly are a good option for that. This is an especially great pair for beginners as they come at a very accessible price but will be able to take you on any number of fishing adventures without breaking or being uncomfortable. This lightweight pair of waders can easily keep up with the more expensive, larger options without needing you to break the bank and beginners will be particularly impressed with the flexibility this option allows you.
These waders can be put on at the car and worn to your fishing spot without inhibiting movement which is also useful while on the water for beginners learning to cast and move about in the water. When you’re a beginner being able to get out and go is a great way to encourage practice. They also help not feel the current while you’re in the water which can help you maintain a steady and sturdy stance for the best possible catch.
The waders include reliable abrasion resistance and they’re a pretty sturdy pair overall and should be capable of putting up with any bumps and scrapes on the way to your spot and in the water without springing a leak. The waders are comfortable to wear and have a great amount of storage for you to keep all the tools you need close to hand. The included handwarmer pockets are a nice touch and you’ll feel the value when it’s a bit nippy.
These are a great pair of waders for a beginner and they give a great amount of performance and quality without compromising on a price point that’s suitable for novices. Frogg Toggs has created a great product that will keep you warm, safe, and dry while you’re on the water while inhibiting movement while you’re still learning to cast. Make sure that you pick a size that will allow you to layer to keep you warm when it gets cold, but most anglers would find something to like about this pair of waders.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Affordable and high performance
- Durable and reliable
- Lightweight and flexible
- Handwarmer pockets for difficult weather
Cons
- Make sure you check the right sizing
- 4-ply nylon upper
- Double-reinforced knees
- Oversized multifunction chest pocket
- Zippered handwarmer/storage pockets
- Horizontal zippered storage
EDITORS CHOICE
Redington Crosswater Stockingfoot Waders
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
If durability is an important factor for you then this option from Redington might be just what you’ve been looking for. At a great price and continually giving a great performance, this is a great breathable option from anglers of all skill levels.
This option includes neoprene gravel guards to keep your feet safe and comfortable and keep your boots in good condition. This is a 2 in 1 design that includes neoprene boots which are very durable and help keep your feet warm while you're in the water. The design also includes opposing buckles that let you change the height of your pants easily whenever you need to, helping you to stay comfortable no matter what the weather.
Sharp objects like thorns, branches, or even hooks may damage this one, and it’s worth being aware of so that you can avoid damage. If you’re looking for something to use in the ocean than be aware that this option will need to be properly maintained after use in saltwater to extend its life. There’s no reason why this model couldn’t be used for several years with the proper care, but if you’re not sure that you want to spend the time, then looking for another more durable option might be a better choice.
This option has a lot of storage, and the chest pocket also has drainage holes to keep anything you keep in there safe from water damage. The flip-out pocket has YKK Aquaguard zippers which are corrosion resistant for use in seawater and are very durable. They’re waterproof so you can be sure that your belongings are safe in any water environment, and the belt loops give you a secure place to fasten on multiple items and it can be a real asset during fishing.
This option looks and performs very well and is a great option for weekend anglers looking to invest in something that’ll be with them for a while.
Pros
- Excellent quality design and construction
- Plenty of pockets
- Good for weekend anglers
- 2 in 1 design
- Very durable
Cons
- Watch out for sharp objects with the booties
- Opposing buckles for easy conversion to waist high
- Integrated gravel-guards with hook
- Flip-out pocket with YKK zipper
- Belt loop with wading belt included
- High density neoprene booties
BEST VALUE
Ouzong 3 Ply Stockingfoot Waders
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Waders that are functional but have been designed by innovative brands who want something a little bit more interesting for the customers are rare to find, and this option from Ouzong is not one to pass up. Ouzong is a reputable name, and newer anglers can rest easy knowing that anything that they order will be as waterproof as you expect no matter what depth you wade to.
Badly or under-waterproofed products are a big issue, particularly among novices and there’s nothing worse than getting wet when you’re not expecting it. This durable and well-constructed option is a good way to guard against getting suddenly wet and uncomfortable while out on the water, and its proof that waders don’t have to look unattractive to work. Made from a 3-ply taupe material this option will help keep you dry, cool, and comfortable while you’re out on the water thanks to the moisture-wicking properties of the material.
The polyester also lets you sweat while sealing out moisture, which is a feature most anglers will appreciate. This makes this a very breathable pair of waders, and while there isn’t a massive amount of storage on this one, you should be able to fit everything you need in the front chest and inner pockets. The pockets are protected by a durable, waterproof zipper that will keep everything safe from the water.
The H-back suspender system helps to ensure a secure and comfortable fitting, and the H-Back suspenders are a little different compared to the more common X-back. The whole system is very durable and includes a web wading belt to adjust the fit if you need to so you’re always comfortable and secure inside your waders.
This is a great durable and innovative pair of waders that is suitable for most water bodies and weather conditions. The straps don’t adjust downwards quite enough, but this mostly isn’t a problem and it’s easy to find a secure and comfortable fit.
Pros
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Innovative and functional design
- Stylish
- Great use of materials
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Straps could adjust downward slightly more
- 100% waterproof,comfortable and 3-Ply breathable Taupe stocking foot waders
- Works great in all weather conditions to keep you warm and comfortable while fishing, clamming or working in your pond
- Comfortable elastic adjustable H-back suspenders and durable web wading belt with quick release buckles
- One zippered chest pocket and one zippered inner chest pocket
- The highest quality breathable material with a durable Poyester that allows perspiration through, but keeps water out
RUNNER UP
Compass 360 Deadfall STFT Chest Waders
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
There come times where every angler has to go further from the shore than they were expecting to go after a good catch and be successful. When this happens, you want to be inside waders you can trust, and this next option from Compass 360 could be the one that you’re looking for.
With features like fleece-lined hand warmers to protect you from the colder weather, this pair of waders have been designed with anglers of all levels in mind, so that when you’re wearing these you can face anything.
The 4-ply nylon construction shows that functionality and durability is one of the top features of this option, and enough time and care have been put into both the design and the construction for the waders to be comfortable for long periods and very reliable even in the toughest weather conditions.
This option is a great one for storage and includes front pockets with waterproof zippers to keep your most essential items safe and dry. The attached 4mm thick neoprene boots are very flexible to give you a snug and comfortable fit without bunching which could result in damage or injury. The whole set-up gives excellent breathability and keeps you dry and comfortable no matter what the weather.
This option has been designed with extra layering and reinforcement around your shin and knees as two of the areas where you lose a lot of heat wading into the water. The waders have been designed to protect against scrapes or bumps and the whole set up is waterproof from your feet to your chest.
If you want added protection than wearing boots over your booties will prevent even further against puncturing, but this is a personal preference and you’ll only really need it in certain locations. This is a great option for a variety of anglers and Compass is a great brand for stylish unisex items that come in a wide range of sizes.
Pros
- Very breathable
- Keeps you safe and warm with extra layering on shins and knees
- Unisex and stylish
- Functional and durable
- Great fit on booties
Cons
- Included carry bag tears easily
- DESIGN – Made with premium, highly water resistant, breathable, 4 and 6 layer fabric. Seam tape and Durable Water Resistance coating. Durable 6-ply wrapping on lower ¾ of leg. Single crotch seam with no leg inseam.
- FEATURES/BENEFITS – Made with contour fit, double taped, 4mm 100% neoprene booties that provide warmth, protection, and comfort for your feet. 4-layer, abrasion resistant gravel guards with lace hooks designed to keep rocks and debris out of your shoes.
- EXTRAS – 4-in-1 B.A.P. with zippered pass through and box pockets. Flip out storage pocket. Equipped with belt loops and durable wading belt with quick release buckle. Built with an adjustable chest drawcord and fully adjustable elastic suspenders.
- WADER CARE – Let your wader dry completely between uses if at all possible. Wash wader with cold soapy water. NEVER put your wader in the dryer. It is best to store your waders in a cool, dry place by hanging them from the feet instead of the suspenders.
- WARRANTY – Compass 360 products are covered for one year from the date of purchase against manufacturer’s defects. Compass 360 is not responsible for normal wear and tear, commercial use, accidents, abuse, modification, misuse, or improper care.
RUNNER UP
Frogg Toggs Canyon 2 Stockingfoot Waders
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Finally, we have another affordable option from Frogg Toggs that doesn’t just come at a great price but also offers an outstanding performance that will please even the most experienced angler. Featuring 4-ply nylon fabric construction this comfortable option is easy to wear and has a great range of flexibility which any angler will appreciate.
The design also includes Dri2Pore technology with layers to promote lightness, comfort, and abrasion resistance. This gives a boost to the durability and performance of this option without making it more expensive. This wader is 4-layers thick which gives a rare amount of protection and waterproofing.
Getting the right fit on this one is important as stressing the seams will result in the bursting when you bend, so make sure you spend the time picking the right one for you so make sure you check the sizing chart for your recommended size. You need to get well-fitting waders to provide the best experience while out on the water anyway, so this isn’t too big of an issue.
This option has plenty of options for keeping your belonging safe and dry, with a waterproof front pocket and plenty more space in the flip-out security pocket so everything you need will be easily accessible. There is also a D-ring on the chest to make sure you have plenty of space to keep all your essentials to hand when you need them.
The stockingfeet are made from 4mm neoprene with double taped seams to ensure that your feet stay dry and warm. The included 3 ply Gravel guards help protect the booties from damage and the whole set-up is easy to adjust thanks to the wading belt and the Y-back suspenders.
Pros
- Made from high-quality materials
- Durable and well-constructed
- Plenty of storage
- A great accessible price point
- Very waterproof
Cons
- The wrong fit may result in burst seams
- 4-ply nylon upper
- Splash-proof zippered chest pocket
- Adjustable wading belt with quick-release locking buckle
- Attached gravel guards with integral lace hooks
- Adjustable Y-back suspenders with quick-release locking buckles
Best Fishing Waders Buying Guide
Now you know a little bit more about the sort of options that available to you, you might feel ready to go out and pick your waders now. If you’d like a little more info though, don’t worry we’ve prepared a small guide to show you a few of the most important factors to consider before buying your waders so you make the best decision for you.
Fit
This is one of the most important factors to think about before buying your waders. Factors like flexibility and comfort are more important than you think as they can make or break a fishing trip. Wearing waders that are too tight can lead to rashes and abrasions which can be uncomfortable, annoying, or just downright painful.
Spending the time to get the right for is essential and having things like your measurements to hand and comparing with the sizing guide of your chosen product can be the best way to make sure you’ve got the correct size. If you’re fishing in cold areas than make sure you have room for thermal layers to help protect you and make you more comfortable.
Material
Another feature to consider is the material your waders are made from. You want to be able to stay cool in your waders so breathability is a factor that’s important to consider so make sure you look at the materials being used.
Things like polyester and nylon are breathable and always good options, but some brands are using innovative materials to stay cool like Gore-Tex that stays breathable, but also waterproof. You want to look out for materials that wick moisture to let seats evaporate to leave you cool and dry.
Zipper
Believe it or not but this small feature of your wader can mean the difference between going home dry or sitting for hours in wet clothes. You don’t want to bring some of the lake home with you and high-quality waterproof zippers reduce your chances of getting wet no matter how much your plunge into the water. They also help to protect your belongings, so make sure that your chosen waders have durable zippers that can stand up to the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know I’ve picked the right size waders?
Pick waders one size up from your shoe size, that’ll normally give you room to move, grow, and layer if it gets cold.
Should I choose boot waders or stocking feet?
Both have their benefits and at the end of the day, it’s a personal choice. If you have very large feet though, going with boots is a better way to guarantee the fit.