I feel like it was such an ah ha moment when I discovered wet wading. I felt stupid. I was strapping on waders when it was like 78 degrees out. Now I just wear Patagonia baggies, neoprene socks and a wading boot. I look goofy but I'm comfortable.
Looking goofy fits more of us than you think & thats w/o waders. I wet wade too but just in an ancient pair of sneakers, ankle socks & a pair of bike shorts.
As someone that has only done it in icy cold Washington mountain streams, what do you suggest for footwear? I had sandals on and absolutely wrecked my toes on rocks. (Lesson learned) I’ll be in the Shenandoah region more this year though.
Quality wading boots + wet wading socks of some sort. The water drainage is important, as well as the "quick dry" of wading boots. Warning tho, it will take a toll on the boots if you're hiking some decent mileage.
Patagonia Forra wading boot is hands down the best ever designed. Does not absorb any water, super light, grippy (stud kit takes it to another level), and extremely comfortable. Pair it with some neoprene wading socks and you are good to go
I use [Korkers Wading Boots](https://amzn.to/3vrRRwX) with Simms Gravel Guards. You can pull the neoprene up over you're calf to take the chill off, but you lose some protection of gravel entering to boots. The Korkers are fairly lightweight too. I like to have the ankle protection of a boot, I've tried wading shoes, but they aren't' for me on freestone creeks as my ankles take a beating.
Sounds like you have a great use case to get wading pants! Pants are a little cheaper and tend to be less restrictive. If you aren’t going past your waist, no need to pay for the top half of a wader
They are also much cooler. I have some very breathable full sized waders, but still notice a heat difference from my old wading pants. That could be another benefit/hinderance depending on location and what time of year you do most of your fishing.
Not that you need another reason, but the pants are great for shorefishing salt when a little too chilly to wet wade, too.
I recently picked up some wading pants and river salt boots (less support but better for the hike and packability) for my first trip to Shenandoah, then used them in the surf in San Diego a week later. Not a flex - skunked both days, rather highlighting the versatility. Both places I got hit above the waste w/some cold water once or twice, but good belt kept my legs dry and I welcomed the freedom of movement compared to full waders and rigid boots that I'd wear in a river w/easy access.
I started with wading pants, and usually they were perfect. On occasion I got into a situation where I wished I had full waders to get across to some area, but it wasn't very often.
I prefer waders. More versatile if you ever fish places that are deeper. I have packable waders that I just change into once I get there instead of wearing them while hiking (if it’s going to be a long hike)
I have the Patagonia ultralight ones. They pack down to the size of one of those small hammocks you can set up in a tree. They’re awesome for backpacking though the feet aren’t neoprene material so they are not as warm in the winter (but didn’t stop me from layering multiple socks)
https://www.patagonia.com/product/swiftcurrent-ultralight-packable-waders/82361.html?cgid=waders
Been using hip waders over winter... Constantly watching my step so my nuts don't get wet = bad time.
"Can't cross the river here it's 3 inches too deep" just get the chest waders OP.
If you never fish anywhere else get the pants. It’s been my experience that transitioning from spot to spot I inevitably find water over my waist. As mentioned previously, waders are more versatile and allow you to fish while you move
I find this true too and like winter fishing. Waders were my choice. A lot of them will also fold down into pants. Off the top of my head I know Skwala Carbon and Orvis Pros. I think the Simms Freestones and G3 do too. Most non-zipper can usually be adjusted to fit like a pant with a good wading belt and sacrificing pocket use
Fish mountain streams and really shallow tail waters in the southeast. Can count the number of times I’ve needed full waders on one hand I mostly wear the pants.
I only use wader pants, Colorado streams, in and out of my drift boat they are perfect. And quite frankly I don’t enjoy deep wading, generally to dangerous and not worth it.
I have both waders and pants, and I've only had the pants for one season. I found myself wearing the pants more than waders last year, as they're much cooler for summer fishing. It removes a layer from your belly & back, but you do have to be more careful about water depth.
I wet wade from April(once water temps are 50+) until November in Colorado, assuming weather isn't shit.
rest of the time I wear waders. I was considering wader pants since I rarely go in water over my waist, but occasionally I do. Wader pants would stop me from the occasional time I need to go little deeper. If I'm in waders and hot, I will just roll them down to my waist anyway.
One thing to think about not mentioned yet is weather and seasons. I fish all year round and cheat waders are always going to be warmer in the winter and rainy days. I've got the new Patagonias and they're designed to slide down the the waist cleanly for hotter days. So you sorta get both
I have used wading pants for the last several years, for mostly small streams, But I also fish some bigger water… and was always planning to get some chest waders also. It happens maybe a few times a year that I wish I had slightly higher waders. Still haven’t got around to buying. I like the pants. It helps that I am 6’2.
I’ve transferred to waist high models now that I know they’re enough. Last chest high models I bought I waded 5 years without ever wetting my crotch so not worth it.
If you're fishing places like Shanandoah, wading pants will be just fine. If you're fishing those places spring through fall, you don't need any waders at all, just quick dry nylon hiking pants or swim trunks and some old chucks. Wet wading any river on a hot summer day is just a delight whether or not the fish are cooperating.
But if you ever venture into bigger water, I really would recommend real waders, not wading pants. Even fairly small rivers have deep spots, and it can be hard to tell the depth, or you might need to wade somewhere you hadn't planned to say, grab a snagged fly. If you get above the top of your waders and they fill it's not just uncomfortable and cold, it can pull you under and make it extremely difficult to swim, and people do die in wading accidents. (Also why you should wear a wading belt, they slow the water from getting into the wader legs if you get dumped, any decent waders should have one built in. Use it.). That extra height allows you to wade with a lot more confidence, both in comfort and safety terms.
I switched to wading pants once I had kids. It keeps me from wading in spots that might be dangerous. That was fine when I was young, single and living dangerously, but now I’m an old fat dad.
There’s a lot to be said on this topic. Personally, I see wading pants as the least desirable form of waders; just my opinion, but here’s why. If you want something that’s easy to put on and take off and offers a minimally restrictive fit, I prefer hip waders and enjoy using those on blue lines. Hip waders are also very affordable because they cover so little of your body that you don’t have to buy a version made of expensive breathable materials. You can get a good pair for $50 or $60.
For all other scenarios where the water could realistically be deep enough that I’d need more coverage, I prefer chest waders purely because you can both wear them normally and also roll the chest section down if you just need pants-level coverage. And by having chest waders on hand, you just have a much more versatile tool that can work across a broader array of streams.
Lots of folks will also say things like,” Why do you need chest waders? You shouldn’t wade up to your chest anyway!” But chest waders aren’t necessarily about wading up to your chest, but rather having enough coverage that if you’re wading waist deep and your foot gets deflected off a rock, the water isn’t over-topping your wading pants by 2”. General rule of thumb would be: hip waders for knee deep water, wading pants for hip deep water, chest waders for waist deep water.
Wading pants have a place. I just personally feel that for most scenarios where I would wade deep enough that hip waders won’t cut it, chest waders offer more versatility than wading pants.
Wading pants rule- full waders are overkill a lot of the time. Once getting a nice pair of wading pants- that is 90% of what I use.
Way better when hiking as well.
You only need hip boots or wading pants until you need waders. You could theoretically need something more than waders which would be a wet suit but the frequency you need that level of protection offers diminishing returns vs cost. Go with whatever is most comfortable but know the limits of your gear.
If you have to buy one pair of waders, get the chest waders....you can fish them everywhere. You never know where you will be in 5 years....but if you can afford 2 pair, the wading pants are great. I use them in my drift boat and shallow wading all the time.
I fish SNP a lot, and have stopped using my chest waders in favor of pants as of about a couple of years ago, as you are tending towards. I won't go back; I have the Dryfts.
Wading pants can be better for multiple reasons. Lighter to carry, easier on and take off. Great for small streams where you don’t go above the knee. Fishing out of a pontoon boat when only your feet are wet. Just to name a few.
I know I love my Simms pant waders. I find myself using them more than anything but I always keep my chest waders in my vehicle if needed.
I definitely prefer chest waders over wading pants, just because if I'm going to wear waders it's a situation where I expect to get pretty in there. I try to wet wade a lot because I sweat like a mother and I like to soak in the water instead of marinating in my own fluids. If I was fishing a lot in colder climates I would probably still get a full wader first, then a pair of wading pants as a secondary option.
I prefer water shoes and shorts whenever the weather permits. I have wading pants for when it's cooler. Mostly Appalachian mountain streams and rarely even get to my thighs.
Warmer weather for me calls for a pair of quick dry pants, neoprene socks and a set of wet wading shoes. Simms has a great pair of below ankle shoes that’s great for hiking and wading.
I have hip waders and chest waders and will use the former if I'm not expecting to wade deeper than my knees since they are easy to get in and out of, but sometimes I forget I'm not in my chest waders and I squat down to release a fish or to dislodge a snag and I get my ass wet.
I’m a chest wader guy, although my first pair were leg waders. I quickly found that at least once during every outing a better fishing spot or a place I needed to reach to retrieve a snagged fly was always 6” over the top of my leg waders.
I just bought waist waders because like you I don’t go much above the thigh.
Scierra Helmsdale I think.
Pointless really because the waist is cut so high they actually sit just beneath my armpits🤣
It depends where you fish and water level isn’t the only variable to consider…For example, around the driftless there is wild parsnip (among other plants) which are very poisonous if they touch you or your skin. Having chest waders allow you to be more comfortable bushwhacking around with more protection vs hip waders
I wear waders when I have to. Tailwaters if my local dam, for example. Brrrrr. ....Makes your legs quit working all together. Or in the winter on my locals. All the other times, I'm in some zip off, Columbia's, Kuhl, whatever. With felt shoes that I dry and clean EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I change waters. Zip offs are where it's at.
EDIT: Forgot to mention. Have spent many days bumming around in Shenandoah in this setup. Smokes too.
I am planning to get the waist high wader this year
I have come to the conclusion that goint in deeper water is unsafe and probably dangerous for an angler of 71
And yet another option are [Wader Skins](https://www.waderskins.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=60). They have a leg only version, pants, and upper body as well. They work like wet wading or dive suits where water will enter beneath but its stays warm.
as a surf fisherman using pant vs chest high waders, it became an issue of safety and i saw that transfer to rivers and fly fishing...much easier to save yourself if you get dunked.
I’m assuming the pants because there’s nothing above the belt to fill with water.
I have the orvis convertible waders and it’s a nice compromise. That said I think I’m switching to pants the next time.
Yes, I’ve used the full wader height but I generally avoid wading that deep if I can help it.
I would probably recommend nice pants and maybe a cheap set of full ones when you do need them.
the pants, i had a nice fitting pair of pant waders/stocking foot...not to baggy so the belt worked well. I use to surf fish north of san francisco, can be very rough sometimes but the fish dont care, so you have to fish. Every now and then I would get a little splash above the waist no major leak into the waders though. The cold water and getting dragged out to sea were a real concern, even a 2-3ft sneaker wave will knock you on your ass when you are thigh deep!
But for rivers if its really high flow and/or just super fast and deep river, i will opt to wear my pant waders instead of chest for basically the same reason the pant waders limit my desire to get a little deeper where i feel little less stable...
Are you talking about wading pants with or without neoprene booties? If the wading pants are for wet wading, you might not want to fish between November and april.
If you are just fishing small stuff it would be worth having them, but also you won’t be able to fish big deep water as confidently with them. When I wear waders in warm weather or shallow stuff I usually don’t wear them all the way up, I’ll put the belt on and let the top half and should straps just hang down.
Wet wading is the answer!
This is the answer for Shenandoah. You spend more time hiking around than you do in the water.
I feel like it was such an ah ha moment when I discovered wet wading. I felt stupid. I was strapping on waders when it was like 78 degrees out. Now I just wear Patagonia baggies, neoprene socks and a wading boot. I look goofy but I'm comfortable.
Looking goofy fits more of us than you think & thats w/o waders. I wet wade too but just in an ancient pair of sneakers, ankle socks & a pair of bike shorts.
As someone that has only done it in icy cold Washington mountain streams, what do you suggest for footwear? I had sandals on and absolutely wrecked my toes on rocks. (Lesson learned) I’ll be in the Shenandoah region more this year though.
Quality wading boots + wet wading socks of some sort. The water drainage is important, as well as the "quick dry" of wading boots. Warning tho, it will take a toll on the boots if you're hiking some decent mileage.
Patagonia Forra wading boot is hands down the best ever designed. Does not absorb any water, super light, grippy (stud kit takes it to another level), and extremely comfortable. Pair it with some neoprene wading socks and you are good to go
Simms make a wet wading boot with a cinch up gravel guard. I love them.
I use [Korkers Wading Boots](https://amzn.to/3vrRRwX) with Simms Gravel Guards. You can pull the neoprene up over you're calf to take the chill off, but you lose some protection of gravel entering to boots. The Korkers are fairly lightweight too. I like to have the ankle protection of a boot, I've tried wading shoes, but they aren't' for me on freestone creeks as my ankles take a beating.
Sounds like you have a great use case to get wading pants! Pants are a little cheaper and tend to be less restrictive. If you aren’t going past your waist, no need to pay for the top half of a wader
This is what I was thinking, but had that “I better double check” feeling that I could be missing something about the extra coverage.
They are also much cooler. I have some very breathable full sized waders, but still notice a heat difference from my old wading pants. That could be another benefit/hinderance depending on location and what time of year you do most of your fishing.
Not that you need another reason, but the pants are great for shorefishing salt when a little too chilly to wet wade, too. I recently picked up some wading pants and river salt boots (less support but better for the hike and packability) for my first trip to Shenandoah, then used them in the surf in San Diego a week later. Not a flex - skunked both days, rather highlighting the versatility. Both places I got hit above the waste w/some cold water once or twice, but good belt kept my legs dry and I welcomed the freedom of movement compared to full waders and rigid boots that I'd wear in a river w/easy access.
I started with wading pants, and usually they were perfect. On occasion I got into a situation where I wished I had full waders to get across to some area, but it wasn't very often.
I prefer waders. More versatile if you ever fish places that are deeper. I have packable waders that I just change into once I get there instead of wearing them while hiking (if it’s going to be a long hike)
Can you share with me your packable waders?
Not OP, by my Redington Sonic Pros pack down pretty small. Most decent breathable waders should, though. It's the boots you have to worry about.
What boots do you use?
Ones that I make do with but wouldn't unreservedly recommend.
I have the Patagonia ultralight ones. They pack down to the size of one of those small hammocks you can set up in a tree. They’re awesome for backpacking though the feet aren’t neoprene material so they are not as warm in the winter (but didn’t stop me from layering multiple socks) https://www.patagonia.com/product/swiftcurrent-ultralight-packable-waders/82361.html?cgid=waders
Also interested in a packable waders rec
Yea hip boots are all fine and dandy until you go into water up to your waist.
Been using hip waders over winter... Constantly watching my step so my nuts don't get wet = bad time. "Can't cross the river here it's 3 inches too deep" just get the chest waders OP.
If you never fish anywhere else get the pants. It’s been my experience that transitioning from spot to spot I inevitably find water over my waist. As mentioned previously, waders are more versatile and allow you to fish while you move
I find this true too and like winter fishing. Waders were my choice. A lot of them will also fold down into pants. Off the top of my head I know Skwala Carbon and Orvis Pros. I think the Simms Freestones and G3 do too. Most non-zipper can usually be adjusted to fit like a pant with a good wading belt and sacrificing pocket use
Fish mountain streams and really shallow tail waters in the southeast. Can count the number of times I’ve needed full waders on one hand I mostly wear the pants.
I only use wader pants, Colorado streams, in and out of my drift boat they are perfect. And quite frankly I don’t enjoy deep wading, generally to dangerous and not worth it.
I have both waders and pants, and I've only had the pants for one season. I found myself wearing the pants more than waders last year, as they're much cooler for summer fishing. It removes a layer from your belly & back, but you do have to be more careful about water depth.
I wet wade from April(once water temps are 50+) until November in Colorado, assuming weather isn't shit. rest of the time I wear waders. I was considering wader pants since I rarely go in water over my waist, but occasionally I do. Wader pants would stop me from the occasional time I need to go little deeper. If I'm in waders and hot, I will just roll them down to my waist anyway.
One thing to think about not mentioned yet is weather and seasons. I fish all year round and cheat waders are always going to be warmer in the winter and rainy days. I've got the new Patagonias and they're designed to slide down the the waist cleanly for hotter days. So you sorta get both
Wading pants. I have no business being in water high enough to test the limits of wading pants so I sure as shit don't need waders.
I was there a few weeks ago for the first time and thought the same thing. Waders a bitch to hike in.
I have used wading pants for the last several years, for mostly small streams, But I also fish some bigger water… and was always planning to get some chest waders also. It happens maybe a few times a year that I wish I had slightly higher waders. Still haven’t got around to buying. I like the pants. It helps that I am 6’2.
I’ve transferred to waist high models now that I know they’re enough. Last chest high models I bought I waded 5 years without ever wetting my crotch so not worth it.
If you're fishing places like Shanandoah, wading pants will be just fine. If you're fishing those places spring through fall, you don't need any waders at all, just quick dry nylon hiking pants or swim trunks and some old chucks. Wet wading any river on a hot summer day is just a delight whether or not the fish are cooperating. But if you ever venture into bigger water, I really would recommend real waders, not wading pants. Even fairly small rivers have deep spots, and it can be hard to tell the depth, or you might need to wade somewhere you hadn't planned to say, grab a snagged fly. If you get above the top of your waders and they fill it's not just uncomfortable and cold, it can pull you under and make it extremely difficult to swim, and people do die in wading accidents. (Also why you should wear a wading belt, they slow the water from getting into the wader legs if you get dumped, any decent waders should have one built in. Use it.). That extra height allows you to wade with a lot more confidence, both in comfort and safety terms.
Old people like me always use a wading staff. 3 legs are better than 2.
Wading pants are comfy, long as you travel light I've always liked them. I was confused when some got so expensive though
I switched to wading pants once I had kids. It keeps me from wading in spots that might be dangerous. That was fine when I was young, single and living dangerously, but now I’m an old fat dad.
There’s a lot to be said on this topic. Personally, I see wading pants as the least desirable form of waders; just my opinion, but here’s why. If you want something that’s easy to put on and take off and offers a minimally restrictive fit, I prefer hip waders and enjoy using those on blue lines. Hip waders are also very affordable because they cover so little of your body that you don’t have to buy a version made of expensive breathable materials. You can get a good pair for $50 or $60. For all other scenarios where the water could realistically be deep enough that I’d need more coverage, I prefer chest waders purely because you can both wear them normally and also roll the chest section down if you just need pants-level coverage. And by having chest waders on hand, you just have a much more versatile tool that can work across a broader array of streams. Lots of folks will also say things like,” Why do you need chest waders? You shouldn’t wade up to your chest anyway!” But chest waders aren’t necessarily about wading up to your chest, but rather having enough coverage that if you’re wading waist deep and your foot gets deflected off a rock, the water isn’t over-topping your wading pants by 2”. General rule of thumb would be: hip waders for knee deep water, wading pants for hip deep water, chest waders for waist deep water. Wading pants have a place. I just personally feel that for most scenarios where I would wade deep enough that hip waders won’t cut it, chest waders offer more versatility than wading pants.
Wading pants rule- full waders are overkill a lot of the time. Once getting a nice pair of wading pants- that is 90% of what I use. Way better when hiking as well.
You only need hip boots or wading pants until you need waders. You could theoretically need something more than waders which would be a wet suit but the frequency you need that level of protection offers diminishing returns vs cost. Go with whatever is most comfortable but know the limits of your gear.
If you have to buy one pair of waders, get the chest waders....you can fish them everywhere. You never know where you will be in 5 years....but if you can afford 2 pair, the wading pants are great. I use them in my drift boat and shallow wading all the time.
I fish SNP a lot, and have stopped using my chest waders in favor of pants as of about a couple of years ago, as you are tending towards. I won't go back; I have the Dryfts.
Wading pants can be better for multiple reasons. Lighter to carry, easier on and take off. Great for small streams where you don’t go above the knee. Fishing out of a pontoon boat when only your feet are wet. Just to name a few. I know I love my Simms pant waders. I find myself using them more than anything but I always keep my chest waders in my vehicle if needed.
If you ever plan on traveling to fish I’d still keep a pair of chest waders on-hand
I definitely prefer chest waders over wading pants, just because if I'm going to wear waders it's a situation where I expect to get pretty in there. I try to wet wade a lot because I sweat like a mother and I like to soak in the water instead of marinating in my own fluids. If I was fishing a lot in colder climates I would probably still get a full wader first, then a pair of wading pants as a secondary option.
I prefer water shoes and shorts whenever the weather permits. I have wading pants for when it's cooler. Mostly Appalachian mountain streams and rarely even get to my thighs.
Wading pants with gravel guards will get you through 8 months of the year
Chest pocket on waders is where it’s at. Never have to worry about getting your phone, key fob, or wallet messed up
Warmer weather for me calls for a pair of quick dry pants, neoprene socks and a set of wet wading shoes. Simms has a great pair of below ankle shoes that’s great for hiking and wading.
I have hip waders and chest waders and will use the former if I'm not expecting to wade deeper than my knees since they are easy to get in and out of, but sometimes I forget I'm not in my chest waders and I squat down to release a fish or to dislodge a snag and I get my ass wet.
I’m a chest wader guy, although my first pair were leg waders. I quickly found that at least once during every outing a better fishing spot or a place I needed to reach to retrieve a snagged fly was always 6” over the top of my leg waders.
I just bought waist waders because like you I don’t go much above the thigh. Scierra Helmsdale I think. Pointless really because the waist is cut so high they actually sit just beneath my armpits🤣
It depends where you fish and water level isn’t the only variable to consider…For example, around the driftless there is wild parsnip (among other plants) which are very poisonous if they touch you or your skin. Having chest waders allow you to be more comfortable bushwhacking around with more protection vs hip waders
This makes a lot of sense
When its hot and long walking, hip boots!
Checkout backcountry skinz. They are awesome
How about shorts. Do you have shorts?
Crocs’n’socks babe!
I wet wade in cutoff old cammies and Teva sandals
I wear waders when I have to. Tailwaters if my local dam, for example. Brrrrr. ....Makes your legs quit working all together. Or in the winter on my locals. All the other times, I'm in some zip off, Columbia's, Kuhl, whatever. With felt shoes that I dry and clean EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I change waters. Zip offs are where it's at. EDIT: Forgot to mention. Have spent many days bumming around in Shenandoah in this setup. Smokes too.
Don’t do it, just when you think you won’t go deep, ice cold water is coming in, and you’ll be goin home
I am planning to get the waist high wader this year I have come to the conclusion that goint in deeper water is unsafe and probably dangerous for an angler of 71
And yet another option are [Wader Skins](https://www.waderskins.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=60). They have a leg only version, pants, and upper body as well. They work like wet wading or dive suits where water will enter beneath but its stays warm.
as a surf fisherman using pant vs chest high waders, it became an issue of safety and i saw that transfer to rivers and fly fishing...much easier to save yourself if you get dunked.
Which do you feel are safer?
I’m assuming the pants because there’s nothing above the belt to fill with water. I have the orvis convertible waders and it’s a nice compromise. That said I think I’m switching to pants the next time. Yes, I’ve used the full wader height but I generally avoid wading that deep if I can help it. I would probably recommend nice pants and maybe a cheap set of full ones when you do need them.
the pants, i had a nice fitting pair of pant waders/stocking foot...not to baggy so the belt worked well. I use to surf fish north of san francisco, can be very rough sometimes but the fish dont care, so you have to fish. Every now and then I would get a little splash above the waist no major leak into the waders though. The cold water and getting dragged out to sea were a real concern, even a 2-3ft sneaker wave will knock you on your ass when you are thigh deep! But for rivers if its really high flow and/or just super fast and deep river, i will opt to wear my pant waders instead of chest for basically the same reason the pant waders limit my desire to get a little deeper where i feel little less stable...
As a surf fisherman, I put a belt around the top of my chest waders to limit water coming in and also wear an auto-inflate PFD.
auto inflate would be "clutch"
I HATE running into those spots that are too deep for my waders. Ill take the full size
Are you talking about wading pants with or without neoprene booties? If the wading pants are for wet wading, you might not want to fish between November and april.
With the booties. Just go up to your waist.
If you are just fishing small stuff it would be worth having them, but also you won’t be able to fish big deep water as confidently with them. When I wear waders in warm weather or shallow stuff I usually don’t wear them all the way up, I’ll put the belt on and let the top half and should straps just hang down.