Waders-breathable vs. neo

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Lakenut

Sharpshooter
Special Hen
Joined
Jun 3, 2013
Messages
966
Reaction score
950
Location
Central Oklahoma
Time for new waders. I have always used neo but get tired of them not lasting more than a couple of seasons. My last pair of Cabelas ripped across the boot... replaced them with a set of Academy brand. Boy was that a mistake. They didn’t make it 2 months abs they started leaking up and down both leg seams. I have a back up pair that will get the job done till replacements get here.

Heard a lot of good stuff about the breathable waders. My big question is warmth. I would 100% rather be too warm than not warm enough. Most hunting is done standing in water that is knee to waist deep. With neo on the coldest days I generally wear a pair of thermal’s under a pair of jeans and stay toasty. Neo are great at repelling wind too. To those of you with breathable waders what are your thoughts for my hunting conditions? Also, would I expect to get better life out of the breathable?
 

SPDguns

Sharpshooter
Supporting Member
Special Hen Supporter
Joined
Feb 20, 2011
Messages
5,453
Reaction score
5,592
Location
Stillwater
Breathable stocking foot all the way. I have two pair, one are the Orvis Guide series, the other are are Patagonias. The Patagonias are my favorite, the Orvis are my backup. However, let me qualify- I use mine exclusively for trout fishing which is going to be easier on them than duck hunting. They are both about ten years old and at the time I got the absolute top of the line in both. I make sure to get at least one size too large so I can bulk up underneath them in layers in the winter for warmth. I'm NOT a fan of the Cabelas/Bass Pro knock-off house brands. Their don't last and their warranty sucks. YMMV.....
 

ElkStalkR

Sharpshooter
Special Hen
Joined
Jul 20, 2007
Messages
1,411
Reaction score
978
Location
Native Okie stuck in OMAHA
Not sure your exact situation but I would get a pair of both.

I have one of each. Breathable for early season/warm days and neoprene for late season/cold days.

Not only are you not sweating/freezing your butt off BUT if one becomes unrepairable mid year you’ll have a decent back up sitting right there.

Oh yea and I too found out just how bad academy waders SUCK as well!
 

Lakenut

Sharpshooter
Special Hen
Joined
Jun 3, 2013
Messages
966
Reaction score
950
Location
Central Oklahoma
Well, went with a neo pair from Rogers. Hope they last. They do come with a 1 year warranty which is better than Cabelas.

So far I am impressed with Rogers. Ordered the waders last night. Free shipping... tracking says they will be here Monday.
 

corbinlee

Sharpshooter
Special Hen
Joined
Aug 6, 2005
Messages
231
Reaction score
110
Location
Southwest OK
I was in your shoes at beginning of the season. i went with the breathables that have the zip out liner. Mine are the Frog Togg brand but are just like the Rogers brand (not sure who actually makes them). I have been extremely pleased so far. By far the most comfortable pair of waders i have owned. Feels like i am wearing a pair of bib overalls. The liner is plenty warm and with out it is really light weight.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom