Women's Waders (not Women in Waders)

Gear & Reviews
1

My girlfriend is looking for some waders & wading boots. Any female anglers out there who can offer up a recommendation regarding women’s waders and wading boots?

Thanks

2

I was really hoping someone else would respond to your question, because I am really death on womens fly outfittings. I have never found them to be as well made, substantial in wearability, or as warm/cool. Get her a good pair of mens waders and boots, sized appropriately for her, and be happy. Just keep in mind that they’ll never fit quite as “pleasingly” as womens, but it’s not a fashion show, and safety and durability means more to me that looking good.

Trouts don’t live in ugly places

3

Cabelas offers several of thier models sized for women

4

Hi,

I rarely find any that are short enough. If your friend is size-challenged - grin - like me, it can be difficult to get the inseam length even close with men’s. Bean’s carries one which fits, as does the Hodgeman’s extra small (I really like the waist high ones from them, the Simms are too long). We have a Patagonia outlet nearby, and some of those fit great, too.

I know that girth is a size issue often considered (of course), as well as durability/looks/warrenty, but the length is a big deal for me.

Kat

5

My wife has used both Beans and Orvis Silver Label II’s. Both held up for her very well and fit as correctly as waders can. The only thing she would change is the stocking foot size. Currently she is in the Orvis waders, and has 2 seasons on those. She would get them again. My wife is a bit sized challenged at a towering 5’ even.

6

LOL about the length of the mens waders. I always assumed that the stretchy belt was for snugging up the length and cinching it in to fit better! Guys, if you’ve ever worn womens waders, and I’m not suggesting you ever have , you’d understand why I detest them so! Same goes for the boots, vests, jackets, hats! IMHO
And, Ursus … cheesy notes are appropriate any time of year!!

Trouts don’t live in ugly places

[This message has been edited by Betty Hiner (edited 13 December 2005).]

7

" This makes you cute, harmless and slightly pathetic"

Darn I didn’t know it was poems that did that to us.

8

If you want high quality, designed for women waders with a great selection of sizes:
[url=http://www.simmsfishing.com/za/SIM?PAGE=PRODUCT_DETAILS&CAT=waders&PROD.ID=40960:122ac]http://www.simmsfishing.com/za/SIM?PAGE=PRODUCT_DETAILS&CAT=waders&PROD.ID=40960[/url:122ac]

[url=http://www.simmsfishing.com/za/SIM?PAGE=PRODUCT_DETAILS&CAT=waders&PROD.ID=40961:122ac]http://www.simmsfishing.com/za/SIM?PAGE=PRODUCT_DETAILS&CAT=waders&PROD.ID=40961[/url:122ac]

Joe

[This message has been edited by flyfisherjoe (edited 13 December 2005).]

9

I have a pair of men’s Hodgman Brighton stockingfoot neoprene waders that fit like a charm and I really like - but I recall trying on about 20 different manufacturers and styles until I found one that did fit. I think the key is to go somewhere that has a good selection and then prepare for stuggling in and out of them. If I had it to do over again, I would have worn something more appropriate when I went to try them on. Trying to get in and out of neoprenes with jeans on makes a rough task even worse (although I do remember the amusement on the faces of the male shoppers). I also purchased the Hodgman Bantam Weight wading shoes, but I can’t really say that I like them. They’re what I call “monster clompers”, and the laces refuse to stay tied (even with knots in them).

10

I have Bare Waders in both Neo and Breathable, they are mens…I’m 5’8" and they fit fine. For Wading boots, I’ve had several, but the Chota are the best.

LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL

11

I’ve worn nothing but Orvis silver label the last 6-8 years and been very happy with them. The feet fit! I’m short and stout and am presently wearing a men’s MS, but they have lots of sizes for women - the key is to get to a big store that has lots of sizes to try on. I love my Bean ultralight shoes, but I think they are discontinuing them - also love my Korkers - they’re men’s but fit fine.

12

My girlfriend uses the Simms freestones and the Chota classics.

The waders have held up well for 3 years and the Chotas aren’t too heavy and have ample ankle support. (I cleated them though 'cause we walk lots on slippery trails).

Christopher Chin, Jonquiere Quebec
[url=http://pages.videotron.com/fcch/:81298]Fishing the Ste-Marguerite[/url:81298]

[This message has been edited by fcch (edited 13 December 2005).]

13

Just trying to help. My towering 5’ wife bought Hodgmans that she tried on that fit. Then she bought some Hodgmans boots, supposedly the size to wear with those waders, and we couldn’t even zip up the boots! We know another lady now, same size and same story with Hodgmans boots. She couldn’t zip up her Hodgmans boots either. My wife took hers back. Then she bought a pair of Simms Sandals to wear with her Hodgmans waders and she is satisfied with that. You can see those sandals at the Simms website.Perhaps where and how cold you fish may not allow sandals. I have Simms Waders which she bought me as a gift. I would never have thought I could pay that much. Now I wouldn’t part with the Simms. On the other hand I bought Simms felt soled boots to wear and with cheapo fins that didn’t work too good in a kick boat. I found out my Simms felt soled boots are great for every day fishing in jeans or with my hip waders. For the Simms chest waders I bought Glacier Neoprene Booties to go over the Simms wader stocking feet, and new Force Fins. Makes all the difference in the world. Cheap fins with felt soled lace on wader boots didn’t work. I think the bottom line is to go to a store and have her try them on. Sizes and labels and hype don’t count. Actually try them on and get everything to fit right the first time. There is just far way way too many differences in sizes and labeling to go by “recommended sizes”.

Gem

14

Oh, boy…and we have been going through the waders at our house. Can I tell ya some stories…

I started with Ladies Hodgman boots. Save your money, they didn’t last a year.

The Cabela’s Ladies waders did not fit. The legs were too narrow and the waders would not come up over my hips. (As an aside, my husband has returned his 2nd pair of defective Cabela’s waders in a 6 month period.)

My current 5 year old Orvis Clearwater waders, not only fit; but were reasonably priced at the time, are doing well. These have gone into the salt as well as the fresh and are still going strong.

I purchased a pair of Simms Ladies Guide boots a few years back and I am glad I made the investment. Awesome boots! And, believe me, if she is doing a lot of walking, good boots are a must.

If money were no object, I would have a pair of Ladies Simms. I’ve tried them on and no one has the size range and fit. They were wonderful! Alas, I am unable to justify $300 for waders I am 5’3" tall with a 7.5B foot and would define my silhoutte as “plump”. I have hips.