Gore Tex Waders???

[Flatfish]

My wife needs new waders.Her old ones are neoprene.We are wondering about the "Breathable" waders out there.Are they warm in the winter?How do they get along with propane heaters?I know they are more comfortable than 'prenes,but 2 sets of waders aren't in the budget so waddaya think?Joes has hodgies in sale for 55 bucks.Gore Tex waist highs for 75.They will be used year round.
Thanks.
See you on the rivers.
Mark.

[fishguy]

I am a Gore-Tex/breathable wader believer. I have been out in 0 degree weather wading through the water during duck season, I have also worn them in 90 degree weather while fishing. The factor that determines how warm they are is how much insulation that is worn under them. If you decide to go the breathable route, Cabela's makes some great waders for very resonable prices. They even have them designed for women.

[Drachir]

My wife and I just bought a new pair of Dan Bailey breathable waders. We used them for the first time yesterday. They are AWESOME!! We hiked in about 1 1/2 miles, fished all day, and hiked back out, in total comfort. It is our first pair of breathables, and we are totally sold on them. My wife is tall, and a mens medium long fit het just great. Go see Gary @ Great American Tackle in Clackamas, he has a good selection of sizes in stock. Ours cost $129 per pair, not the cheapest but worth the cost. :grin:

[Catch 22]

I'll give another thumbs up for the Dan Bailey's. I have the $200 set and love them. For the extra $ you get reinforced knees and built in gravel guards. With either set, you can't go wrong. They are not Gore tex but are breathable and are half the price of the Simms. If you are looking at Hodgmans, check out the Wadelite II series. My friend has a pair and he's very happy with them.

[Steelheader]

Another two thumbs up for the Dan Bailey waders. I just bought a pair at fishermans and fished out of them for the first time Friday. After fishing in neoprene waders for so many years these are a real treat. I do recommend that if you do buy a pair, get the $200 pair. The built in gravel guards and reinforcements are worth the investment, especially if you fish alot like I do. Hope this helps you out. Take care

[Hook-up]

For what it is worth, I was at GI Joes a couple of months ago and overheard some of the employees talking. One of the employees offered two others a killer deal on some closeout neoprenes. Both said no way, they would never use anything but the breathable ones ever again.

[blacktail]

One more vote for Dan Bailey's. I have the $300.00 pair and they are awesome.

I wear them year round. Add layers underneath for Winter.

The only time I can think that I'd rather have neoprenes is when it is super cold outside and I'm not moving around much.

Mike

[k9jeff]

I have had neo- waders in every thinkness and style. The breathable ones I got, hodgeman cheapies, are great,, I wear shorts in the summer and polar fleece or sweats in the winter and have never been cold. I would spend the extra money and purchase a pair or two. My hodgmans have held up well though fishing and hunting.

[Flatfish]

Thanks for the input everyone!
Well it looks like my fears have been put to rest.Waist highs to start.
I'm kinda old fashioned(still wearing a leisure suit)so I am gonna stick to my 'prenes.Besides that I hunt ducks and nothing lasts more than 6 weeks of duck season before it gets ripped or torn.The G-Tex is kinda hard to patch with goo!
Thanks Again.
Mark.

[Drachir]

Flatfish,

Don't buy Waist Highs!! The Dan Bailey's Chest High Breathable Waders can be rolled down and the shoulder straps the can be clipped together to make them Waist Highs. I fished them that way most of the day, and they were great, never any tendency to slide down at all, even when walking around and playing fish!! Then it's kinda like getting two pairs in one, They Are Awesome!!

[Sam I Am]

I own a pair of the Hodgman BreathLites and enjoy the comfort and fit. In colder conditions use a polar fleece wading pants and or thermal underwear. The price of the Hodgmans were very reasonable. Good Luck ----- Sam I Am

[Clackman]

how about leaks?

[Flatfish]

Clackdude,
same concerns here.Several friends guide the Deschutes.All wear Gore Tex.All buy new waders every year.All complain of leaks by mid season.Leaks cannot be patched.Most in the stocking feet but some in the tex material of the wader.Yet all continue to buy 300 dollar waders.They must be really comfortable.Another of my concerns is what happens if you brush up to a heater.'Prenes are'nt foolproof but they do take abuse very well.3 bills for waders that will last a couple seasons seems a bit rich for my blood.Yet I am a cheapskate.I am also very hard on waders and know beyond a doubt that Gore tex is NOT for me.My wife says she likes the idea of a more comfy wader.I am interested but only if I get enough positive input from folks that have used them for more than a season.I would rather get het another set of prenes and a new Loomis than breathables.The stick would benefit her for a lot longer than the duds.
See you on the rivers.
Mark.

[Tilla]

I have seen, heard and tried putting a rainsuit over your waders to protect them from the rigors of "exteme wading". Maybe it would be a bit much for summer .It would seem to be prudent to use around heaters in the winter.
Is it just me or does anyone else experience the "Whats that smell?" "Hey!, I'm on fire!" around the propane heaters? Maybe it's just me.
:rolleyes: