BOOTS & WADERS
This is what we fish with, season after season . . .
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This gear list has been updated to include favorites from the Troutbitten crew — that’s Austin, Bill, Matt, Trevor and Josh. These are the guys you hear on the Troutbitten Podcast. You can find their short bios on the Contributors Page.
This is all gear that we’ve used extensively and believe in. This is what we fish with, season after season.
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RECOMMENDED
WADING GEAR
We wade for opportunity, for careful positioning among the flow, placing ourseves within perfect range of endless targets. Because refining our presentation and approach with subtle nuance is a joyful complexity to this game, accomplished only at river level. Because a fishing life is dedicated to the details. And discovering them deeply is best learned with our boots on the ground.
Wet and waterlogged, exhausted and weary, we wade extra miles and return through dim twilight. This is why we wade. — From: Troutbitten | We Wade
Our wading gear serves this purpose. Because without comfort, our focus wanes. Because with great wading gear, we fish hard, day after day, season after season.
One important point to acknowledge here: All waders leak. All boots fall apart. Everything fails eventually, out there. But our favorite gear listed below is the stuff that we’ve come to trust the most, knowing still, that everything has its end.
Simms G3 Guide Waders
(Dom)
“I counted up to 22 pair of waders I’ve owned in my life, from many brands. But it’s hard to beat Simms. The G3’s are the sweet spot in their lineup.” — Dom
Orvis Pro Waders
(Dom)
These are the most durable waders we’ve ever owned. Orvis uses a Cordura outer for the Pro line of waders. That, along with tough seam construction and rugged design, adds up to waders that last miles further than most. That durability comes with some loss of flexibility, but not much. Full review in the link below.
Skwala RS Waders
(Dom)
The RS waders from Skwala are their full featured option, with a full zipper, multiple pockets, integrated belt and more stuff that makes sense when you’re on the water every day. The RS outer textile is extremely durable but smooth and comfortable. These are quickly becoming another favorite.
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Waders
(Austin)
The Swiftcurrents are comfortable and roomy — great for all-season wading. Patagonia’s unique suspender system allows for quick height adjustment. These waders have proven to be durable and functional, at less cost than the highest priced waders.
Skwala Carbon Waders
(Dom, Josh)
“The Carbons are my favorite options for all day, all season comfort. They are built smart and built tough. Clearly designed by anglers who fish a lot, Skwala’s attention to detail in these waders stands out. The drop down top keeps the Carbons true to form — comfortable and functional.” — Dom
Simms G4Z Waders
(Matt, Bill)
This is Simms’ most durable wader. Feature packed and functional, the Simms G4 leads the industry for good reason. They are comfortable and reliable. Expensive, but worth the investment.
Oaki Toddler and Kids Waders (Breathable)
(Dom, Trevor)
“I had my boys in waders, almost as soon as they could walk. The time spent on our favorite rivers was priceless. If you want your son or daughter to fall in love with fishing, just spend time on and near water when they are very young. We did more hiking and exploring small streams in these waders than actual fishing. Those were wonderful times. The Oaki waders are great for kids under 8 or 9 years old.” — Dom
READ: Category | Fishing With Kids
Oaki Toddler and Kids Waders (Neoprene)
(Dom, Trevor)
Want more time on the river? Grab a kid and go fishing. Our friend, Pat, made this a standard strategy when our boys were young. Take them fishing! These Oaki waders made it a lot more fun. The neoprene version is a little more durable, but also pretty warm in the summer months.
Orvis Kids Clearwater Waders
(Dom)
“These became my favorite waders for the boys once they could fit into them. Tougher than the Oaki and a better fit. Orvis does a great job with these waders, by simply shrinking down the adult version of the Clearwaters. Check the Orvis site for sizing. Don’t forget, these are stockingfoot waders, so you also need the wading boots.” — Dom
Simms G3 Wading Boots
(Dom, Matt, Bill, Trevor)
These might be the most popular boots among the Troutbitten crew. And there’s not much consensus among us, so that tells you something. The G3s offer support in every way possible. They are super durable and will keep you on the water for seasons of use.
Orvis Pro Wading Boots
(Dom, Bill, Trevor, Josh, Austin)
These boots are another Troutbitten favorite. They have outperformed our expectations. The Orvis Pros are considerably lighter than the Simms G3 but are still extra-solid. They are durable, comfortable and have excellent support in all the right ways. These are great boots.
Korkers Greenback Boots
(Bill)
“These are my favorite lightweight wading boots. I prefer them with felt/studs or just plain studs. The grip is great and the boots are light for long hikes. But, if you wade rivers with large borders these may not be for you, because they don’t have a lot of side protection for your foot.” — Bill
Simms Flyweight Boots
(Trevor, Josh)
When you’re hiking more than wading, when you’re covering miles in the backcountry, when ounces on your feet matter most, a great lightweight wading boot is a lifesaver. These are our favorite.
PODCAST: Good Wading, Better Fishing — How Wading Skills Change Everything — S7, Ep5
Simms Freestone Wading Boots
(Dom, Austin)
This is your best option for a low-cost wading boot. The Simms Freestones have excellent foot support, and the uppers last a long time. They aren’t quite as comfortable as the G3s, and they aren’t as fancy. But they’ll keep you fishing. These are really hard to beat.
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