What are a good set of waders for around $60? I am a beginner, so I am going to start cheap and work my way up. What types of bottoms are good? Thanks

The Cabela's waders are really durable and inexpensive. Look on there website. I own a pair of their five mm neopreme waders and they work great.

I like the Cabelas 5mm, felt sole boot foot hip waders at: http://www.cabelas.com/texis/scripts/sto...98AGAcAA/XA283R , although I see they don't list the felt sole version on their web site, but I'm sure it's still available in the dark brown color just as before. In my humble opinion, felt sole is the only way to go as it will keep you from slipping (much more so than lug sole anyway) on the river bottom. I prefer hip waders to chest waders as you'll stay dryer (not soaked in sweat), warmer (ditto), and safer (not too far out in current...see ya!). The 5mm thickness will keep you warm in coldest winter conditions and wear well. In addition, wear thermal underwear and several boot socks...so be sure to order an oversize boot size to accomodate the extra boot socks. If you fish much, you'll find that you'll be glueing on new felt bottoms at least once a season as they wear rather quickly...but that's no big deal. These waders run $89 in season price, and they usually put them on sale once a year or so for $79.

Good luck!

PS...Please try and support the local small businessman owned tackle shops if at all possible...they probably have something very similar available at a reasonable price.

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See ya on the River!

[This message has been edited by SteelyBob (edited 12-12-2000).]

Outdoor Emporium usually has the commercial style black hip waders. These are rigid and stay up without any ties. Very thick and durable. Buy one size larger so you can wear thick socks and wool pants preferably.

Cabela's 5mm......The best for the money.

You can get a Hodgemens neo 3mm for about 50 bucks just about any sporting good store.

Point-you may want to ante up to a pair of neoprene chest waders, 4mm are good weight. Otherwise if you go too low-you will end up buying another pair in a year. If you do some bush whackin-get a tube of Auqua Seal too. I have 2 pair 1 Bare(stocking foot)and 1 Kobuk (boot) the Kobuks almost look like they have been dipped in Aqua Seal.

I would also recomend the 5mm brown waders from Cabelas, they tend to run from $55.00-100.00 dollars.

I buy a pair of waders just about every year. Got a pair at GI joes for about $30.00 . So for your $60.00 get two.

If you wear those neo-prene chest waders all day, you end up smelling like farts.

Cabela's WAIST HIGH neoprene waders are great. Most people never wade above their "package" and the waist high ones make it easy to drive a car from spot to spot without taking your waders off. They also are not too hot on nice fall days.

i go with the hodgeman's 5mm chest waders, agree the felt soles are the way to go. you can get them in tacoma at gart or wherever, once or twice a year about 39.95, otherwise about 75.00
i have bought a new pair on sale each of the last 2 years just to put a set on the shelf, i am like coho, have a green set that looks like an aqua seal ad.

Hey fishguts-
Don't fart in your waders and you won't smell like farts. :-)

Tim