Cold Weather Waders

Lacrosse make good products for the most part, I have had mine for a few years with zero issues. I'd stay away from Redhead, Cabelas are another option with their lifetime warranty

Patrick
 
You shouldnt rely on waders to keep you warm......... you should rely on waders to keep you waterproof......

Get waders with soft feet, put wading boots on and layer underneath appropriately.......
 
Cabelas has their Super Mags and others on sale right now. I am running the 5 mil versions and they are awesome. I have had them for 4 or 5 years of hard work waterfowling with zero issues.

I disagree with them not keeping you warm and there is nothing colder than stocking foot waders and wading boots when temperatures get near zero or colder.

Sale ends today however.
 
I have a set of Itasca Big Boy waders. They have an expandable (11") chest and waist to get lots of clothes in them. If memory serves they are a 4.5 mm neoprene with a shorter boot that wont rub the bottom of your calf with 1200 grams of thinsulate in the boots. They have reinforced knees and seat and some kind of tough protective material on the outside. They are the toughest and warmest waders I have ever owned. Nothing else I owned has even come close. I think I paid under $200 US about 8-9 years ago and saw them on sale this past fall for $189 US @ bigcamo.com

And they are the driest too. I haven't put them on since 2014. LOL
 
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From the guys I talk to hunting Montana during the late season which is extremely cold, they've pretty well all ditched any sort of neoprene wader and have moved to Simms waders. Many of these guys guide and spend many many days per season hunting ducks on the rivers and hot springs, plus they are steadily fishing these rivers in the off season, so I trust their opinions. I've owned a few sets of neoprenes from cabelas and basspro without much luck. I can deal with sticks poking holes but when the seams leak, that really grinds my gears...
 
Ask the guys that steelhead all winter, they aren't camo and there're expensive but Simms breathable waders are the best out there. Layering of course is the key. I like to wear a pair of base layers like Helly a mid layer from Firstar and then fleece pants from Bear. For socks Patagonia ultra heavyweight hiking(don't think they have them anymore). I would stand up to my waist in the river in January with the snow falling around me and be comfortable.
 
I've done alot of winter steelheading. Breathable waders with proper layering will keep you warm enough but eventually you have to move or your feet will freeze no matter what. I use wicking liners and buy oversize boots and double up with heavy wool socks. Leave room for air, tight fitting boots will have you heading home quick.
There are better non camo waders out there unfortunately, but I've been wondering if it really matters. With A pair of tan, beige waders and your camo.jacket on, you still blend in well with grass.
Cheers.
 
My Redhead neoprene waders are on their 6th season and still going strong with no leaks and no complaints about their cold weather performance. I have never been cold, and I get cold easily these days, but the longest I stand in one spot is a half hour or so. I've even worn them for a few mid winter ATV rides where mild spells brought about tons of standing water.

My only complaint is I am 6'1 and the crotch is too low on these and other neoprene waders I have tried. It makes long walks a bit tiring on the legs.
 
I had neoprene waders and I liked them but found that if I was doing much walking to get to the river and if it wasn't extremely cold, I would sweat a lot and then my feet and legs would get cold. I now layer with Simms breathable waders and find that works well. And yes if you don't have air space in your boots your feet get cold quickly - I use 3 wool socks during cold weather. Also if you are using neoprene waders on a daily basis it takes a lot longer to get them dried out or you start out your next day with waders still damp from yesterday's sweat .... but that's just my experience
 
Check out Acton Canada for Prairie Hip Waders, they are simple as you can get but you get insulated rubber boot liners inside, a couple layers of thick socks and your good to go. Used them in the Spring Goose Hunt along the shores of James Bay in April.
 
I had neoprene waders and I liked them but found that if I was doing much walking to get to the river and if it wasn't extremely cold, I would sweat a lot and then my feet and legs would get cold. I now layer with Simms breathable waders and find that works well. And yes if you don't have air space in your boots your feet get cold quickly - I use 3 wool socks during cold weather. Also if you are using neoprene waders on a daily basis it takes a lot longer to get them dried out or you start out your next day with waders still damp from yesterday's sweat .... but that's just my experience

A pair of drop in electric boot dryers go into the waders after each outing and ensures they're dry for the next use or storage. I had to extend the wires on mine because of the length of the waders.
 
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