Phish: Do remember how you the difference in wading when you went from rubber boots or old sneakers to felts? Now try crossing stream with felts with carbide studs in the sole. Night and day difference again.

Also I use a wading staff when crossing, it will help you judge depth and drop offs so you can avoid making a serious mistake,as well as making you a human tripod for once. I have found that using the staff on the upstream side works well.

A good belt whether on neoprenes or breathables is essential, and if your wife, girlfriend or whomever, wanto know what to get you for a birthday gift, a company near Seattle makes auto inflate life preservers that are real small and look like suspenders. That way you will have all your bases covered and live to fish some more.