Breathable Waders

Im making the switch to breathable waders, i finally have the money to invest in new gear and i decided ive got enough rods and reels.

So what do i need to know and what should i use for accessories, i know for a fact im gonna get gravel guards. But what else?

FYI im a rather big guy, i fish hard, and i really beat my gear up fighting mudsharks.

Simms aint cheap....in price or quality.....I have two pair,one lightweight and a G3,if your only getting one get the G3,they have built in gravel guards and can be worn in warm weather and cold,layer in the cold weather and you'll be toasty.

wright and mcgill co.  bought them before last season and beat them pretty good still no leaks. Best part is only paid 120$ for them at the pineville tackel shop. I paid alot more for other pairs and name brands but found these to be a great bang for the buck.

I have only ever worn Simms.

chota is pretty nice. very thick knees. i think it's actually tripled at the knees

I never has a problem with Cabela's or Hodgeman brand breathables.
 
Every pair I'd had lasted multiple years of heavy use. I buy the mid priced ones in the $120 price range.
 
As evidenced by this thread, everyone has their favorite brands.

For cheap and expecting only 1 year use look the usual sites for closeouts & discounts (as said). Some good finds can be had, some not so good. Don't pay a lot for something without a warranty. I found hodgmen wader-lites so cheap I bought 6 pair for less then $100.00.
For mid range retail with a returnable warranty _ LL-Bean or Orvis .Expect to return these so go upgraded with re-enforced knees,seat & attached gravel guards.. I'd say $150> $200. range. You will get a year, maybe 1 1/2 before return.
High end (yes they leak 2) Simms G-3
Expect a hefty drop of cash. They are real sweet but they will all leak and I don’t see the need when you can pay less for same warranty.

Main key is to take care of your equipment. It will last longer and give you less hassles.

Dime - I have a pair of Orvis 5mm bootfoot waders that I bought years ago - before I knew about the benefits of lightweight breathables and proper undergarments.
 
Sure, the neos were so warm I could take a nap in a snowbank, but they must weight about 40lbs!!!
 
In fact,. they were too warm - hiking any distance made me sweat like a pig and soaked.
 
Still have them laying across the upper rack of my walk in closet. They have not seen the light of day in years.
 
I doubt I will ever wear them again. I'd probably have a stroke trying to get them on. LMAO 

yeah the clamminess of neo sucks. but lets face it, at one time that was the only option. i'll never throw them away. one of the worst feelings to me was sweating my****off when it was ten degrees in my clammy neos while my finger tips were frozen... i now only wear breathable and when its frigid i just where a triple layer underneath. capilene by far is the best sub layer to wear and it works best with a tight woven microfleece worn over it. this is for when its cold