The best carp waders 2021 (according to EU/UK ratings)

The need for waders

Waders often mean all types of high fishing boots that allow a person to go deep into cold water. In fact, only bib overalls or wading overalls with sewn-on socks and boots are classified as waders. In such clothes you can dive into a body of water without fear of getting your things wet. Typically waders are used in the following situations:

• fishing with constant movement through the water, the fisherman entering the reservoir for the convenience of fishing;
• shore fishing with the ability to dive into the water to pull out fish;
• spinning with catching promising points;
• fishing in slush and rain;
• duck hunting on the muddy bank;
• walking on dew, grass after heavy rain;
• riding a quad bike.

For fly fishers, waders are the most important piece of equipment. This set of clothes with shoes helps you fish any area and present bait regardless of the angle to the current, which improves the bite. When fishing with a spinning rod, waders help you explore new areas, cast under overhanging tree branches and guide the bait along the coastal strip.

Nuances of use

On the hunt

Waders are most often used by waterfowl hunting enthusiasts. The wading suit allows you to:

• set bait;
• pick up prey;
• navigate rough terrain overgrown with tall, wet grass and marshy areas;
• be in ambush for a long time, standing in the water.

Fishing

It is impossible to imagine a fly fisherman without a wading suit. In other fishing methods, waders are also used quite often because:

• allow you to approach the fishing spot by crossing wetlands, streams, shallow rivers, ditches;
• allow you to stay in the water for a long time and fish in places that are inconvenient for casting from the shore, using a spinning rod or a fly rod;
• make it possible to get closer to hooked large fish by entering the water with a landing net.

In the flood

During the period when rivers overflow their banks, meadows become flooded, and the banks of lakes and streams become swampy, wading suits are used by hunters, fishermen, and simply residents of surrounding settlements. Under these conditions, it allows you to safely navigate through flooded areas.

Advantages of waders

Modern wading pants with boots have a number of advantages over conventional rubber fishing boots. They are considered breathable because they are made from special materials. This property is especially important, because you need to stay in waders for a long time: sometimes a fisherman or hunter covers 10-15 kilometers a day.

The waders have a comfortable anatomical cut. They are available in different sizes, with some manufacturers producing products with increased fullness. There are even children's and women's models, although few brands can boast of having waders for children.

Socks and boots made of neoprene are created with a difference between the left and right feet; more budget models may not have this. Other advantages of waders:

• the ability to carry out repairs using glue yourself (for PVC models, neoprene products);
• lightness - waders weigh little, it’s easy to move in them;
• no fatigue at the end of the day.

You won’t have to dry your clothes even if you fall into shallow water: the waders are quite high, so they will protect your pants and the bottom of your jacket. The possibilities for fishing and hunting in the presence of wades increase significantly.

Rules for choosing waders

When selecting waders, it is important to take into account how much such overalls cost, as well as a lot of other nuances. First, you need to evaluate the cut, try on the products: high-quality waders are comfortable, they don’t pinch or rub your leg. All seams must be made with high quality:

• well glued;
• there is no detachment of the sealing tape.

According to reviews, models that resemble boots are most comfortable to wear. They are easy to care for and easier to move around. Ideally, the area of ​​​​the joints, knees, and groin is reinforced with an additional layer of fabric. Good waders always have thicker soles, because you will have to walk on the bottom of a pond in them. As for membrane waders, it is worth paying attention to indicators of water resistance, breathability, moisture management, and density. All this data is indicated on the manufacturer’s label, in the product passport.

You also need to choose the right height for the item you are purchasing. Some prefer waist-length waders, others even buy chest-length overalls. The cost will be approximately the same, so everyone must decide the issue individually. For the price, the best option is mid-budget waders. Very cheap products will not last long. In addition to purchasing in a retail store, you can order waders on the Internet (for example, on the Decathlon website), after carefully studying the photos and reviews.

The ranking of the best waders includes quite a few well-known brands. Best selling products:

1. Snowbee. They are made from a membrane with a water resistance of 8000 mm, moisture removal per day - 4000 g/m. sq. They have average membrane quality indicators, but due to the budget price they are in great demand.
2. Nordman Neo Plus (Nordman Neo Plus). This fishing bib overalls are combined. Its upper is made of three-layer neoprene (knitted foam rubber), and the sole is made of EVA. The waders have anti-slip inserts made of TEP material, as well as enhanced puncture protection for the soles.
3. Finntrail (Fintrail) for ATV and fishing. The brand produces a whole line of equipment, including a variety of waders. In the most abraded places they are reinforced with four layers of membrane. The products are equipped with elastic suspenders, a belt, loops, many pockets, and a reinforced sole.
4. Vision. The most frequently purchased overalls are Vision Icon bib overalls. The model is reinforced with a six-layer membrane up to the hip level; the top is three-layer. The front pockets are protected from water, there is a zipper and a belt. The material is breathable and provides maximum wearing comfort.
5. Envision Argo Plus. They have taped seams, which prevents leakage, chest and flip pockets, and elastic bands. The material used is a breathable membrane.
6. Simms (Sims). The Gore-Tex XCR membrane is used in the production of products from this well-promoted company. Waders protect the user 100% from moisture. The moisture resistance of the membrane is enormous - 50,000 mm, moisture removal/day - 14,000 g/sq. m.
7. Cloudveil. To create waders, the company uses three types of membrane. The lower part is the most wear-resistant, reinforced below the knees, the middle part is more breathable, the upper part is the most breathable. The waders are ultra-light, have comfortable cuffs, waterproof pockets, and increased seam strength.
8. Rapala (Rapala). The company produces membrane and neoprene waders. There are also high-quality models insulated from the inside, lightweight and hybrid options (bottom - neoprene, top - membrane).
9. Nova Tour. The Air V2 is available in different sizes (from M to 4XL). The waders are highly durable due to the transfer of the most important seams from the inner zone to the outer zone. The products have a special neoprene sock, a double chest pocket that can accommodate several boxes. In these waders you can go into chest-deep water without fear of getting wet.
10. BANDED. The company under this name specializes in equipment for hunters and fishermen. The brand's products are produced using special technologies, most often represented by hybrid models made of neoprene and membrane.

    
    Waders Banded

11. Kola Salmon. The company produces both budget and more expensive waders. Most models are protected from increased loads, wear-resistant, and can be used for riding an ATV. The technology of flat adhesive seams with internal stitching is used, the upper part of neoprene is ultrasonically welded.
12. Alaskan (Alaskan). Japanese waders are produced with the best membrane performance (28,000 mm water resistance). They differ in anatomical cut, neoprene socks, rings and pockets for things and accessories. Models have storage bags included.
13. Norfin (Norfin). There are different waders of this brand in stores - neoprene, membrane, and special wading boots are also available. The latter are equipped with waders that do not have a built-in waterproof boot.
14. Motoraive. The company produces complete equipment for ATVs. The waders are made of high-quality membrane with special protection, which protects even from cuts with a knife, not to mention snags from snags and branches. Models have inserts to protect the knee joint that can be removed.
15. Traun River. Puncture, abrasion and wear resistant waders. The model has four layers of membrane that give strength and retain body heat.
16. Redington. Motto. The model range of waders includes standard, shortened products with a zipper in the front. The fabric is so strong that it cannot be pierced by a needle.

Rapala Waders
If waders become damaged, which can happen during long-term use, you will need special Aquasure glue.
It is used for gluing gaps and loose seams on PVC and neoprene models. The gluing area will bend at any angle due to the high elasticity of the product.

Materials for waders

Which waders to choose? The quality greatly depends on the type of material, fittings, tailoring, and anatomical cut. Before choosing a pair, you need to know your exact size. Four main types of materials are used to produce waders.

PVC

PVC waders are the most inexpensive. It is better to purchase them as summer waders or for short stays in the water. Only in this case will they provide dryness and comfort. During the cool season, you can freeze in PVC waders; they give off heat without providing air exchange. It is easy to sweat in them, which causes considerable discomfort.

Typically, such waders are bought by beginners who do not want to spend a lot for trial fishing. It is also worth choosing such wading overalls for rare trips.

Nylon

Nylon suits are also among the budget options for waders. Compared to PVC, they have even less weight, are very soft, and are more comfortable to walk on water in the warm season. Unfortunately, such models are also not breathable, because they do not remove condensation, and the feet begin to sweat.

It’s not difficult to tear nylon waders; they even get damaged if they get caught on a branch or snag. If nylon socks leak, you won't be able to seal them. Typically, nylon waders last 1-2 seasons, then you have to buy new ones.

Neoprene

Neoprene waders are no less durable than PVC waders, but are lightweight and flexible. The structure of the material is porous, so it removes moisture and protects against low temperatures in the cold season (including in winter on unfrozen sections of rivers). But the air exchange of neoprene is average, and in the heat you can sweat in waders and experience discomfort. They are best suited for stationary fishing in the water: moving to different points can cause excessive sweating. The cost of such models is higher, although it is possible to find discounted products and budget options.

Neoprene waders require careful handling; they can be torn if caught on any sharp object. When walking along a pond, you should avoid stepping on shells and branches. The waders must be put on correctly, without jerking or tugging. Caring for waders must be thorough. They can be washed, which is important when used on a dirty shore or in a muddy pond.

Membrane

Pants with socks made of membrane material are considered the most modern. The 2017-2018 models are the most expensive. On sale you can find Japanese, American, Finnish waders of different price levels and quality. The most commonly used membrane fabrics for sewing are:

• Gore-Tex;
• Fine-Tex;
• Endura;
• Sympa-Tex;
• Aqua-Tech.

All of these membranes provide excellent air exchange and remove moisture from the body. You can feel comfortable in these waders in any weather; you won’t freeze in them in the cold. The waders are very light, long transitions are not scary for the user. These properties are ensured due to the presence of many tiny pores through which steam penetrates, but a water molecule does not enter. The only downside is that the pores are periodically clogged with dirt and powder detergents, so you need to take care of them correctly.

There is another type of membrane - non-porous. This material is multi-layered, covered with high-density polyester on top. These waders do not allow moisture to pass through, and your body will remain dry. To improve breathability, hydrophilic zones made of other materials are created inside. You can wash waders with any detergent, even powder. The companies Sympatex and Dermizax produce their products from a pore-free membrane.

When choosing, you need to take into account that the presence of pads on the knees of waders and special “patches” on the back improves their technical properties. Under membrane waders it is necessary to wear special thermal underwear.

How to choose the best waders for carp fishing?

What do British and European buyers pay attention to (first of all) when choosing waders (or wading overalls/waders, as they are also called here)?

1) Comfort

The higher the level of comfort while fishing, the better the fishing results will be. That is why most foreign fishermen pay special attention to the convenience of waders. That is, they must be made of high-quality “breathable” materials, in which you will not sweat on a hot day, and will not freeze on a cold one. In addition, they should be easy to remove so that you can relieve yourself and return to shore as quickly as possible. And also have pockets, preferably internal (waterproof) for carrying the necessary “small things”.

2) Maneuverability

Most modern manufacturers use materials to produce waders that not only “breathe”, but also stretch a little (so as not to restrict the carp angler’s movements at all). In addition, many well-known brands are constantly developing special soles for boots (either included or “molded” with waders) that provide maximum grip on slippery bottoms. For example, using the “Extra Grip” system from FOX.

4) Quality

Of course, the higher the quality of the product, the better (and most importantly, longer) it will serve. Additionally, virtually all high quality (usually made from materials with waterproofing levels between 12,000 and 20,000mm) waders are capable of drying very quickly. At the same time, it certainly has a “turn-out” design, unlike budget models (which, in addition to everything, are very difficult to wash off dirt, because some detergents can “ruin” them). Some advanced companies use camouflage materials (often, taking into account the features of some strictly/defined “backgrounds” of the area).

5) Security

Naturally, each manufacturer warns its customers to scout the bottom in front of them, checking its approximate nature and depth with the help of some kind of “pole”. However, taking into account many unforeseen circumstances, many eminent clients. And additional / tightening cords on the chest (to avoid water splashing), and a special design of the boots - eliminating punctures or dislocations (for example, by strengthening the heels with additional pads and special “tapering” near the ankles with the so-called “memory effect”).

6) Kudos

Whatever one may say, most foreign carp anglers still try to look “no worse” than the rest of their friends. As evidenced by numerous reviews in the style: “I hesitated for a long time to buy this product, because it is not cheap at all, but I still found the money, because... all my neighbors and friends have been using it for a long time.” Perhaps this is correct, because... both here and abroad, although they “see off according to their minds” (as the popular proverb says), they “greet according to their clothes.”

Size selection

Waders are purchased for several years, so it is better to immediately select them in size carefully. The margin inside is very important, it is required to insulate the legs, but too much emptiness will cause creases to appear, which will affect the durability of the product. A tight fit is also not good, you need a “golden mean”.

The size of the fords should be suitable not only in the area of ​​the legs, but also above - otherwise they will begin to rub along the seams and in places of contact with the body. It is advisable that the purchased model provides the ability to adjust to fit using straps and fasteners. This will help if the overalls are a little too big for the wearer.

Boots or socks - what to buy waders with?

Some models of membrane wades come complete with socks, others come with boots. The latter are more comfortable to walk on the river bottom, but they are more difficult to dry. According to reviews, products with neoprene socks perform best, which can be turned inside out, dried thoroughly, they are comfortable to wear, transport, and roll up compactly. It is worth purchasing special wading boots with and without spikes, with felt or polymer soles.

As for neoprene socks, their quality also needs to be paid attention to. Products should not be too tight if they are worn on warm socks, but they must be short, otherwise they will not fit into boots. The thickness of the socks varies from 3-6 mm, some have reinforced soles. Thick socks are hot in the summer, but they last longer. When it comes to the color of the entire suit, users prefer gray or camouflage shades. In any case, waders will be a good help for fisherman and hunters and will allow you to spend an active holiday in comfort.

Adviсe

• To quickly put on and take off a wading boot with a neoprene sock. Use slippery nylon socks over neoprene.
• If you have the financial opportunity, choose models with a waterproof zipper. However, if this is not possible, still take a suit with a zipper. This refers to the zipper located on the front of the suit. It is much more convenient and correct than diapers.
• It is better to fasten the belt, squeezing the air out of the suit. This is done as follows. Enter the water and sit down, the air will be squeezed out. Stand up straight and fasten your belt.