Breathable Waders for Hunting Question, and Props to Joe's

[rrust1]

So, I own a pair of Hodgman Breathable Hunting Waders with a 1200 gram Thinsulate boot with a giant hole in the right boot.

I bought them at Joe's a little over a year ago for $199.99, but failed to hold onto my receipt. I went in to Joe's (Eugene) anyway with my dripping wet and busted waders. The shoe department makes the call, and she immediately said, "How much did you pay?" I told her, and we walked over to look at new hunting waders (as they no longer carry Hodgman Breathable Hunting Waders.

She showed me to a pair of Caddis Waterfowling Waders, and I tried them on. I didn't like them. The boots were loose, the crotch tight, and the material noisy and flimsy.

On the plus side, she did some checking and they are willing to give me a credit of the lowest clearance price that year (like I said, no receipt). Also, she began surfing the web to find comparable waders. She told me they will credit me and order whatever I want and just charge me the difference.

That is great, but I really like these waders, and I have 4 more days of hunting... I asked if I would void the return if I sealed them up and used them through Sunday. She said, "no way, do it, bring them in with that slip on Monday."

Really? I am amazed (and sealing up my waders with Shoe goo and a free bike tube from a local bike store.) Moreover, I am thrilled with Joe's customer service here. I have always patronized Joe's, but I am a life customer even if Wally World or that warehouse thing are a little cheaper.

Now, to the question. We looked at the new Hodgman Breathables with a lace up boot, and she suggested I look at LaCross for a replacement. Any breathable hunting wader suggestions? I am interested in a comparable boot, snug and 1200 grams of Thinsulate. For the record I am hard on waders. I hunt Fern Ditch and walk a lot. I try to avoid sticks and stones, but the dog has his own ideas some days.

Sorry for the rantish post, but I am a little flabbergasted by the whole deal. I sort of expected, "No dice", and now I am wader shopping for next season.

[rrust1]

Not one opinion about hunting waders on iFish?

[ogrejager]

I'm wrapping up season 3 on a pair of LaCrosse Swampfox waders. They've got problems in that they wear on the inside of the thighs--fixed with a aquaseal--but other than that have held up well. I really like the boot on them, as it has a nice, tight ankle for easy walking.

Another friend uses the Cabela's breathables. He's happy with them.

[rrust1]

ogrejager--

Thank you. That is the one question I had about LaCrosse waders. I am (was) really happy with the Hodgman boot because of the tight ankle, but they are now using a lace up boot. I appreciate the input.

How long before the inner thigh wear (season 1, 2, 3???)

Sizing? I am a fairly big guy: 6'1+ 230 lbs. I had XL waders in Hodgman, but I am not sure that LaCrosse sells larger sizes.

[Old Guys Rule]

I have a set of Cabelas breathables for 2 seasons now and I like them. The boots are a half size large and I don't do a lot of hiking or busting brush in them so they have held up well. I know others who have had problems leaking after walking through briars and brush.

[Hunt'nFish]

As you all know I have not been happy w/ my Hodgeman neo's, so I've been paying a lot of attention to other folks' waders.

Most of my problems have been in the boot part, stress cracks, thin rubber, etc.
I'm not sure if Lacross boots suffer the same cracking, but definately shy away from Hodgmans.

IMO, the Cabela's boots are much thougher, thicker and don't seem to suffer the cracking issues seen on many others. I also like the sole tread a lot better....rubber nubs as opposed to traditional tread.

As far as the breathable part, no comments there. I've been a neo guy.
Although I did pick up a pair of the Lacross Swamp Foxes for early season work next year.
But I tell ya the boot's seem to run narrow, and I have WIDE feet, so they are very constricting.

But those Cabela breathables Headhunter bought seem to be holding up.
Jim what model were those again???
Hunt'nFish

PS: I will say this Aqua-Seal will fix anything. After 4yr's in my Hodgmans slathering on Aqua-Seal, I just spent the driest year in them to date. I think I've got all the weaknesses fixed. So looking forward to continuing to use them.....even if I hate them.

[Threemuch]

I don't know of any breathables that have 1200 gram boots. I have a pair of cabelas dry plus and lacross swampfox. Both have 600g boots. It's OK by me, I wear sock liners, good wool socks and have no cold feet, and I am diabetic.

The Lacrosse swampfox are far better for hiking because of the soft boot with a tight ankle. My complaints are that they run very small in the boot, I am a size 12, and the 12s did not even come close to fitting. So I got 13s and they are close. The rest of the waders fit fine, and I am 6'3, 250. The straps are cheezy. For $200 waders, I would expect better straps. There are no belt loops. They do not have a drawstring at the top. That could make these very dangerous waders to wear in situations where you could float your hat. I wear a belt with them any time I hunt a new area and belt loops would be nice. I paid $130 on sale, if I paid $200, I would be less happy. First season, but I expect that they will wear like most breathables, with some pin holes here and there from barbed wire. So far, not a hole in about 10 hunts.

The cabelas have much better shoulder strapping. The boots fit like buckets, even with two pairs of socks and I bought size 12. They have a drawstring at the top and belt loops. My first season, I tore them breaking ice. A nice big tear, 1/2" or more, which really upset me. Since then no problems, just the usual pin holes from barbed wire that would hole any wader. After 3 seasons, they are still serviceable, but are my backup or guest waders.

Both these are far superior to any set of neos I have ever worn. Light, comfortable, and you control the amount of insulation.

[rrust1]

Threemuch--

I noticed. My old ones are Hodgman Wadelite's and they made the 1200 gram for 2 years. They don't now, and I don't see any others out there. It isn't a huge deal, although my feet have always been fine even in icy water. I will go for 600 gram and just wear thicker wool socks.

One question about the cabellas. Are the boots just oversized, or are they a straight boot (w/o tight ankle)?

Thank you.

[ogrejager]

Originally Posted by rrust1

How long before the inner thigh wear (season 1, 2, 3???)

Sizing? I am a fairly big guy: 6'1+ 230 lbs. I had XL waders in Hodgman, but I am not sure that LaCrosse sells larger sizes.

Season 2.

We're about the same size. While I wish the Swampfoxes were taller--they come to about the bottom of my ribcage--they fit fine.

[rrust1]

Originally Posted by ogrejager

Season 2.

We're about the same size. While I wish the Swampfoxes were taller--they come to about the bottom of my ribcage--they fit fine.

Thank you. I am leaning towards these for sure.

[Diver Killer]

The LaCrosse Alpha Swampfox breathables kick butt! I think they have two camo patterns available, too. I saw a dealer book and they're coming out with some breathable "pants"....waist-highs with a belt. The have a great return policy too, so if you don't have a receipt the store can still hook you up with replacements and they'll ship them directly to your house.

[Headhunter]

Originally Posted by Hunt'nFish

But those Cabela breathables Headhunter bought seem to be holding up. Jim what model were those again???
Hunt'nFish

IMHO breathables are the only way to go and all waders have a lifespan that depends on the style of hunting you do and how hard. I tend to hunt areas where I am jumping over logs, some fences, busting brush along rivers, dealing with tidal flats and do some hike in type hunts. I don't expect a life long commitment and am happy if I get a few seasons out of them (3+).

I have had Hodgman breathables in the past and they were ok. Not great and not bad, just ok. I hunt about 20-25 hunts a year and got 2 1/2 season out of them before they really gave me problems. They were the 600gm lace-up bootfoot style. I liked the suspension system and the laceup boots, but the 600gm was not quite enough for late season. They started to fail where the boot meets the fabric and I ended up putting lots of AquaSeal on them. I still use them early season when I don't care as much if my feet are damp.

I now have the Cabela's Warrior II Waders which are breathable/neo hybid. Breathables with 100% breathables uppers and 1.5mm neos on the seat/legs. They have 1000gm insulation in the boots which I really like. I have about 20 hunts into them with no leaks other than when a screw from a boat cleat put a small tear in it and was easly repaired. The boots are thick rubber with nubbs and I always feel sure footted. They do have somewhat of a moon boot look to them. I like the cinch cord at the top and it has already saved me on one hat floater spill. I stay dry, warm and comfortable all day in these. Its too early to tell how they will hold up over the long term, but so far it looks pretty good.

As with any breathables, its all about the layering system you use. First the Under Armor, then the fleece, then on really cold days another layer of fleece. I also use some good wader socks and I am good to go.

Here is the product description:

The original Warrior Waders became such a favorite among die-hard waterfowlers, we brought them back in a new updated style that's still every bit as rugged and reliable as its predecessor. Just like the originals, the Warrior II is constructed of rugged microdenier nylon with a waterproof, breathable layer of Dry-Plus®. The legs are shielded by a layer of 1.5mm neoprene with a 900-denier nylon outer layer. This innovative fabric combination retains warmth as efficiently as 3mm neoprene while minimizing weight and preventing perspiration build-up. A layer of 1,000-gram Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation in the rubber boots surrounds your feet in warmth. Aggressive rubber lug soles provide the traction needed for safe hunting in icy and muddy conditions. The reconfigured chest pocket combines an insulated handwarmer pocket with a spacious storage pocket for calls and shells. The fully adjustable elastic suspenders cinch down for a snug, secure fit.
Men's whole sizes - regular: 8-14.
Camo patterns: Advantage MAX-4 HD®, Mossy Oak® Duck Blind™.

Hodgmans


Cabela's

[BerettaMan]

I have the SwampFox and love them. They have 600mg boot so my feet do get a little cold. You can get them at Sportmans.

[Threemuch]

Originally Posted by rrust1

Threemuch--

One question about the cabellas. Are the boots just oversized, or are they a straight boot (w/o tight ankle)?

I think it's a little of both.

[ogrejager]

I have heard good things about these waders, and not just from HH. If I don't replace with a new pair of Swampfox when I need a new pair, I'll most likely get these. I like the idea of the neo/breathable hybrid, with a denier armoring on the legs.

Originally Posted by Headhunter

The original Warrior Waders became such a favorite among die-hard waterfowlers, we brought them back in a new updated style that's still every bit as rugged and reliable as its predecessor. Just like the originals, the Warrior II is constructed of rugged microdenier nylon with a waterproof, breathable layer of Dry-Plus®. The legs are shielded by a layer of 1.5mm neoprene with a 900-denier nylon outer layer. This innovative fabric combination retains warmth as efficiently as 3mm neoprene while minimizing weight and preventing perspiration build-up. A layer of 1,000-gram Thinsulate™ Ultra Insulation in the rubber boots surrounds your feet in warmth. Aggressive rubber lug soles provide the traction needed for safe hunting in icy and muddy conditions. The reconfigured chest pocket combines an insulated handwarmer pocket with a spacious storage pocket for calls and shells. The fully adjustable elastic suspenders cinch down for a snug, secure fit.
Men's whole sizes - regular: 8-14.
Camo patterns: Advantage MAX-4 HD®, Mossy Oak® Duck Blind™.

[rrust1]

Originally Posted by ogrejager

I have heard good things about these waders, and not just from HH. If I don't replace with a new pair of Swampfox when I need a new pair, I'll most likely get these. I like the idea of the neo/breathable hybrid, with a denier armoring on the legs.

Me too. I think LaCrosse is making one now as well.

I really appreciate everyones input on this thread. Thank you.

[Elkiller]

I just got a pair of Cabelas brush buster. Comfortable but the seam at the crotch gave out after just 20 trips. I walk a couple miles a day in them and they were wearing through on the inner thigh. I called Cabelas and they will not honor the warranty if I patch them. I would not recommend these waders.

[5 Salt]

Originally Posted by Elkiller

I just got a pair of Cabelas brush buster. Comfortable but the seam at the crotch gave out after just 20 trips. I walk a couple miles a day in them and they were wearing through on the inner thigh. I called Cabelas and they will not honor the warranty if I patch them. I would not recommend these waders.

Same issue with Cabelas Dry Plus - they replaced them no questions asked in about 6days. Hunted about 40days in them before replacement.

No time limit on the warranty with Cabelas but I plan on buying a new pair about every third season anyway.

Love the comfort and the warmth - worth the hassle over neo's anyday.

[Quack Attack]

Not sure I'll be much help, but here is my take;

1- Breathable's are the only waders to own... You couldn't pay me to put on another pair of neoprene's for a days hunt. In fact, the only days I ever needed that much insulation were when it was -20 or lower.

2- Had the swampfox for 3 years, totally happy with the boot and I could hike in them comfortably. Totally disappointed with the quality as they wore out far before they should of. I couldn't believe they would actually manufacture a wader cloth that disintegrated after 2 seasons from simple flexing. I guess if I was a guide and hunted 100 days a year I would buy it, but not at 20 days/yr, especially since my last neoprene's lasted 6 years at 50+ days a year hunting. My hunting buddies got tired of my excuses when it came time to pick up decoys too... I also put a big hole in the side of the boot with a willow branch, I didn't know that was possible... Ask Ogrejager... he did a similar thing with his.

3- Had Browning breathables prior to the swampfoxes, they were worse in every way.

4- Currently have cabelas dry plus. They are superior in every aspect except the boots SUCK. I put on a mile or two of walking today and they were miserable to walk that far in, no ankle support, poor shank, and way too wide. I just don't know which way to go next

Best of Luck