8 Best Duck Hunting Waders

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While there are many styles of hunting waders, from hip waders ideal for traversing mucky terrain to waist-high waders good for sitting in it, any waterfowl hunter who has ever slogged through murky marshes, flooded fields, or icy swamps knows the importance—for both comfort and safety—of a good pair of chest waders. Depending on how often you find yourself waterfowl hunting, you can either get away with a moderately priced but still quality pair of duck-hunting waders for the occasional trip or invest in a high-performance, premium pair for more frequent use. No matter which you choose, for waterfowl hunting, look for chest waders that are 100 percent waterproof and made from a breathable, multi-layered fabric construction or, ideally, neoprene, the same synthetic-rubber material most wetsuits are made from. Our list includes only chest-high hunting waders in a variety of fabrics and materials.

What to Consider in Duck Hunting Waders

Durability: Because waterfowl hunting often finds you trudging through thick brush and cold water, you want your duck-hunting waders to be durable and waterproof. Look for good quality stitching, heat-sealed or taped seams on the interior, a puncture-resistant outer layer, reinforced knees and seat, waterproof zippers and pockets, and abrasion-resistant materials.

Extras: Any additional features that can make your experience more comfortable and convenient will only add to your success. Look for things like hand-warming pockets, looped shell holders (see image below), and padded adjustable shoulder straps with easy-to-use secure buckles or clips. Most waders feature D-rings that let you clip on accessories for extra storage, shell supply, or other small items.

Stocking Foot or Boot Foot: Stocking-foot waders require a separate wading boot purchase; boot-foot waders have a boot sewn into the wader. Nearly all wader companies have gone to boot-foot waders in their duck-wader line—they’re better insulated and less likely to snag or get pulled off in the muck. For a higher level of traction on slippery docks, boat decks, and large rocks, look for a boot with a lugged sole (see image below).

Added Materials: In addition to neoprene, a wader might also have a layer of insulation for added warmth, an abrasion-resistant exterior, or a moisture-wicking layer for more breathability. Look for a boot with 600 to 1,000 grams of Thinsulate insulation for hunting in moderate temperatures, or up to 1,600 grams for the coldest climates.

Camo Pattern: If a brand offers its waders in more than one camouflage pattern, choose the one that best resembles the surroundings and terrain in which you typically hunt.

How to Size Your Waders

Proper sizing is critical not only for a comfortable fit but also for the product’s performance and longevity. Waders that are too tight can result in excess stress on the seams. Too large, and the bagginess can cause wear on the folds of the material. While boot size tops the list for ensuring your waders, at the very least, fit your feet, it’s no guarantee that everything from your ankles up measures up. You’ll also need to check your chest, waist, hip, and inseam measurements against the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Many brands now size their waders according to body type, using fits like slim, regular, long, stout, and king, as well as youth and women’s-specific sizes. If you tend to hunt in freezing temps, opt for either a properly fitting boot with more insulation or a bigger boot with more room for thicker socks.

How I Evaluated

I have hosted numerous duck hunts over the years and have enjoyed my fair share of waterfowl hunting on some of the most popular flyways, including the Mississippi Flyway near Stuttgart, Arkansas, and the St. Francis River in East Arkansas. Hunting with others always sparks conversation about the gear we use: what works, what we like (or don’t like) about it, and what we recommend. In fact, the last pair of waders I bought, the Banded Women’s RedZone waders, came recommended by someone whose height and build are similar to mine. Taking into consideration intel from fellow hunters, peer and online reviews, and my personal experiences with brands and products, as well as waterproofness, size range, special features, price, and availability, I recommend these eight chest waders for men and women.

Gator Waders Men’s Shield Series Insulated Hunting Waders

Key Specs

• Body Material: 4-layer polyester w/quilted thermal cotton insulation

• Boot Material: 1,600-gram Thinsulate

• Sizes: 7 to 14.5 (men’s shoe); 8 to 14 (in regular, stout, long, and king fits)

Four layers of polyester over a waterproof membrane and quilted thermal cotton insulation make for a wader that not only keeps you warm and dry but that’s lighter and more breathable than neoprene models. (One reviewer called them, “crazy light, but very warm.”) Double stitching and two layers of seal-taped seams keep water out and warmth in. The rear seat and leg gaiters are reinforced with abrasion-resistant 900D fabric to prevent tearing, and the heavy-duty elastic shoulder straps and waist belt are both comfortable and flexible when sitting or kneeling. The 1,600-gram insulated boot has an aggressive tread and puncture-resistant exterior rubber. Extra features include fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets, a 6-shotgun shell holder, a magnetic open/close chest pocket, and two large D-rings for attaching accessories.

Banded RedZone 2.0 Breathable Insulated Chest Wader

Key Specs

• Body Material: GO-3 Layer fabric construction with SHEDS and HARS technologies

• Boot Material: 1,600-gram Thinsulate

• Sizes: 8 to 14 (in regular, stout, and king fits)

The RedZone 2.0 combines a breathable wind- and waterproof outer with lightweight, water-resistant microfiber insulation for a chest wader ideal for those whose hunts find them in chilly water on cold, windy days. Single-stitch, flat-seam technology provides a smooth surface to better accommodate seal tape and reduce stress on the seams, and reinforced articulated knees increase mobility. Anatomically molded boots, with 1,600-gram Thinsulate insulation, are designed to be grippy and flexible while providing excellent traction. A removable belt and adjustable shoulder straps let you fine-tune fit. Other key features include a waterproof chest pocket, fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets, D-rings for additional accessories, six shell loops, and a flip-up pocket with a touchscreen-compatible cover.

TideWe Hunting Wader

Key Specs

• Body Material: 5mm Neoprene

• Boot Material: 1,400-gram Thinsulate

• Sizes: 7 to 14

TideWe offers this rugged pair of chest waders at an economical price. A durable, crosshatch exterior covers a 5mm neoprene layer (about the same thickness used in wetsuits meant for frigid water). Double-stitched, welded, and sealed seams keep water out, and durable polyurethane-coated leggings keep warmth in. The 1,400-gram Thinsulate boot offers a rugged boot tread for better traction, though some users suggest sizing up. An adjustable suspender system and waist belt let you customize the waders for a comfortable fit. Features include a detachable shell pouch with twelve shell loops, a pass-through fleece-lined hand-warmer pocket, and a storm-flapped top-entry storage pouch with three call compartments.

Drake Waterfowl Eqwader

Key Specs

• Body Material: Guardian Elite 3-layer fabric

• Boot Material: 1,600-gram Thinsulate Buckshot Mudder

• Sizes: 8 to 14, men’s (short/stout, regular, stout, and king fits), women’s/youth (regular fit)

With a tear-away insulated liner, the Drake Waterfowl Eqwader is for those who hunt regions that often start off frigid and warm up after sunrise. In addition to higher sides and reinforced high-wear areas, which extend coverage and increase durability, reinforced seams and a full Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment make for superior waterproofing. The 1,600-gram Thinsulate Buckshot Mudder boots are lightweight with a snug fit at the ankle to prevent mud from sucking the boot off while still allowing it to fit comfortably. Other features include a storm-flap front pocket, inside zipper pouch, two horizontal sets of three shell loops, and adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt.

Sitka Gear Delta Zip Wader

Key Specs

• Body Material: 4-layer Gore-Tex

• Boot Material: LaCrosse AeroForm insulated

• Sizes: 9 to 13

The hunting industry’s premier waterfowl waders, the Sitka Gear Delta Zip Wader, have long been on my list of wants—even though I don’t currently waterfowl enough days to justify the thousand-dollar price. The only waterfowl wader on the market that uses wind- and waterproof Gore-Tex Pro technology, the Delta Zip offers durable protection and a guarantee to keep you dry. Even the YKK AquaSeal zipper won’t let water sneak in. For anyone who often kneels on jagged ice or navigates dense brush, the reinforced, padded shins and knees will save the day. The exclusive LaCrosse insulated boots are lightweight, with a warm lining and durable lugged sole for excellent traction on wet rocks, boat decks, and muddy ground. Features include two water-resistant storage pockets, high hand-warmer pockets, a customizable fitted belt, and an adjustable no-buckle suspension system.

LaCrosse Super Brush Tuff Extreme Wader

Key Specs

• Body Material: 5mm neoprene

• Boot Material: 1,200-gram Thinsulate

• Sizes: Size 7 to 14 (regular and king fits)

If you’re a waterfowl hunter, you may already be familiar with LaCrosse’s line of rubber boots. What you may not know is that LaCrosse has also been making quality waders for over a decade. The Super Brush Tuffs are made from 5mm neoprene with a spandex and Lycra outer layer, and polyurethane-coated knees and seat. It all adds up to warmth and durability without the bulk. A combination of 1,200-gram Thinsulate insulation and felt insoles in the boot keep your feet cozy on chilly hunts, and a gripping lug on the outer sole offers plenty of traction on wet or muddy surfaces. Other features include a simple top-loading pouch, hand-warmer pockets for minimal bulk, and suspender straps that conveniently convert to a belt when waders are folded down.

HISEA Hunting Chest Wader

Key Specs

• Body Material: 4.5mm neoprene

• Boot Material: 800-gram Thinsulate

• Sizes: 8 to 12 (women’s), 6 to 14 (men’s)

HISEA Hunting Chest Waders are constructed of 4.5mm anti-scratch neoprene with double-stitched, bonded and taped seams that water cannot penetrate. The 800-gram Thinsulate rubber boot has a solid-grip sole and convenient pull strap on the heel for easy on/off, and the adjustable suspenders are padded for extra comfort. Features include a front pocket system with a large top-flap storage pouch, eight shell loops, a smaller organization pocket, and a hand warmer. You also get a waterproof phone pouch, a wader hanging belt (to store them after the hunt), and a belt that holds an additional 14 shells. An integrated LED lighting system on the front storage pouch will come in handy during predawn setup. Fun fact: Every pair of Hisea waders is turned inside out, filled with water, tested for leaks, and hung to dry before being shipped to the consumer.

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Ducks Unlimited Wigeon Wader

Key Specs

• Body Material: 5mm Neoprene

• Boot Material: 1,600-gram Thinsulate

• Sizes: 8 to 14

For anyone who wants an affordable and minimalist option, the streamlined Ducks Unlimited Wigeon wader has minimal seams and pockets (two hand warmer and one storage) and the lack of a waist belt, making the Wigeon’s exterior practically snag-free. The waders are constructed of 5mm neoprene with a Spandura coating, which combines the durability of Cordura with the stretch of Lycra. The 10.5-inch high, 1,600-gram Thinsulate boot, with a two-piece traction outsole, offers plenty of warmth and stability in frigid water. Other features include two horizontal sets of three shell loops on the chest, and a customizable H-back suspender system with two D-rings for accessories.

How NOT to Size Your Waders, and Other Tips for a Successful Duck Hunt, From Our Expert Nancy Jo Adams

Q: Favorite hunting wader feature you can’t live without?

A: Because I wear thinner, fingerless gloves for better dexterity while using my shotgun trigger, it’s important to me to keep my hands and bare fingertips warm—not only for safety reasons but also for better results. For this reason, I absolutely require lined hand-warmer pockets positioned on the bib portion of my waders (as shown above), which provides quick access for shotgun handling.

Q: Best advice for sizing your chest waders?

A: I bought my first pair of waders in 2008. I found the perfect women’s boot-foot wader, with all the features I wanted, and called and ordered them over the phone. The brand rep on the other end asked me for one measurement: my boot size. I thought it was strange, but I trusted the process. When the waders arrived, I unboxed them and laughed. The boot size was 7.5, my size, but the waders themselves were a size 6–8. At the time, I wore a 14–16. Lesson learned: There’s more to how a wader fits than just boot size.

Q: Most memorable duck-hunting experience?

A: During a hosted women’s hunt in Arkansas, I and six others belly-crawled across a muddy field of wheat stubble toward a gaggle of geese, which ended up being unsuccessful. The guide suggested a shortcut back to the truck, which had us walking across a 3.5-foot deep irrigation ditch. My second slippery step sent me to the bottom of the ditch on my knees with my shotgun held high above my head and only my ball cap visible on the water surface for a brief moment. When I surfaced, I could feel the frigid water soaking into the wader over the bib top as it took me a minute to spring up out of the ditch. Once it was established that I and my shotgun were fine, laughter erupted in the group to the point we couldn’t breathe. I was thankful it wasn’t deeper and that I didn’t prove the old adage that if you go overboard with waders on, you will drown from the weight of the water filling them up.

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