Simms - Cloudveil - Patagonia
fly fishing WADERS
Pre-dawn light spreads slowly over steel-colored waters. You're up early, greeting the frigid morning air with aspirations of hefty fish. As the first flakes begin to fall, you wonder what type of fishing sickness you must have to brave this kind of weather. Granted, you only get so many days off, but still... You move into the water and wade out into the current. The pressure around your legs is somehow comforting against the black silence of the river. You pick out a likely drift-line in a run that has held steelhead before, you make your cast.
Fly fishing is an outdoor endeavor, and trekking into the wilderness means dealing 
with unpredictability. Sometimes the fish are on. Sometimes they're not. Sometimes the conditions are ideal. And sometimes, well, "a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work." Unfortunately, you can't control the weather. But you can control your gear! The right wader will not only protect you against the elements, but it will also make your time in the water more enjoyable and, therefore, productive. So what characteristics make up a great pair of waders?
BE WELL IN YOUR WADERS
Sometimes wading into a turbulent, fifty-degree river isn't the most inviting thing to do. Luckily, current technologies offer the modern angler comforts that can make any outing, in any conditions, a good one.
Breathability
"Breathable" waders function on the principle that keeping you waterproof is not enough to keep you comfortable. During outdoor activity, the average person looses 
up to a pint of water per hour. This moisture makes insulation damp and causes your body's temperature to fluctuate. Waders manufactured with breathable fabrics provide a superior one-way path that evacuates interior moisture, reducing chill on your body. The most efficient breathable material is GORE-TEX fabric. With over nine billion microscopic pores per square inch, GORE-TEX prevents water droplets from getting in, and allows water vapor and moisture to diffuse out all of it. These fabrics keep you dry, and being dry means stable and controllable temperatures, hour after hour. Whether you're fishing in winter conditions or summer heat, GORE-TEX breathable waders provide anglers the highest standard of comfort.
Anatomical Fit
Choosing lightweight waders that mimic how the body moves pays off at the end of the day. Unimpeded motion when hopping rocks, bending to land a fish, or 
negotiating your way through streamside vegetation reduces fatigue and increases safety. Look for waders with articulated knee joints to allow more flexibility than simple straight-legged designs. Also, right and left-fitted stockingfeet make any step in awkward conditions a little bit more precise. And for female anglers, let's face it, men's waders just don't fit right! Waders that are built with women in mind provide a more secure fit and are much more flattering. Instead of distracting you with unnecessary bulk and rumpled undergarments, anatomically fit waders move with you, providing a second skin.
TOUGH CONSTRUCTION
If you're fishing correctly, your equipment will inevitably take some knocks. You're going to need something that's on par with your surroundings.
Abrasion Resistance
Good waders are designed for real fishing situations. Although razor-pointed hooks and barbed wire fences will sometimes be able to penetrate fabric, the occasional hook, blackberry thorn, and fence tine are usually turned away by the tough, tightly knit facing cloth. Striking a balance between breatheability and durability, multi-layered waders provide the best abrasion resistance. Look for three or five-ply composites that alternate core and breathable fabrics. This type of extra layering assures that your wader will usually protect you from water and sharp objects alike.
Repairs and Warranty
When it comes to slight leaks and small tears, do-it-yourself repair kits included with waders make the sealing process simple. In the rare case that something more serious is needed, our companies offer quick turnarounds for complex repairs so you won't be away from your favorite streams for long. And if a rare manufacturing error does occur, look for companies that provide a comprehensive warranty for the life of the product. Manufacturers with warranties that imply expected failure of their product often provide just that - waders that are not built to last. The best manufacturers stand behind their products and they guarantee quality with a confident warranty.
FISHABILITY
Ultimately, how will your waders perform in the water? If you fish primarily during the summer, can you convert the waders from chest-highs to pants to allow for extra ventilation? Is there a place to keep your car keys? What if you slip and fall into the current? Is there a built-in wading belt that will prevent your waders from ballooning-up with water?
Effective Fishing Features
Well thought-out features on a pair of waders define the waders that are best for you. Easy to use suspenders, effective gravel-guards that keep pebbles and sand out of your boots, and specially placed pockets increase the functionality of your waders. Not only are extra features handy, but they also demonstrate that a high level of thought has gone into the design process. The best waders are not simply created off of a drawing board. Rather, they are products of testing, feedback, and relentless innovation.
You take one last look at the water, and step up to the bank. Today was a good day. There weren't as many fish as you had hoped for, but the two you hooked were strong and beautiful. As you approach the security of your car, you look forward to changing out of your gear. Now it's time to go back home and relax in front of the fire. Rolling out of the parking area, you take a moment to reflect on your surroundings. "No matter what the temperature," you decide, "there are few things as good as fishing in a snowstorm."
Simms - Cloudveil - Patagonia