Hi,
Looking for my first pair of waders in preparation for the winter.
I’ve read through a number of posts on here but there’s been quite a few new products brought out since so I was hoping for some advise on them as well.
I was looking at the more budget end:
- Trakker N2
- Trakker N3
- Vass-Tex 650
Are the heavier duty material options better than the light weight N2s or are the N2s up to the job and more comfortable?
Are the Fortis waders worth the extra over the above?
Am I better off spending more for a ‘breathable’ pair?
Any advice on what to avoid / look out for etc or any recommendations on what you’ve had would be great.
Thanks
Looking for my first pair of waders in preparation for the winter.
I’ve read through a number of posts on here but there’s been quite a few new products brought out since so I was hoping for some advise on them as well.
I was looking at the more budget end:
- Trakker N2
- Trakker N3
- Vass-Tex 650
Are the heavier duty material options better than the light weight N2s or are the N2s up to the job and more comfortable?
Are the Fortis waders worth the extra over the above?
Am I better off spending more for a ‘breathable’ pair?
Any advice on what to avoid / look out for etc or any recommendations on what you’ve had would be great.
Thanks
In reply to Post #1
I guess first question would be what are they being used for?
If just to deal with fish in the margins and you’re not going to have them on for long, then I wouldn’t overthink it
I have Vass 650s and other than being a little awkward to get on with the full length boot, I can’t really fault them for what I need them for
I guess first question would be what are they being used for?
If just to deal with fish in the margins and you’re not going to have them on for long, then I wouldn’t overthink it
I have Vass 650s and other than being a little awkward to get on with the full length boot, I can’t really fault them for what I need them for
In reply to Post #2
Hi,
It will just be for casting, spombing, landing / returning fish.
I was planning to wear them all day when doing winter day sessions though so something comfortable for sitting would be good.
Hi,
It will just be for casting, spombing, landing / returning fish.
I was planning to wear them all day when doing winter day sessions though so something comfortable for sitting would be good.
I'd recommend going down the breathable route especially if you plan to wear them rather than throwing them on quickly.
They're better for trapping and retaining heat than nylon or pvc.
Id probably also advise stocking foot and wading boots rather than bootfoot waders.
They're better for trapping and retaining heat than nylon or pvc.
Id probably also advise stocking foot and wading boots rather than bootfoot waders.
LINKY POO™ https://www.fishingmad.co.uk/collections/bison-waders-boots
They don't have to break the bank either.
They don't have to break the bank either.
In reply to Post #3
If you sit around all day in waders in the winter you're going to get cold, no matter which ones you choose.
IMO you'd be better off to get a pair that you can put on and take off easily.
If you sit around all day in waders in the winter you're going to get cold, no matter which ones you choose.
IMO you'd be better off to get a pair that you can put on and take off easily.
In reply to Post #1
All bootfoot waders are sweaty - the Fortis ones only slightly less so than the rubbery Vass Tex variants . . .determining factors for me are
1 - Height of boot (short not long for ease of access)
2 - Width of boot opening (to make them easy to pull up when left with the legs rolled down)
3 - Shoulder Straps - not all straps are equal, ease of getting them on and off / narrow vs broad shoulders etc
4 - Hardwearing - extra material in the knees / for scrabbling about down banks etc
5 - A decent bag to store them in
For general carping (and infrequent use ie. casting / landing & returning fish) the rubbery Vass Tex jobbies are fine - if you size up you'll have enough space for thicker socks and underlayers etc in winter. I've been using the lighter weight Vass Tec 350e for several years and they do the job fine . . .However more recently have been using the Fortis chesties and whilst they are def a step up in quality they don't actually perform any differently - yes the details are nicer (illuminated strips around the top of the boot to make access easier & more visible at night / nice magnetic flap chest pocket for bits / comfy straps that stay in place / hardwearing 3layer 'breathable' material etc) I'm not sure they're actually worth the price difference . . . . .unless these things matter!
My best chesties are from Bison (fishingmad.co.uk) and are cheap as chips - stockingfoot with wading boots for £100 notes! You can walk in them comfortably and stand and trot in a river all day with no worries and far greater movement than boot foots . . .however I certainly wouldn't sit in a bivvy with them on all session . . .
All bootfoot waders are sweaty - the Fortis ones only slightly less so than the rubbery Vass Tex variants . . .determining factors for me are
1 - Height of boot (short not long for ease of access)
2 - Width of boot opening (to make them easy to pull up when left with the legs rolled down)
3 - Shoulder Straps - not all straps are equal, ease of getting them on and off / narrow vs broad shoulders etc
4 - Hardwearing - extra material in the knees / for scrabbling about down banks etc
5 - A decent bag to store them in
For general carping (and infrequent use ie. casting / landing & returning fish) the rubbery Vass Tex jobbies are fine - if you size up you'll have enough space for thicker socks and underlayers etc in winter. I've been using the lighter weight Vass Tec 350e for several years and they do the job fine . . .However more recently have been using the Fortis chesties and whilst they are def a step up in quality they don't actually perform any differently - yes the details are nicer (illuminated strips around the top of the boot to make access easier & more visible at night / nice magnetic flap chest pocket for bits / comfy straps that stay in place / hardwearing 3layer 'breathable' material etc) I'm not sure they're actually worth the price difference . . . . .unless these things matter!
My best chesties are from Bison (fishingmad.co.uk) and are cheap as chips - stockingfoot with wading boots for £100 notes! You can walk in them comfortably and stand and trot in a river all day with no worries and far greater movement than boot foots . . .however I certainly wouldn't sit in a bivvy with them on all session . . .
In reply to Post #6
Have to disagree with that. Decent layers below breathables and your fine just make sure you upsize to compensate. I speak from years of experience waist deep in Scottish rivers
Trotting for grayling nov-jan.
Spring salmon fishing ,this starts mid January- mid February depending on the river. The only issue I ever have is cold hands and lines freezing in the rings.
Have to disagree with that. Decent layers below breathables and your fine just make sure you upsize to compensate. I speak from years of experience waist deep in Scottish rivers
Trotting for grayling nov-jan.
Spring salmon fishing ,this starts mid January- mid February depending on the river. The only issue I ever have is cold hands and lines freezing in the rings.