Since
this is about choosing a pair of waders to suit your needs I’m simply
going to point out some choices and characteristics to look for. Each
individual has different needs and considerations that come into play
when choosing a pair of waders. Hip boots can be a a good choice if the
streams you plan on wading are fairly shallow and you do not plan on
wading deep water. They are relatively inexpensive and are available in
rubber, neoprene or a breathable fabric. Touching base on hip boots sets
up the next choice at hand…waist high waders. The main consideration
here is how deep you will possibly be wading. They will definitely be
cooler in warm weather, but you also can purchase chest high waders that
convert to waist highs. If you’ll be wading deep waters then you will
obviously want a pair of chest high waders.
Now that we have covered types of waders, lets discuss features. I will start from the top
down. Shoulder straps – do they have enough adjustment and padding if
any at all. Chest compartments – just inner or inner and outer, or does
the outer compartment sport any bling such as zingers and tippet spool
pockets? Are there hand pockets on the side of the compartment lined
with fleece to warm your hands on days with a slight chill in the air?
Wading belt – most waders come with either an adjustable standardized
belt or an adjustable elastic belt. Belts can also be purchased
separately and are inexpensive if the one supplied is not of your
liking. 
Seams – are they double or triple stitched on the inside of the
legs? Today some of the high end waders are sporting more stitching and
you will find that the seams are being placed on the back or front of
the legs resulting in less wear and lower probability of leaks in that
area. Is there any reinforcement? Do the knees have an extra outer shell
or multi ply reinforcement. How many plys do the overall waders have?
Boot foot or stocking foot – Boot foot are easier to dawn
and doff and in my opinion keep your feet warmer, however they tend to
be more expensive. The soles are on them may not be to your liking and
compared to stocking foot, it is more likely that the boots will outlive
the waders. Breathability – “of course applying to breathable waders
only” are they Gore-tex, the leading manufacturer in breathable apparel,
or another type/brand of breathable fabric. Size – some brands of
waders have a limited size range where others can accommodate more of a
size range, and can in fact even customize your pair to your size specs.
Be aware that all brands size charts vary so I strongly suggest you
compare sizing while also weighing the other options and durability of
each you may be considering.
I believe that it rests on the individual regarding how much to spend
on a pair of waders by how much time you will actually spend in them.
For the person who may only wear them a couple of weekends a year you
could easily get away with a relatively inexpensive pair. At the other
end of the spectrum would be the hardcore angler that should dive in a
little deeper or find themselves purchasing less costly waders more
frequently. But in the long run buying a more expensive pair of waders
may have been a break even proposition and resulted in less hassle.
http://www.defranksflies.com/choosing-waders/
http://www.defranksflies.com/choosing-waders/
