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For fly anglers, maximizing time on the water is an absolute must. The weather and the water conditions are not always perfect, so fishermen need to ensure they are comfortable and able to fish in all scenarios.
One of the main accessories a fly fisherman needs that will help you stay comfortable on even the worst days is your waders. Regardless of whether the water is freezing or the rain is pouring, waders will keep you comfortable and give you a chance to land a trophy fish.
If you are unfamiliar with waders and need some help deciding the type you need. Please check out my article on the types available and the criteria needed to select the correct waders. This will give you a much better idea of understanding the right type for your type of fishing before you buy.
In this article, I will cover:
- The Five Best Fly Fishing Waders
- Orvis Men’s Pro Wader (My Best Overall Pick!)
- Redington Escape Zip Waders (My Most Versatile Pick!)
- Redington Crosswater Waders (My Best Value Pick!)
- Orvis Clearwater Waders
- Simms Flyweight Waders
Five Best Fly Fishing Waders
There are dozens of companies that make fly fishing waders, but depending on your budget, you’ll find plenty of options that fit your needs.
However, it’s smart to stick with reputable brands when you’re purchasing your waders. Too many companies are making poor waders that don’t meet your specific needs.
Orvis Pro Waders – My Best Overall Pick!
While Orvis is more well-known for its high-quality rods, their Pro Waders are phenomenal. These are stockingfoot waders, so you will need to purchase an additional set of wading boots.
These waders are made of a 4-layer Cordura in the upper area and a 5-layer Cordura fabric shell in the lower legs. Most companies make their waders with two or three layers. This is a major factor in choosing these Orvis Pro Waders as my top pick.
These waders are extremely durable, and you don’t have to deal with any excessive seams that have the potential to rip. You’ll also have Kangaroo-style fleece handwarmer pockets and adjustable elastic suspenders to make your life much more comfortable.
The accessories you have on these waders are also quite nice. The fly patches, knee guards, and gravel guards give you a more comfortable experience! You can even roll them down and still access all of your pockets on those really warm days.
The Orvis Pro Waders come in 14 sizes for men and 14 different sizes for women. The short and long-length options mean a great fit for the individual, whatever the body size.
Tip: If you’re a fly fisherman who likes a zipper option, these are also available by selecting the Orvis PRO Zipper Waders.
The biggest downside to these is that they’ll cost you quite a bit of money! These are in the top pricing range. However, with this investment, you’ll also get a lifetime warranty. If your waders ever fail, Orvis promises to replace them as long as it wasn’t your mistake.
Purchasing wading boots that fit your individual shape is a major plus, and you’ll be ready to hit the water! You don’t have to worry about your feet getting cold, either. The neoprene booties will keep you comfortable.
If you are out on the water every week, investing in the Orvis Pro pays off in the long run. I have owned and recommended these waders to everyone that I know in fly fishing circles for many years, and they have never let me down!
Redington Escape Zip Waders – My Most Versatile Pick!
The Escape Zip Waders from Redington are a great investment. Redington is well-known for the quality of its waders! Plus, their options are a bit more affordable than others you would find on the market.
The Escape Zip waders have a 3-layer upper material and a 4-layer lower material that is both waterproof and breathable. You can take these out on a warm day and still find yourself feeling comfortable while hiking around.
You’ll also receive the micro-fleece lined pockets and two exterior pockets that will store a fly box, snacks, and any other necessary goods you find yourself needing as you spend time on the water.
The best feature of these waders is that the entire front chest has a large zipper on it. This large zipper is fully waterproof, so you can get as deep as you like! You can easily roll them down on those warm days when you unzip them.
Comfort will keep you on the water longer, and Redington makes sure you can do that. You’ll have all the necessary features of a really high-quality option, and the extra features of the zipper make them even better.
These waders are more in the mid-price range bracket; by buying these, you will be sure to have an effective and practical set of waders that are going to keep you more than happy on the water.
For more detailed insights, Please check out my in-depth article on the Redington Escape Zip Waders, which explains why they are so good in further detial.
Redington Crosswater Waders – My Best Value Pick!
The Redington Crosswater is a fairly bare-bones set of waders. You don’t have all the fancy features you would get on those that cost a few hundred dollars, but you do have everything you likely will need. A small interior pocket will keep your necessities in place, but other than that, you won’t have any other storage areas.
Redington also provides a wading belt to ensure you don’t fill your waders or get yourself in trouble. They are stockingfoot waders, so ensure you have a pair of wading boots to accompany them.
If you’re the minimalist type that doesn’t need all the bells and whistles but still needs something that will last as long as possible, check out the Crosswater waders. They’re high quality, breathable, and extremely functional.
The best thing is that these waders will cost much less than the Orvis Pro and the Redington Escape! If you only use waders once a month, I highly recommend these as a great choice. Again, stick with a reputable brand, and you won’t be sorry.
Tip: If you are buying waders for your kids, I would strongly recommend one of the less expensive options. As they grow out of them, they will still be in good condition – It can be a big expense unless they can be passed down to a younger child.
Orvis Clearwater Waders
The Orvis Clearwater is more well-known as a rod than a set of waders. The Clearwater waders are Orvis’ more affordable option! If your budget is a little more restrictive, you’ll get a very high-quality set of waders that should last you for many years and also includes the same Orvis warranty!
You have a four-layer waterproof nylon fabric with a nice amount of breathability. There are side buckles that allow you to roll these waders down on warm days.
Also, you have fleece-lined pockets to keep your hands warm on cold days and one large external storage pocket to keep a fly box and any other things you need. Also, several D-rings allow you to attach forceps, all the other necessary tools, and even a telescopic landing net!
If you’re a fly fisherman who needs pockets in their waders at a reasonable price, then these really meet the criteria.
Simms Flyweight Waders
No list of the best waders is complete without a pair of Simms waders. The Flyweight Waders from Simms aren’t quite their top-of-the-line model, but they’re close.
Simms has a good selection of different styles, but my choice is the Flyweight Waders – Stockingfoot. They have a great feel about them and stretch really nicely when bending down and walking about.
They also come with a nice quality zip, which can be tightened at the waist if that is your preferred style of fly fishing. You can spot someone with the Simms flyweight waders on from the unique Hex grid pattern on the chest portion. They come in sharp green colour and have stocking feet.
They are available in eight different chest sizes with an option for long or regular lengths.
You also get the Gore-Tex stretch technology that allows them to flex as you move. These waders are some of the most comfortable waders on the market. You’ll forget you’re wearing them after a while.
The amount of storage you have with these waders is also great. You won’t lack for much with the Simms Flyweight. Whether you fish in the winter or summer with these waders, you’ll be in for a treat.
The price ranges vary depending on which option you prefer. Typically, most are in the more expensive bracket and compete directly with Orvis. If you are looking for a reliable and more affordable priced set of waders, then check out my review on the Snowbee Wadermaster 201D Nylon Waders, which while cheaper will hold there own against their competitors.
Wading Out
Choosing the right waders for your style of fishing is key. Selecting the right quality ones means you can use them for years; always make sure you match your needs with the right choice.
To summarise, pick the lightest, most breathable wader you can find by a reputable manufacturer. The best quality waders that will last are made by Orvis, Simms, and Redington.
Do you want to learn more about wade fishing? Then check out my in-depth article with detailed information on wading tips, the gear you need, plus all the critical safety tips.
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