Fully Waterproof Outer Pants Suggestions??

[Jim Fenton]

I spend a lot of time on my knees and gut in wet sand shooting shorebird pictures. Pudles always form around my knees and my butt, gut, or whatever. In the summer if it's cold I will still be in water shoes and definitely in some type of boots on the spring, fall and winter. I considered waders but they just seem to be too darned cumbersome?

There has got to be something more durable and waterproof than the $50 stuff I have been buying locally that I manage to rip fairly regularly.

These would be for all seasons, however, no insulation is required as I'm not planning on being butt naked under them anyway!

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

[Roy Priest]

If you visit a flyfishing store you can buy lightweight breathable stocking foot waders. Stocking foot means there is no attached boot the waders end in a neoprene bootie. You can then buy wading shoes to go over or just a pair of runners or boots a size or two bigger than you usually use.

[Grace Scalzo]

I second Roy's opinion. Not as cumbersome as you might think and they do keep you dry. Bought mine from LL Bean.

[Jim Fenton]

Thanks for the input :)

[Jason Kinsey]

Jim, another option might be hip boots. I've worn both for many years, but would rather wear my hip boots when conditions allow. Many companies are now offering stockingfoot options as well, like these from Cabelas: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Footwear/Mens-Footwear/Mens-Waders/Mens-Hip-Boots|/pc/104797980/c/104747580/sc/104674680/i/104108580/Cabelas-Three-Forks8482-Stockingfoot-Hip-Wader/732859.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FN %3D1101201%26WTz_l%3DSBC%253BBRprd732859&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRprd732859%3Bcat104108580. Good luck.

[Chris Poole]

Fishing is a major hobby of mine and during cooler months or on cold water trips nothing beats 'breathable stocking foot waders', you can layer underneath and you want sweat like you would in a neoprene wader. Check out Cabela's, LL Bean, Bass Pro, Toggs, Ovis, Hodgman . FYI; if you can try them on before you buy them.

[Cal Walters]

Ditto. But, be aware that all that time on your knees, you will want to add some outer kneepads. These warm weather waders will leak if they are scratched heavily or thorns penetrate them. They are easily repaired, but you only find out about the leaks in the field.

[allanrube]

I am subbing to this just to read the opinions.

[Paul Guris]

Jim, if you're just looking for a pair of tough, fully waterproof pants, check out Grundens. They are PVC coated so that they're truly waterproof. They are used by commercial fishermen all over the world, so you know they're tough. You can get them as bib pants or just regular waist pants. They have different models so be sure to look at ones that are lighter in weight (unless you're planning on working on a scallop boat in February).

If you go with lightweight waders, I agree with Roy that you should look at those with a stocking foot rather than an integrated boot. You'll be able to choose the boot you wish to use and they'll be much more maneuverable.