Waders fit question
Contributors to this thread:Equipment
From: Deebz
01-May-19
So I'm not sure if this is really applicable to bowhunting, but I'm hoping some of you all may have some input. I'm looking at buying some waders from a guy. One pair of hip waders (Gander Mountain), a pair of regular hunting boots from Cabela's, and what he's calling a "wet suit" (Field and Stream)...which I take to be an insulated set of chest waders. They are all size 12...and I wear a size 12 shoe. I usually get a 13 for my hunting boots since I wear extra layers of socks.... I'm about 6'2" and about 250 lbs (down from 300 a year ago)...
I'm wondering if anyone has any input as to how these things fit...It's about an hour away to meet the guy, so I wouldn't want to get there and find that there's no way they'll fit me.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
From: Jaquomo
01-May-19
What you're describing is the dilemma of buying shoes/boots without trying them on. Sizing is so variable. I wear 11, 11.5, 12, depending on style and manufacturer. Anymore, I won't buy any boot or wader before trying them on first.
From: Overland
01-May-19
Be very, very leery of used waders. Holes can be difficult to repair and even a pinprick hole will make your hunt no fun.
From: 76aggie
01-May-19
I strongly agree with the comments of both Jaquomo and Overland. If you decide to meet with the fellow selling the goods, meet with him hear a body of water so you can find out if the waders have any kind of leak in them. He should have no problem with that.
From: joehunter
01-May-19
I always take a pair of hip boots with me on my out of state hunts. Came in handy on this Colorado elk hunt.
I always take a pair of hip boots with me on my out of state hunts. Came in handy on this Colorado elk hunt.
I would never buy used waders, hip boots, or knee boots. I grew up wearing hip boots and waders. Rubber today is not what is used to be. I wear hip boot to hunt here in MI almost every hunt as I use a large creek to access many of my stands. I am lucky if I get 3 years use out of rubber hip boots. Doesn't make much difference if they are high dollar or low dollar. The Gander Mt. boots are at least 3 years old - Gander has been out of business! They will be checked up and will leak at the flex points and folds if not now - then soon.
From: Genesis
02-May-19
Footwear is not where you try to safe money.Between myself and my duck hunting buddy last year we bought FIVE pairs of new chest waders before we found some that didn’t have pin hole leaks in crotch
We were able to exchange each time do to warranty but as joehunter said the workmanship etc just not what it used to be.
My brother has a cheaper model he has worn for ten years without a leak....but I would bet money on you being able to repeat that
From: Deebz
02-May-19
Thanks for the advice guys. I went ahead and bought them..couldn't beat the price for both a pair of chest waders and boots. They fit me pretty well at least. He assured me there's no leaks, so we'll see how it pans out when I get a chance to get in some water.