I’m normally wet wading and moving around the River edge in bedrocks during spring time in Maryland. Going on a small weekend trip in PA January time. I really don’t see the value in owning wading boots. I also live on Chesapeake bay if there’s any value in a wader boot combo for backyard work and mud trekking.
Posted by Blue_MTB
9 Comments
I use thick neoprene waders for cold water. It’s still pretty cold.
You’re going to want neoprene waders especially if you’re wading the northern or western waterways
Maybe for very short periods of time. If you want to fish a lot get neoprene.
Fine if you layer under them. This is basically the standard bargain-basement wader that everybody wore from the 70s into the 90s duck hunting.
That said, the boots may or may not offer any real grip on slick rock, since they look to have standard lug soles vs felt or a rubber sole that’s intended to be better on rock. Typically this kind of wader is more for mud bottoms.
They probably will not be very durable. I definitely would test them before use to make sure they’re waterproof straight from the box.
No. Go with insulated waders, like Froggs Toggs. You can remove the insulation in the spring. Also, get a box of disposable nitrile gloves.
Definitely want to layer up underneath and thick socks. They make strap on cleats which would be a good idea as the rubber soles will be slick on rocks in PA rivers. Not much ankle support with those waders but understandable for the $ and short use. Stocking foot with wading boots are much better but these will do
You definitely don’t need neoprene, proper layering under your waders will keep you plenty warm. I’m sure these will be fine for your trip but I wouldn’t expect much in the terms of longevity or any type of warranty.
I use similar waders and wear several layers under them while fishing in cold weather. Long Johns + fleece-lined pants seem to do the trick. I also tuck hand warmers into my wool socks and bring a big thermos of hot coffee with me.
If you get those, then get a shoe size up at least. PVC waders have no flex, so you’ll need extra space for the layers you’ll want to wear for insulation. Long undies, sweat pants, thin socks, foot warmers, thick boot socks over that, etc.