How many seasons do you get out of a pair of waders?

[ronfish]

I can generally get two seasons out mine fishing every weekend plus aded days here and there, but I switch from the neoprenes(Cabelas') to canvas(Lacrosse or Red Ball Masters) depending on the time of year. I have fished areas requiring alot of walking and the canvas waders are just fine for me, but the neoprenes are alittle heavy for extended hiking. To me the breathables are just a leak waiting to happen. If moisture can permeate out whats going to stop it from going the other way? It seems to me that many have problems with leaks occurring in the crotch. This says to me that the leg length is not long enough to allow fulll motion of walking/climbing especially on the jetties. I try and matvh the boot size with a leg length so there is alittle extra for when I have to stretch out my legs, of course this means that the top of the waders are up to my pits usually but a good belt takes care of that situation. I have never had a pair of waders fail inthe crotch generally at the boot top or knee area. Ron

[wheresmy50]

Originally Posted by ronfish

If moisture can permeate out whats going to stop it from going the other way?

The moisture going out is vapor, the water trying to get in is liquid. Water vapor can fit through smaller holes than liquid water, which is the principle behind Goretex.

With that said, I don't think breathable waders still breathe when you're in the water. I don't think the vapor can escape when the surface is covered in water.

I just got about a season out of a pair of Hodgman's, but I didn't fish too much this year. Even if breathables don't last as long, I just can't go back. Even when I wear my hip boots and rain pants, I'm always wet from condensation.

[ThrowingTimber]

I do the swap between dif stuff as well.

breatheables, 2/3 wetsuit oneil, 7 henderson, 3.5 hodgeman neos Gonna pick up a pair of hippers for the coming season for open beaches and jiggin where a long cast is necessary but you dont really have to get wet.