Breathable or Neoprene waders..

Con on breathables, must wear a layer for heat, noisy, not as frag resistant as neos, not buoyant (which could be a positive).

my .02

 

I've given away 2 sets of neoprene waders and I won't buy another pair.

 

breathable = game changer

 

See the link below and many others already discussing this subject.

https://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/threads/which-waders-to-buy.647993/#post-7407725

Haven't owned neoprene waders in more than 15 years, wouldn't ever buy another pair again.

 

we do seem to have this discussion at least twice a year...ha.

this and: "where the birds at" ..... "shot gun choke help" ..... "what size shot" ....

 

I just switched to breathable this year so don’t have much of a input on longevity. However they are a heck of a lock more comfortable. I have frog togs grande refuge insulated with a removable liner. I us d them this spring steelhead fishing and loves them.

 

The biggest difference I notice in breathable vs neoprene is lack of stretch, that’s where I think neoprene outshines. Example, lifting leg over boat gunwale... if your wearing breathables and run out of material/no stretch, you’re probably getting wet.

 

Breathable. Can layer underneath for any condition and much nicer if you are walking any distance at all.

 

I haven't used neoprene waders in about 10 years and never plan on going back.
Especially now that they have breathables with removable insulation/liners.... can be used all year long, just layer appropriately for the season.

 

Not sure why anyone would wanna wear neoprene....

 

Never had breathables, can certainly see why they are appealing in early season. But when late season rolls around, is it really less cumbersome wearing a bunch of layers under your waders than it is just to throw on one warm pant and one warm wader?

 

Always wore neoprene waders in the past. Would be lucky to get 2 years out of them including patching and dealing with mild leaks. I picked up a pair of frogg togg grand refuge 2.0 breathable waders. First reactions were that they were comfortable, and definitely had some added features thought of by actual waterfowlers such as zip out liners, wader belt, drawstring, shell belt, 2 zipped pouches, and a hand warmer. After the 2nd hunt the boot started leaking. I swapped them out at the local retailer. Second hunt with the new waders I had a phrag stick through the arch portion of the boot almost impaling my foot. This time I contacted frogg togg directly and they informed me that they have had several hunters wear the same pair for 2 years now every day without issue. He insisted i swapped them out again so I did.

Other things I did notice is there is no flotation. If you are doing the ol hold waders up to your neck and tip toe moon jump walk across sketchy bottom or a slightly deep area you will probably float your hat like I did on the first hunt. This is the only real negative I see so far besides longetivity.

 

yes