Breathable Waders Suggestions

Got a pair of Hodgman breathables at WalMart a year and a half ago.  Bought 'em on a whim since they were on clearance for $20, marked down from $80.  Have worn them now for 2 springs on local trout streams and 1 fall/winter for steelhead and have been pretty happy with them. 
 
Wore them on a couple steelhead outings last winter when temps were in the upper 30's & low 40's with under armor type pants and a thick pair of fleece underneath and was pretty comfy.  Not quite as comfy as my 5 mm neoprenes with 1000 gram thinsulate boots when the temps drop into the 30's, especially if you're standing in a current up to your waist.  But the benefits I've found are that the breathables are much better when I know I'll be doing some walking and when I'm gonna be standing in shallow water or on the shore.  When the snow is flying though, I definitely stick with my neoprenes. 
 
Having said all that, I know that I'm probably on borrowed time with these since they're on the low end when it comes to quality in waders, but for $20 I couldn't pass 'em up.  Also, I certainly don't wear them as much as many guys wear waders.  I've worn them fishing probably 30 times in a year and a half, and no leaks or tears so far.  If you're wearing them every other day or even every weekend, you'd probably be better off with some of the higher quality ones. 
 
Have not babied them either and have had several occasions where I've gone through briars or fallen on sharp rocks thinking they'd tear, but so far so good.  For as often as I wear waders fishing, I'd probably buy another pair of these in the future. 

Iv'e got Simms Freestone waders and they are on their 3rd season with no worries...  They are nice and keep me pretty cool in the summer...  Way less restricting that neoprene- and you surely look a heckuva' lot better!!!

During Steelhead season on Ontario tribs I need to wear fleece pants underneath, etc. but they have been really good to me...

They might be a little more dough than the Hodgemans or the Cablea's (mine were about $130) but they seem to hold up well...  I live on the water and put in about four days a WEEK in them most of the time...  They are dirty and rugged now- but have held up great...  They are also a lot tougher than I expected...

Might be worth a look...

TommyB:
 
You can't always get (everything) what you want, but if you try sometimes.....
 
If you want waders that are comfortable, light, and durable for summer and fall wading, especially when you plan to do a lot of walking, you want stocking foot breathables.  There are lots good ones out there - buy something in the middle of the price range and you should be OK.  I get about 3 years out of a set of Cabela's Premiums; that is enough to burn out the felt soles and studs on my boots (they can be replaced pretty cheaply).  And good boots are important, both for comfort and support, and for preventing the neoprene booties on the waders from developing leaks - so don't cut corners here.  For reasonably priced breathables and good boots, be prepared to shell out about $250-$300.
 
If you are planning mid winter trips to the tribs and warmth is a big concern, you want to have fleece wader liners and fleece socks under that wader/boot setup.  Also, boots with studded rubber lug soles are recommended when going over snow and ice, since they do not build up ice cakes like felt soles do.  I think the Korkers boots let you change soles easily to match conditions (buy your wading boots 1 or 2 sizes larger than your normal shoe size).  Better yet, there are waders specifically designed for mentally disturbed guys like us that love fishing the tribs in January/February.  I have the Chota Steelheader bootfoots and they are great for this - breathable, with warm insulated attached boots that lace up reasonably tightly and are surprisingly comfortably to walk in.  FishUSA sells them.  Maybe a little bit more $ than stockingfoots and boots but really worth it when your standing up to your **** in ice chunks on Valentine's Day and the Steelies are pounding chartreuse SS!!!    Anyway, good luck.

I use breathables year round.  I buy cheap ones.  It took me nearly 3 years to completely wear out the first pair I got at Gander Mountain.  Let me qualify this by saying that I fish nearly every weekend and I waded, last year, about 70% of the time.  I have owned neoprene and will not go back.   I can patch breathables with a heat system that I devised. 
 
The only problem I have had to date. . .when I showed up in my khaki green breathables on the first day of duck season, my hunting partners gave me grief about the no camo issue.   That is to say that they gave me grief until the weather was unseasonably warm and I was comfy while they roasted.
 
Get a pair that fits you well and has room for extra layers without being too baggy without the bulk.  I know this is a fne line but I know that different brands are shaped very differently.  I have enjoyed the heck out of my Cabelas light weight wading shoes.  Make sure to go to a store that allows you to try the stuff on.  Walk around a bit to make sure that you get what you want!
 
 
Brent

drake,
 
Have you tried the G3's?  I've gone through a lot of waders myself.  The G3's are the absolute best I've found for durability and comfort.  They aren't baggy through the legs so they don't ever rub while you walk (at least for me).  They just seem to be cut just right to fit.  And, the 5-layer reinforcement in high wear areas is pretty tough.

Thanks,
Rick

Thanks for some of the input guys (and gals if any of you are). I am taking all of your suggestiosn into mind.
I am thinking about going with a pair of Korkers boots with the interchangeable soles. Has anyone tried a set of these yet?

hmmm...i havent looked at the simms boots yet   any recommendations of good prices online?

LL Beans Wicked Toughs for me. Love them. I have heard good things about the Don Baileys Ultra Lights though.

LL bean,s guarantee is golden. They do follow through. I f they have what you want, buy it!

ORIGINAL: 3way

LL bean,s guarantee is golden. They do follow through. I f they have what you want, buy it!

 
Bean is the best!!!
 
Send them back every couple of years and you have new waders once again.

I think its in the new outlet mall near the Medows Racetrack not positive but I seem to have heard that

The store is being built beside the Cheesecake factory at the Ross Park Mall and will open the week prior to Thanksgiving. 

ORIGINAL: flyfishermanPA

Try some Cabelas brand ones. They take alot of beating and are decent price wise. Personally I've had a pair for almost a year now & flawless. Great for hiking & not to tight. I bring my camera every fishing trip so whenever I see something I can easily unbuckle the waders and get the camera out of my pocket. Oh yes and steelhead fishing! Personally not much of a steelhead fisherman myself, but being in lots of cold freezing water they're great. Very warm and comfortable. If you're from around Pittsburgh (or Philly for that matter) stores aren't too far away. Ones in Hamburg Pennsylvania and one close to the WV PA border, check their site. Good Luck!

Actually heading to Wheeling WV tomorrow