Wes Littlefield 01.09.25
It wasn’t till I started utilizing each kinds of waders – breathable and neoprene – that I spotted why the talk over breathable versus neoprene duck searching waders rages on. Every has advantages over the opposite, however which one is best on your scenario? Let’s discover out which duck searching waders are finest!
Breathable Duck Searching Waders
I began carrying breathable waders over a decade in the past, and I’ve gotta be trustworthy: I don’t have any plans to start out carrying neoprene waders until I completely need to due to every little thing breathable waders provide.
Execs
A lot simpler to stroll inExtra comfy whereas sittingSurprisingly heat
The primary time I placed on breathable waders, I knew they had been superior for one easy motive: they weren’t almost as cumbersome. I’ve walked many miles in breathable waders with fewer complaints as a result of they’re not as stiff, which makes placing them on, strolling in them, and taking them off a breeze in comparison with neoprene waders.
Staying on the consolation prepare, these waders are far more comfy whereas sitting as a result of they’re much less stiff, so that they don’t pinch you or minimize off your circulation as a lot, whether or not you’re sitting in your boat seat, laying down in a structure blind, or sitting on the bench of your duck blind.
The most important shock I acquired from utilizing such a waders was the heat. I totally anticipated them to make me chilly and pressure me to bundle up greater than I might with neoprene, however that’s by no means occurred. I’ve skilled some sub-zero temps whereas searching with out bundling up like Randy Parker from A Christmas Story.
Whereas I’ve been very impressed with breathable waders, they nonetheless have some flaws that want fixing earlier than I like to recommend them to everybody.
Cons
DearerMuch less sturdy
My breathable waders gave out on me earlier this season, so I started looking for a brand new pair however was shocked at how costly they’re; it’s truthfully ridiculous what some firms are charging. The fabric and expertise aren’t new, however the costs haven’t ever dropped; in actual fact, they’ve solely risen. If you need a high-quality pair of breathable waders, be ready to pay $1,000+.
Now, one would suppose that since breathable waders are costlier, they need to last more, however that has not been my expertise. Whereas the breathable waders I’ve owned have lasted a number of seasons, I haven’t owned a pair that has lasted longer than any of my neoprene waders.
Regardless of these flaws, most waterfowl hunters ought to put on breathable waders within the subject. In case you’re on a good funds or don’t duck hunt usually, you possibly can stay with out them, however hardcore waterfowlers ought to personal a pair.
Neoprene Duck Searching Waders
Whether or not you’re simply testing the duck searching waters and haven’t developed the habit or just refuse to pay the ridiculous expense for breathable waders, neoprene waders nonetheless give you a number of advantages and can get the job performed.
Execs
InexpensiveHeatSomewhat extra sturdy
Since we’ve already mentioned the excessive value of high quality breathable waders, I received’t spend an excessive amount of time on the numerous financial financial savings when shopping for neoprene waders. Nonetheless, since they’re an older expertise, they are usually cheaper.
Neoprene waders are very heat. The primary pair of waders my dad purchased me as a child had been neoprene waders, and it was my fingers, nostril, and toes sometimes acquired chilly first; my physique stayed heat. So that you received’t have to fret about getting chilly until you could have leaky waders.
Lastly, when correctly cared for, neoprene waders last more and are extra sturdy than breathable waders. Nonetheless, I’ve poked loads of holes in them by sitting on beaver Staubs, busting ice, and experiencing pure put on and tear, so I don’t suppose they’re indestructible.
As you possibly can see, neoprene waders have some advantages over breathable waders. Nonetheless, it’s simply not sufficient for me to justify buying these waders as a severe waterfowl hunter.
Cons
Stiff and uncomfortableHeavy
In faculty, at any time when we’d take somebody new to duck searching and observed they introduced neoprene waders, my buddies and I knew we had been about to get fun. Neoprene waders are stiff and uncomfortable, which makes for awkward strolling. Nonetheless, our favourite half was watching newcomers attempt to wiggle their method into the waders with out falling over. In the event that they actually struggled with it, we might present them the trick of rolling the waders down earlier than placing them on. Neoprene waders are a lot stiffer and extra uncomfortable whereas strolling and sitting.
The opposite factor I dislike about neoprene waders is their weight. I already carry decoys, a shotgun, and shells, so there’s no sense in including to the load with heavy neoprene waders. Sure, they is perhaps just a little extra sturdy due to the thicker materials, however in the long run, it doesn’t justify the elevated awkwardness and weight of neoprene waders.
In case you plan to stroll very far in your neoprene waders, you higher begin coaching now for subsequent season so that you’re in form and don’t have a coronary heart assault strolling to your spot.
Parting Pictures
By now, it’s clear that I consider breathable waders are the one choice. Nonetheless, I ought to be trustworthy and allow you to know that I needed to begin utilizing my previous neoprene waders this season as a result of the seams busted on my breathable waders and I’m having issue justifying spending that sort of cash on a brand new pair when I’ve a great pair within the closet.
Whichever kind of duck searching waders you select to make use of, you now know what execs and cons to anticipate from them.
Good luck! Hold your eyes to the sky.
