Hi, I'm after some advice on waders. For a long time I used a pair of Vass waders"”can't remember the model number but they were super watertight and never let me down. But they were massively thick and heavy, not easy to fold down 'ready for action' and not easy to get on in a hurry.
So about 18 months ago I bought a pair of the lightweight Fox ones. They tick all the boxes in terms of lightness and ease of getting on but I'm pretty sure they are either leaking or are somehow leeching some dampness through. At first I thought I must just be sweating a lot whilst wearing them. Both of my legs end up being damp from basically the ankle to mid-thigh. But it happens every time I use them, regardless of temperature, and TBH I'm not even an especially sweaty bloke so I've now ruled that out as the cause. I think it must either be a limitation of the light material (and it is sort of allowing some dampness through), or seams have failed on both legs at the same time.
Regardless, what I am after is recommendations for a pair of waders that fulfill their primary job of keeping me dry, but are also made out of 'manageable' material. Maybe this is a combination that doesn't exist, but I have to believe there's something out there that will do the job.
Many thanks. David
So about 18 months ago I bought a pair of the lightweight Fox ones. They tick all the boxes in terms of lightness and ease of getting on but I'm pretty sure they are either leaking or are somehow leeching some dampness through. At first I thought I must just be sweating a lot whilst wearing them. Both of my legs end up being damp from basically the ankle to mid-thigh. But it happens every time I use them, regardless of temperature, and TBH I'm not even an especially sweaty bloke so I've now ruled that out as the cause. I think it must either be a limitation of the light material (and it is sort of allowing some dampness through), or seams have failed on both legs at the same time.
Regardless, what I am after is recommendations for a pair of waders that fulfill their primary job of keeping me dry, but are also made out of 'manageable' material. Maybe this is a combination that doesn't exist, but I have to believe there's something out there that will do the job.
Many thanks. David
In reply to Post #1
For the last few years I have been buying cheap waders through Fishdeal. They have been different makes each time but are made of the same material as Vass, Ocean, etc but thinner and lighter. They only last a couple of seasons but they are cheap, last ones were low thirties, so if I get two years out of them its not the end of the world replacing them.
For the last few years I have been buying cheap waders through Fishdeal. They have been different makes each time but are made of the same material as Vass, Ocean, etc but thinner and lighter. They only last a couple of seasons but they are cheap, last ones were low thirties, so if I get two years out of them its not the end of the world replacing them.
In reply to Post #1
If you are putting yourself into non-breathable waders you'll be surprised how little body heat you need to get damp. The heat from your legs has nowhere to go and it will create a kind of condensation effect hence you get damp clothing.
Your Fox ones probably aren't leaking. If you think they are put them in a bath and looking for bubbles.
If you are putting yourself into non-breathable waders you'll be surprised how little body heat you need to get damp. The heat from your legs has nowhere to go and it will create a kind of condensation effect hence you get damp clothing.
Your Fox ones probably aren't leaking. If you think they are put them in a bath and looking for bubbles.
In reply to Post #3
That's a good idea thanks. I don't _think_ it's sweat, but you're right, it's worth checking properly before I buy new ones
That's a good idea thanks. I don't _think_ it's sweat, but you're right, it's worth checking properly before I buy new ones
In reply to Post #1
I went to the VASS 600 from the 700 to save on weight. Did the job.
I went to the VASS 600 from the 700 to save on weight. Did the job.
Dunlop. They've been making footwear for 130 years...
I went from my Vass Tex 785 waders to Nash ZT HD wide waders and much prefer them. Originally bought the Nash waders as being old, fat and with a bad back I struggled getting into my Vass where the wide version of the Nash waders gave me ease of access. Much prefer them overall they are considerably lighter and easier to handle. They also have padded knees for extra protection.
Dont think they will last as long as the Vass waders but they were also a lot cheaper.
Dont think they will last as long as the Vass waders but they were also a lot cheaper.
In reply to Post #1
The Trakker N2 chest waders are the best I've used.
Cheap at £65 from most shops.
Lightest waders I could find at 2.35kg.
Roll up to a really compact size for transporting.
They're made from a heavy duty nylon above the boot section rather than PVC or rubber so they roll down easily, are easy to pull up and don't seem to suffer as much with moisture/sweat build up.
LINKY POO™ https://www.trakkerproducts.com/uk/product/n2-chest-waders
The Trakker N2 chest waders are the best I've used.
Cheap at £65 from most shops.
Lightest waders I could find at 2.35kg.
Roll up to a really compact size for transporting.
They're made from a heavy duty nylon above the boot section rather than PVC or rubber so they roll down easily, are easy to pull up and don't seem to suffer as much with moisture/sweat build up.
LINKY POO™ https://www.trakkerproducts.com/uk/product/n2-chest-waders
Vass waders with the Nash waders horns - brilliant! 
In reply to Post #3
+1
If in any doubt drop the guys at Vass a e-mail, the sales guy there is brilliant for advice (can I remember his name
)
+1
If in any doubt drop the guys at Vass a e-mail, the sales guy there is brilliant for advice (can I remember his name
)
In reply to Post #8
Was just going to write N2's myself, currently use them myself, not too light not heavy, nice colour, nice carry bag
Was just going to write N2's myself, currently use them myself, not too light not heavy, nice colour, nice carry bag
In reply to Post #11
Save yourself the carp tax. These are the same waders
LINKY POO™ https://koalaproducts.co.uk/dirt-boot-footwear/dirt-boot-amphibian-chest-waders-100-waterproof-nylon-wader-narrow-fit-210t-ncw.html
Trakker don't "make" waders.
Save yourself the carp tax. These are the same waders
LINKY POO™ https://koalaproducts.co.uk/dirt-boot-footwear/dirt-boot-amphibian-chest-waders-100-waterproof-nylon-wader-narrow-fit-210t-ncw.html
Trakker don't "make" waders.
In reply to Post #1
i have these although not sure they make them any more:
Vass-Tex 350 Lightweight Waders Non-Studded. Really good and a shorter boot.
EDIT, these are latest ones:
LINKY POO™ https://www.vassrainwear.co.uk/waders/waders/vass-tex-400e-lightweight-chest-wader.html
however also seem to be discontinued but there are some available online depending on size and for a good price
i have these although not sure they make them any more:
Vass-Tex 350 Lightweight Waders Non-Studded. Really good and a shorter boot.
EDIT, these are latest ones:
LINKY POO™ https://www.vassrainwear.co.uk/waders/waders/vass-tex-400e-lightweight-chest-wader.html
however also seem to be discontinued but there are some available online depending on size and for a good price
In reply to Post #6
I had a pair of Dunlop chest waders care of Gravesham council..
They'd been used a far few years before I acquired them
No chance of any water getting through them judging by the amount of Rubber used in there construction. They weigh a ton. No way I could stomp around in them all day..
For what it worth i use a pair of prologic light pro i think they call them? Small EVA foam boots, pack down real small. Weigh from memory about 4lb. No problems as yet with them. Dont believe they make them no more. But I have seen something simular. If I can find them I'll put a link up.
https://www.gerrysfishing.com/product/prologic-inspire-chest-bootfoot-wader-eva-sole-green-xl-44-45/?attribute_pa_size=m-40-41&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22947647035&gclid=CjwKCAiAnoXNBhAZEiwAnItcG3d-y8HTJBvD7AiGQc9I002-k7Pn6a_nCSLtoqGGpY92ty5Qu19kqBoC0LkQAvD_BwE
I had a pair of Dunlop chest waders care of Gravesham council..
They'd been used a far few years before I acquired them
No chance of any water getting through them judging by the amount of Rubber used in there construction. They weigh a ton. No way I could stomp around in them all day..
For what it worth i use a pair of prologic light pro i think they call them? Small EVA foam boots, pack down real small. Weigh from memory about 4lb. No problems as yet with them. Dont believe they make them no more. But I have seen something simular. If I can find them I'll put a link up.
https://www.gerrysfishing.com/product/prologic-inspire-chest-bootfoot-wader-eva-sole-green-xl-44-45/?attribute_pa_size=m-40-41&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22947647035&gclid=CjwKCAiAnoXNBhAZEiwAnItcG3d-y8HTJBvD7AiGQc9I002-k7Pn6a_nCSLtoqGGpY92ty5Qu19kqBoC0LkQAvD_BwE
In reply to Post #12
Great spot, thanks for sharing.
You're absolutely right, most companies don't make anything anymore. Sad but true.
Great spot, thanks for sharing.
You're absolutely right, most companies don't make anything anymore. Sad but true.