I'm sure this might have been hit upon in the past but i am goin to go ahead on this one. I have been fishing in neoprene for about 10 years now and both pairs of my waders have leaks in them. I know i can fix them which i will on at least on pair but i have been thinking of going to breathables.

I know some pros for both neoprene and breathableis fishing in cold weather neoprene keep you warm and breathables keep cool in the summer. but how nice are breathables in the winter? i know you have to dress warm but are they durable like neoprene if you fish from your knees or slip and fall on your knees?

I guess I am just curious before I spend the money on some.

moflyfisher

Reluctanly I bought breathables 3-4 years ago..I'm not sure they are better than neoprenes but they sure are easier to put on.
I wear breathables in below freezing temps, under them I wear long johns, sweat pants and fleece socks and am quit comfortable.
I have also worn breathables in 100+ heat....nothing will keep ya cool when its that hot.
The breathables are much less confineing than neo's....I like um

I would choose breathables, because you can layer very warm clothes under them in the winter. If you will be wearing them often in the winter, consider going up a size so you have some room for the extra stuff. When the weather warms, you can reduce layers and maintain comfort. You will fish longer when you are comfortable. I had neoprene 10 years ago and hated the heat!

I have a pair of breathables than have neoprene knee pads that has been very durable.

If it gets really hot, just wade wet.

what kind do you have trout bum? i might have to go look at some. i am starting to lean towards breathable just because summers around here suck. 80's - 90's with alot of humidity. so they would be nice for sure.

moflyfisher

All you need to do is trap air to keep warm. Neo's do that quite well... the problem is they don't let condensation out! Breathables do. Wear plastic, fuzzy clothes under breathables in the cold weather and you'll wonder why you waited so long to get them!

Signed: Ex ice breaking steelheader!

I'll add my two cents here. I used neoprenes solely for years and hated them in warm weather. I switched here recently to the Simms Gore-Tex breathables and they are wonderful. I fished early season with them and just layered with good insulated underwear and fleece. It got real warm here in PA last week and really enjoyed the breathables because I didn't get sweated up in them. I would go with the breathables over neoprene anyday..

Ron

In my opinion breathable waders are one of the greatest pieces of gear ever developed for fishing. I would never use neoprene waders again. I have the SIMMS classic guide model and have been using them for 5 years with no problems. I have tubed in water that was in the high 40s and air temp in the high 30s and was very comfortable. The layered system is the most effective way to stay warm or cool. My father has the Orvis Pro Guide waders and has used them for two years with no problems. They seem to be a great wader for the price,

Lanny