If you search waders online, you will find a plethora of options for hunting and fishing. Some hunters use waders intended for fishing on their hunts, but most find waders designed with hunting in mind to better fit their needs.
This article will provide recommendations for hunting waders across multiple price-points, an explanation of why picking the right duck waders is essential and some guidelines regarding how to make your wader style and brand selection.
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The 6 Top Hunting Waders: Outdoor Empire Reviews
These are our top recommendations for duck hunting waders:
- Best cheap #1: Frogg Toggs Amphib Bootfoot
- Best cheap #2: Cabela’s Classic Series II Neoprene Boot-Foot Waders
- Best value #1: Cabela’s Men’s Ultimate II Hunting Waders
- Best value #2: TideWe Hunting Wader
- Best overall #1: USIA Waders
- Best overall #2: Hodgman Aesis Sonic Digi Stocking Foot
*Looking for a specific feature? Check out our quick-reference chart below:
| Product |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thinsulate Insulation | 600 g | 600 g | 1, 200 g | 800 g | N/A | not specified by manufacturer |
| Neoprene | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm | 5 mm | 3.5 mm | N/A | 5 mm |
| Available Fit | - Regular - Stout | - Regular - Stout | - Regular - Big | not specified by manufacturer | custom-built | not specified by manufacturer |
| Sizes | 7 - 14 | 6 - 14 | 8 - 14 | 7 - 14 | S - XXXL | S - XXL |
| Cost | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
1. Best Cheap #1
Frogg Toggs is a brand that’s well known for making breathable rain gear that’s lightweight, packable, and even recyclable.
But rain comes from the sky. Does Frogg Toggs have the know-how to make high-quality duck hunting waders?
Yes! Though, the Frogg Toggs Amphib waders aren’t as revolutionary as the Frogg Toggs rainwear.
The Amphib wader has a 3.5-millimeter Neoprene upper. It goes up just as high in the back as in the front, so you can wade as deep as your armpits — especially with the easily adjusted hook and loop suspender straps.
There is a front chest pocket for your hands with another inside pocket for anything you want to keep dry, such as your wallet and hunting license.
There are also two D-rings, but they are placed right under the Velcro suspenders, so loading them down with something heavy can cause the Velcro to undo.
The legs are on the long side, meaning shorter hunters may feel scrunched in the Amphib.
Other features on the Frogg Toggs Amphib Bootfoot include:
- 600 grams of Thinsulate insulation
- Three colors/camos (Green, Realtree Max5, and Mossy Oak Bottomlands)
- Reinforced knees
- Velcro suspenders
- Sliding gravel guards
2. Best Cheap #2
For roughly $150 at Cabela’s, you can get a set of waders that will do most of what you ask them to for a lifetime.
That is not to say that Cabela’s 3.5mm Neoprene Waders might not have some issues over the years, but Cabela’s stands behind them with their Lifetime Guarantee. The protection of their guarantee makes them a bargain at a price.
The neoprene waders come in 3 color options (True Timber Prairie, Mossy Oak Bottomland, and TrueTimber DRT with 600-gram insulated lug-boots for comfort and traction. For the price, they do not lack features:
- Reliable performance at a great value
- Flexible, insulating 3.5 mm neoprene/nylon jersey laminate construction
- Wider crotch pattern for better comfort
- Rubber boots with cleated outsole and 600-gram 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation
- Adjustable webbing suspenders with quick-release YKK buckles
- Built-in wading belt loops for included nylon wading belt
- Front handwarmer pocket with built-in shell holder
- Front pocket features a hook and loop closure
- Reinforced knees
3. Best Value #1
The Ultimate II Waders are a neoprene wader with an Armor-Flex covering that helps them stand-up to the harshest of conditions.
Cabela’s boasts their patented Armor-Flex protection as “tough as steel,” while remaining flexible and unrestricted. You only need to read a handful of reviews from happy customers to find out that the Armor-Flex is as good as advertised.
The Ultimate II’s have 1200-gram insulated boots as well as fleece-line hand-warmer pockets. Paired with the overall 5mm neoprene construction, you get a wader that is designed to keep you warm even in the worst conditions.
To fall into the “Best Value” category, a product needs to last more than the two or three seasons that most hunters expect to get out of their waders. The Ultimate II should exceed those expectations, and if they do not, they come with a lifetime guarantee from Cabela’s.
They come with a list of great features for waterfowling that includes:
- Air-bob outsoles for traction
- No-buckle suspender system to eliminate interference with your gun
- Body-contouring neoprene straps
- Mossy Oak camo patterns
4. Best Value #2
It can be difficult to find the best value for your money, especially when considering gear that can cause more than a temporary inconvenience when it fails. This is especially true for duck hunting waders.
TideWe hunting waders are a great value for the money, though. They have the features and quality of a wader twice the price.
TideWe’s waders are all bootfoot waders with slip-resistant, soft rubber boots for comfort and good footing in the water. You have four insulation levels: 600, 800, 1400, and 1600 grams, all Thinsulate.
The 600- and 800-gram waders use 3.5 millimeter Neoprene for the upper, while the 1400- and 1600-gram waders use 5 millimeter Neoprene for the upper.
There’s a chest pocket to keep your hands warm, and six shell loops hold onto spare ammo. Two D-rings let you attach more shell carriers, if you want. Plus, there’s a built-in zip-up pocket.
The back rides higher than the front to help prevent water from spilling into your wader. There’s also a handle for your hunting partner to grab when you accidentally step into the deep end!
Specifications
- Adjustable belt
- Shell carrier
- Realtree Max5 camouflage
- Your choice of 600, 800, 1400, or 1600 grams of Thinsulate insulation (ASINs B07H1HDPNC, B07D2DSXG5, B07RW259J8, and B07RW2YW99)
5. Best Overall #1: USIA Waders
If there were a section in this article for “Best Kept Secret” of the waterfowl wader world, waders by USIA would win that award too.
Unlike some brands that have been famous exclusively for waterfowl waders or gear, USIA has historically focused on extreme gear for military and rescue personnel.
Their waders get a nod for “Best of the Best” because they share the quality and heritage of other products that are designed for professionals in extreme conditions where cost is a non-factor.
USIA waders are basic and utilitarian. They are not insulated, or breathable, so the layers you wear under them will determine how warm you stay.
They are, however, extremely rugged and waterproof. They are rated as “Class B” waterproof, meaning they are waterproof even in depths over 12 feet. Since you can be assured that you are going to stay dry, you just layer underneath to keep warm in a variety of conditions.
They offer a long list of add-ons that will increase the cost, which can be around $500 if you throw enough options on them. Stock and available features are:
- Stock 400D Nylon Cloth with 1000D Cordura in high wear spots
- Upgraded Techniflex Base Fabric (quieter and more flexible)
- Kevlar Knee Pads
- Stainless or plastic D-Rings
- T-Zipper
- Shell Holder
- Stock 6 x 9 chest pocket
- A variety of outside pockets
- Inside pockets
- Belt loops
- Insulated Bogs boots
Ordering USIA Waders is a little like ordering a pizza — just keep adding whatever options you like. Your boot size selection is separate from the 11 stock sizes; and if you wish, you can measure for custom-fitted waders in all dimensions.
Their waders are as custom as you can imagine. The drawback? Expect to wait 4 weeks for these waders built just for you. However, for the avid hunter, USIA waders are probably worth the wait.
6. Best Overall #2
Between hunting and fishing, Hodgman has been a household name in the wader market for a long time. Now, they have brought their brand new Sonic 2.0 seam system to the hunting wader scene.
Instead of stitched seams, the Sonic 2.0 system double-welds all of the seams to prevent leaks and enhance durability.
While many stockingfoot waders are a compromise when it comes to durability, Hodgman has overcome that disadvantage with the introduction of the Aesis wader.
The legs and seat are five-layer constructed for durability and puncture resistance. The upper is composed of four breathable layers to keep you comfortable even when you are required to be active.
While the hunting market these days is dominated by boot foot waders, many people still have a need for stockingfoot waders based on styles of hunting that require more hiking and wading.
The durability, flexibility, and concealment of the Aesis in Digi camo are the perfect solution for those hunters. For the money, you get a versatile, option-rich wader, including:
- Top loading external pocket
- Zippered internal pocket
- Anatomically correct left and right neoprene stockingfeet
- Can be paired with core INS removable insulation system
Related: What’s the Cheapest Shotgun Gauge to Shoot
The Importance of Good Waders
In A Coast to Coast Walk, author Alfred Wainwright famously said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing.” This saying is often applied to outdoor gear, and it is never more accurate than when discussing waterfowl waders.
Hardcore waterfowl hunters know that some of the very best hunting occurs at the same time as the very worst weather. Because of this, choice of gear is crucial.
Many hunting days have been abbreviated because the conditions got the best of the hunter. Lots of waterfowl hunting scenarios call for the hunter to spend part or all of their day standing in cold water which makes wearing quality waders crucial.
A variety of factors will contribute to which waders are the right choice for you:
- weather
- how far you walk
- type of territory you hunt in
- budget
- how many times a year you hunt
If you make the wrong wader selection for hunting in muddy conditions, you can pretty quickly pull your stockingfoot waders right out of your boots when they stick in the mud. Breathable waders exposed to thorny brush can tear or develop pinholes and leak.
Selecting waders that are not well-enough insulated from the conditions is another commonly made mistake.
While there are a lot of ways that wader selection can go awry and be the cause of an uncomfortable day in the woods, the right choice can be warm, dry, durable and unrestricted.
Picking the Right Waders
When it comes time to make your wader selection, consider the following questions and answers guidelines:
- How often do you plan on hunting?
Several wader options on the market are affordable because the manufacturer sacrificed product durability and longevity in favor of lower price.
In many cases, these waders are suitable for a handful of trips a year over a few years but not the abuse of multiple trips on a weekly basis. A couple of the very best waders from this affordable category are reviewed above.
Some products are designed for more avid hunters and many of those come with some warranty protection.
The peace of mind that your waders are designed for heavy use and come with manufacturer product support is a distinct value to the right buyer. Waders that fit into this category are discussed as “The Best of the Best.”
- Do you plan on hunting warm or cold weather/water?
For this question, make sure you consider not just the air temperature, but if you will be required to stand in cold water. Apparently, some hunters spend their time in flooded fields where waders are helpful but the hunter is not paying their day in the thigh-deep water.
If you will be hunting in cold weather and water, a thicker neoprene wader is preferable. Also, attached boots may be a good choice because they are offered with thick insulation.
As a rule, rubber boots with thick padding and space for both warm socks and air will be warmest.
Wearing super warm waders on hunts in warmer weather or where lots of moving is required can be as bad as being too cold. Profuse sweating can lead to being very uncomfortable.
If you plan to be in warm weather, consider a breathable wader or a wader with at least breathable uppers. With lighter waders, layering underneath for warmth is possible. You are more stuck in the situation if your waders are too warm for the conditions.
- How much will you be moving around?
Some hunting requires driving an ATV or boat right to your blind, and some require wading, hiking or paddling to a spot. Many hunters have dogs to retrieve their down birds but some must wade or use a boat to recover them.
You might be a hunter that avoids the blind altogether and simply hikes to ponds and jump-shoots waterfowl.
The answer to this question will turn up similar results as the weather conditions question. If you are going to be doing a lot of sitting with minimal movement, a very warm wader will probably be needed to keep you comfortable.
On the other hand, if you will be moving around a lot, a cooler, breathable wader will be necessary to help you ventilate and regulate your body temperature.
If covering ground or lots of wading is required, a stocking-foot wader with a good pair of lace-up wading boots is a smart choice for comfort and traction. When much sitting is required, the warmer attached boots are likely better.
- What environments do you hunt in?
A few environmental factors that come into play when considering which waders to choose are thorny bushes, ice on the water and thick mud.
Both thorns and jagged ice edges while wading are hard on waders, particularly those made of breathable materials. If you plan to spend much time encountering either, you need waders that are reinforced to deal with the abuse or neoprene waders that are at least more durable.
The type of surfaces you are required to walk on will be a significant factor in whether you go with bootfoot or stockingfoot waders.
If the conditions are muddy, you need a stockingfoot wader that can be tightly laced to stay on your feet instead of staying in the mud.
Many have made the mistake of wearing loose-fitting bootfoot waders in thick mud and have continually struggled to pull their boot from the mud instead of removing their foot from their boot.
Crawling through the mud to keep from walking out of your waders is an unpleasant scenario you should try to avoid.
- How much money are you willing to spend?
Because wader price varies so significantly, the price is likely to play into your selection. There are some great values on the market, and some of those are reviewed above. However, for the most part, the very best waders are going to cost you some coin.
If you are not willing to shell out for the best available, determine your priorities for what you need in a wader, and that will show you where you can compromise to find something in your budget.
These questions represent some of the basic parameters for making your wader selection. As you answer them, you may find that your answers do not point you to one particular wader.
Like many kinds of gear, if you often hunt and in a variety of situations, more than one pair of waders may be required to do the job right. In your own experiences, you might find other contributing factors to future wader purchases.
Leading Brands
Depending on when you are reading this article, some products reviewed above may no longer be available. In many cases, the products heralded as the best are made by a brand that has made industry-leading products for a long time.
Whether you are looking for an alternative to a product that is no longer being produced, or you are looking for other options that may be suitable for your needs, consider the following brands.
USIA
As discussed in the “Best of the Best” wader section, USIA has not been historically known for making hunting waders. However, they are very well known for making dry suits, dive suits and survival suits for a variety of military and government applications.
If a brand is trusted to create products that keep professionals alive, they can be trusted to make a product that keeps recreational waterfowl hunters dry.
In almost any product category, “custom” manufacturers typically sell less volume than a brand selling stock waders off shelves all over the country. However, USIA has plenty of customers that are beyond satisfied with their products.
It is a sure sign that a product is superior when the price is on the high end of the spectrum, but the product is still viewed as a good value by its consumers. Such is the case with USIA products.
They stand behind their products and offer excellent customer service should you run into a problem. Their waders are made custom in the USA.
USIA products, background, and business model are all unique to the market, but certainly worth consideration if you are searching for top of the line hunting waders.
Cabela’s
Depending on the product, or who you ask, Cabela’s waders are said to be made for Cabela’s by a variety of different brands.
Some of their waders are sourced from factories overseas that are likely the same factories that produce same or similar products for big name brands. What is clear is that Cabela’s offers a wide variety that are of comparable quality to the competition at lower prices.
Cabela’s is unique because they most likely offer a wader that matches your needs, regardless of what they are. While many brands are known for producing a specific style of wader, Cabela’s has an offering in almost every category.
They are also known across the market for having excellent customer service and a reliable warranty policy. In many situations, they apply a “no questions asked” policy, where you simply send them in for replacement if you have a problem.
If they have this policy on your purchase and you take the time to go through the process, their waders become an even greater value.
LaCrosse
Whenever you come across a company that has been in business for over a century, you know they are doing something right.
In 2017, LaCrosse celebrated its 120th year in business, a clear cornerstone of the boot and wader industry. Adding to that is their merger with Danner Boots which has been in hunting boot business since 1932.
With over 200 years of combined history in the market, it is not hard to see why they are renowned for quality products.
You can reasonably expect LaCrosse to have a product on the market that is at the leading edge of advancement. They continually strive to be market leaders, and they stand behind their product as the best available to consumers.
Recommended reading: Pros and Cons of Hunting: Ethics, Culture, and Conservation
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