Guide to Selecting The Best Duck Hunting Waders

It's freezing, only 26 degrees outside. The sun is just on the rise. Your decoys are set. Your gun is loaded and ready to drop some ducks...and your pants are wet because your discount pair of waders have sprung a leak. The old adage has never rung louder nor truer in your mind: you really do get what you pay for.

Whether you’re a seasoned waterfowl hunter or gearing up for your first trip to the duck blind, you likely already know that a good, comfortable and warm pair of waterfowl waders is essential for a great duck hunting experience. With so many options available, it can be difficult to make a confident decision on what is best for you. Through this post and by understanding the materials and features that make up a great pair of waders, you’ll be able to make an informed choice for the best duck hunting wader that will keep you protected and comfortable for your next outing and those that follow.

There are several great pairs of waders for duck hunting on the market offering similar performance with competitive pricing. With so many to choose from you’ll want to focus on two primary elements: fit and functionality. We’ll key in on fit and functionality features with the top duck hunting waders on our list later, but first it’s helpful to get an understanding of the materials and features that make a great pair of waders as well as in what situations and environments those waders perform best.

Neoprene vs Breathable Waders

Breathable Waders

Breathable duck hunting waders are lightweight, durable and as the name implies, have much greater ventilation than neoprene waders. The reduction in overall weight of the wader allows you to move around more quickly and easily which keeps you comfortable in the field or blind for longer.

Breathable waders are not as flexible as a neoprene wader so be mindful when choosing your size. Ensuring there’s enough room for layering on the inseam and chest will help you select a better fit allowing you to move more freely and provide more comfortable wear throughout your hunt.

Neoprene Waders

Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber used in a variety of marine and outdoor applications. It’s highly water resistant and maintains flexibility over a wide range of temperatures. The material keeps you warm in cold water and because it’s flexible, it allows you to layer up without needing a perfect fit on the inseam.

With that said, neoprene is old wader technology. It doesn’t allow for much breathability or ventilation which can be uncomfortable for many hunters. The vast majority of duck hunting waders on the market now are breathable waders. In fact, the more breathable, non-neoprene waders you see on the market today came largely from the necessity to produce them from materials that hunters didn’t have adverse reactions to. Plus, nobody wants to look or feel like they’re stuffed inside sausage casing.

WHAT SIZE WADERS SHOULD YOU BUY?

If you’re buying a pair of waders for duck hunting online, we suggest first checking out the brand’s sizing guide. Once you’ve determined your boot size, the next key area you’ll want to make sure you size correctly is the inseam (particularly in breathable waders as they don’t stretch). You’ll also want to pay attention to the chest and waist measurements. Keep in mind the various layers that you may be wearing when hunting and account for this increase in size when taking your measurements. If you have a pair of waders that’s snug without base layers, they’ll likely be too tight when you do layer up.

*Note: The sizes in this chart reflect the Sitka brand and may not be accurate for other brands

Before you wear your waders into the field make sure to simulate natural movements when trying them on such as: kneeling, squatting and lifting your leg up on a chair. If it feels tight in the crotch, we recommend sizing up. Leaks typically stem from the inseam, particularly if over stressed.

Focusing on these areas for measurements, taking into account your layers and going through these standard tips for natural movements will not only help you select the most comfortable fit but can help prevent a blowout in the field.

We size thousands of people each year for new waterfowl waders and also have a good understanding when a brand of waders runs large or small. Our staff pros would be happy to discuss your needs, concerns and assist you in making the most informed decision for your pair of duck hunting waders.

BOOT, WAIST & CHEST WADERS

Depending on where you’ll be hunting, you’ll likely be choosing between one of the following types of waders:

Hip Boots

The hip boot wader is best used in shallow water conditions and outings where you know you won’t be navigating deeper waters. 

Waist Waders

Waist waders are great when you know the depth of the water where you’ll be hunting. For example, most rice fields are mechanically leveled and it is unlikely that you’ll be wading through water deeper than a foot. Waist hunting waders work well in this situation because they give you a bit more mobility and are also good for early season hunting as they aren’t as warm or constrictive as chest waders.

Chest Waders

The most universal style of waders are chest waders. Chest waders allow you to navigate through pretty much any terrain. If you’re looking for the most essential and versatile option, chest waders are it. This style of wader is great for various conditions and any situation where you may have to navigate deep waters. 

You also have more room for layering options with chest waders which can keep you more comfortable and protected in most any hunting conditions and temperatures. Today’s chest waders offer so many new features and advanced technology in their structuring which lend to your comfort and peace of mind for the best hunt experience possible.

Stockingfoot & Boot Waders

Stockingfoot Waders

Stockingfoot waders are predominantly worn for fishing and designed so the appropriate outsole/traction can be tailored to the bed of the waterbody.

These waders usually end in a neoprene sock which allows you to mix and match separate waterproof boots to suit each excursion’s needs.

Bootfoot Waders

On bootfoot waders, the boots are attached to the waders which allow for better insulation. Your blood can circulate more freely as there aren’t the points of constriction that there are with stockingfoot waders. Bootfoot waders are also pretty much impossible to get stuck in the muck (i.e. your boots won’t fall off in the mud!).

Bootfoot waders are also very convenient to slip on and off since everything is attached. This also means one less piece of gear to forget. Bootfoot wader sizing primarily varies by the boot itself and is typically driven by foot size. However, many companies offer varied combinations of boot and wader size to fit a wide variety of body types.

Insulated Waders vs Uninsulated Waders

Many duck hunting waders come with both insulated and uninsulated options. If you’re always going to be hunting in cold weather, insulated waders are your best bet. If you’re going to be in varying climates or get hot easily, uninsulated waders are a good option because you can adjust your layers specifically to suit your personal comfort and needs in different weather conditions. 

*Note uninsulated waders used for waterfowling do have insulated boots. It is the upper (body) of the wader that is uninsulated.

Keep in mind that if you are going to be layering up, you will need to factor that into your wader size. Inseam, chest and waist sizes are all impacted by layers increasing the circumference and width of these measurement areas.

While uninsulated wader options offer more versatility in layering dynamics, an insulated hunting wader supplies the needed warmth without having to purchase multiple additional mid-layers. Personal preference of course plays a role in how constricting multiple layers may feel and what is most comfortable for you.

Wader Price & Quality

The basic materials used to create today’s waders are all pretty high-quality. For example, a $300 pair of waders from “X Brand” are typically made of the same outer materials as the $700+ pair from leading brands. The waterproofing and breathability are fairly comparable between most options as well.

While the waterproofing may be very similar, a higher priced pair of waterfowl hunting waders is giving you additional features and likely superior insulation. Today’s best waders also include new and innovative means of construction that have many advantages over more economical products. You may also find reduction in overall weight of the wader as the price increases. You really do get what you pay for in regards to waterfowl waders; a higher price equals a more valuable, high-quality and functional product, shoulder straps to boot!

Wader Warranties

Top brands are continuing to back their waders with extended warranties and no hassle repair/replacement options should actual defects arise. This continues to be a major selling point and should always be taken into consideration when looking at options for a new pair of waders. Warranty and repair policies show that brands are confident in their hunting waders and the advances in construction to stand up and stride through your hunting experiences.

Best Waders for Duck Hunting

The following list of duck hunting waders are MPW’s picks for the best waders you can buy. They combine many of the elements of a great pair of waders we discussed above and are the top of the line from each brand.