Wader Wear

Ok, how long before waders need replacing?

Coming out of a 10 yr no-tube fishing hiatus and my waders leak, bad.
Mind you, they were the cheapest I could find as I was poverty level poor.

I spent most my time in my pontoon, not my tube, so didnt wear them unless it was cold.

So last weekend when I got my tube wet, well, I got pretty soaked.

I found a couple pinholes just above the booties, thought I fixed it.
In my Togiak, I am sitting in water, literally.

I thought I had more holes, instead it was a dark grey to black patch in the butt and knee area.

Would that be a sign they are just worn out? Pretty much no way to fix?

I went to a local fly shop and bought a pair of Simms. I splurged a bit but definitely cannot afford new waders every year.

2023 is proving to be a majorly suckky year, I need to fish as much as possible to balance it out.

I can say that waders do not last forever but as the old adage goes you get what you pay for. The Simms waders I have never used but I am sure if you care for them they will last you quite a few years. As for repairing there are many options and sometimes I think it is always worth and attempt before we trashing them. But that is my opinion. Get out and test your new waders let us know what you think and have fun removing the Suckyness of the year.

Thanks Jeff,

I've watched videos of all sorts of repair, even Flex Seal.
3M 5200 or 3M 4000 to smear over the seams. I might try that before giving up on them.
I'll probably designate them pontoon only and keep my new Simms for the tube.

Looks like with the snow pack we have, river fishing at high altitude may be out.

My favorite spot on the Tuolumne River is more/less closed this year because of landslides.
May have to try my luck at Utica, Union or Spicer Meadows once the road opens. Never been to those lakes before. Think i'll make those a camping trip

Whacked wrote:Thanks Jeff,

I've watched videos of all sorts of repair, even Flex Seal.
3M 5200 or 3M 4000 to smear over the seams. I might try that before giving up on them.
I'll probably designate them pontoon only and keep my new Simms for the tube.

Looks like with the snow pack we have, river fishing at high altitude may be out.

My favorite spot on the Tuolumne River is more/less closed this year because of landslides.
May have to try my luck at Utica, Union or Spicer Meadows once the road opens. Never been to those lakes before. Think i'll make those a camping trip

Enjoy the snow pack sounds like some good fishing is coming your way.

Maintenance and care of gear will make waders last longer.
 
 I have a wall mounted wader-rack; it holds 4-sets of waders, and I have a wader-dryer.

 I really believe that by hanging my waders up-side-down by their boots and by thoroughly drying the moisture out of them, that it really helps in their longevity and they don’t pick up an odor from use.

 And I always hang my Simm’s jackets after use on hangers so that they thoroughly dry and also so that they don’t pick up the odor.

I hope that this was helpful.

 Just my two-cents

SP Dan   <“))><

I think Simms has a great warranty even when they wear out. Check that when it comes to the end of it's life.