The waterfowl season is finally here is guys! Whether you’re looking to fill up your duck boat more than last time or just enjoy swamp jumping shooting geese and coots, finding the right gear is a necessary component of outdoor adventure sport; you’ll need heavy-duty duck waders and a pair of wading boots.
Unlike fishing waders, which some people also use for hunting, duck waders or simply hunting waders are subjected under tough conditions thus receiving heavier beatings. Walking through marsh wetlands can be challenging but also risky — you are exposed to many harmful elements including uneven terrain that can easily make you slip and fall, not forgetting gators and panthers.
For these reasons, you need a good waterfowl wader that can protect you from any harmful element in the river while keeping you warm and dry.
Heavy Duty Waders are Worth Investment
Adding a tough pair of wading shoes and waders to your hunting gear can help you enjoy the sport even more. Considering the terrain you’ll be trudging through, and all the efforts just to make a catch or retrieve birds, you need a wader that won’t puncture or leak easily. Waterfowl waders come in a range of selection including lighter options for less intensive hunts and heavy-duty waders for wild excursions.
Over the years there has been improved technology in making hunting clothing and equipment. The industry has grown making it possible for the entry of new and more advanced hunting gears. As a waterfowler, you now have other options in addition to the conventional canvas, neoprene or rubber waders.
Are you looking to buy a hunting wader but not sure what to get, here are five types of duck waders you need to consider – they are differentiated by their fabric type.
1. Rubber
Rubber waders were once a popular wader choice for waterfowlers and they’ve been used for decades while people are still using it. However, rubber ceased being common after the introduction of neoprene waders. While they may not be the most ideal option for hunting or fishing, they offer an economical option if you’re not planning to spend much on a wader. Rubber waders are:
- Budget friendly
- Relatively tough
- Easy to wear and remove
- Dry easily
- Highly available
- Not lightweight
- Limited accessories
- Poor insulation
- Ideal for different seasons
Neoprene Fabric Waders
Neoprene waders come in a wide range of options and are considered the “new old school” after rubber waders. It gained traction back in the 90’s and over that period it has seen modification and advance feature being added to make it even more functional and durable.
The two main fabric weight options are 3.5 mm and 5 mm and they are ideal for trudging through marshland for longer periods. Features and benefits of neoprene waders include:
- Well insulated to keep you warm
- Variety of fabric weight options available
- Not comfortable in the field
- Comes with extra pockets and other accessories
- Relatively heavy and bulky than rubber waders
- Punctures easily
- Poor breathability; doesn’t dry up quickly either
- Costly
3. PVC Hunting Waders
This type of wader is likened to the “old school” rubber. PVC waders are a cost-effective option to keep your warm and dry in wetlands. It’s ideally suited for light duties and less invasive hunting.
- Cost effective
- Durable than rubber
- Lightweight for easy wearing and packing
- Dries quickly
- Few pockets and accessories
- Poor insulation
4. Breathable Waders
If you want something more fun and functional, these duck waders are the best options. They are comfortable on the field and the fact that they are breathable means they dry up quickly when they become wet inside.
- Variety of boot insulation
- Lightweight
- Durability due to toughness
- Comfortable
- Lack top insulation
- Dries quickly
- Priced the same as neoprene waders but offers superior performance
These are some of the options available when choosing a hunting wader. Each type will depend on your budget and the type of hunting you’re planning to do. Neoprene waders are known to offer superior performance when it comes to intensive excursions though they are very bulky. Breathable waders are also an excellent choice when looking for a back-up option.
