Chest wader recommendation

[gotta run]

I am not a fisherman and bought waders for one purpose only–geocaching in swamps. Sad what this habit…I mean, hobby, will do.

Anyhoo, got the basic Hodgman chest waders at FF in the late fall of ’09. I thought, wear them once or twice a year, keep them dry and hung up, okey dokey.

They did fine after the first winter, wearing them last summer. Took them out recently (2 winters later) and they are shot. The rubber boot part is all checked and peeling. Assuming dry rot.

Rot seems to be the perpetual problem with waders in general.

Looking for recommendations on type to buy, storage, etc. Thanks.

On the Left Side of the Road...

[CodeJunkie]

I prefer hip boots.

* I’ve had my Hodgman (FF special) hip boots for 7+ years (I used them for dragging deer out of swamps long before I started geocaching) and they’re in great shape yet with the exception of a couple of patches added for small holes. I also use them on a fairly regular basis, so that may help keep them from dry rot.
* If the water is deeper than hip boots accomodate I’ll take the kayak / canoe.
* It’s also easier to extricate yourself when hip boots fill up from misjudgement compared to waders (i.e. I don’t want to drown while wearing waders).
* Hip boots are much cheaper

[RSplash40]

Bring a change of clothes along, I find anything over ankle deep just give up and get wet and dirty is the best way around it. :>

[gotta run]

Got the Hodgman hip waders as well but I find occasion for the chest waders. Just thought they’d last longer than 2 years; maybe I had unrealistic expectations.

On the Left Side of the Road...

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