Breathable Waders vs Neoprene

Last winter i made the switch from neoprene waders to breathable. It was so nice to have to have all the mobility with the breathable waders. But I am finding out that the extra mobility comes with a price tag. My waders tend to leak. After an day of fishing this weekend on the sandy river all i brought back with me was about a gallon of river water. Does anybody know if there is a easy way to fix or treat these so the don't leak?

If its been under a year, it may still be under warranty from the manufacturer. My breathable waders have a 4 year warranty.

Here's a fix Lindstrom....
Quit snagging yourself in the rear end!

slammer you should have came up with a name that isnt already being used...lol just thought id be a smart a$$...

i bet i know your problem, i bought a set of breathable waders last year and had the same problem. they leaked, so i returned them, the 2nd pair leaked. i switched brands and they leaked too. i finally discovered what i was doing wrong. i never really worried about drying out my neoprene waders, afterall they were keeping me dry, but breathable waders must be completely air dried after every use or they will eventually leak. make sure you turn them inside out and dry the inside as well. and be certain, for sure, that you fight the temptation to use a sealer like camp dry, or scotch guard on them. that will make them unable to breath and you will sweat like a sauna!!!

Joe275
Thanks for that tip. There have been times when they haven't completely dried out. That may be part of the problem. Do you know of a good way to detect the leaks. I know the general area of where they are but i can't see it on the waders.

Fromcuttroattosteelies
Hey I appriciate the advise.

turn em inside out and fill them with water. i got a cheap pair of hodgeman breathables and they have never leaked. allways turn them inside out after each use.

First question is what brand are they? On most breatable waders you can find pinhole leaks by turning them inside out and lay them on a flat surface. Next fill a misting spayer ( the kind you can get to put window cleaner into, not a used one.) with rubbing alchohol. spray the waders down where you think the leak is coming from. Any small pinholes will show up as little dark spots. If there are only a few you can put a small dab of aquaseal on it and rub it in. If you see allot of holes try to get them replaced. For winter comfort get a good pair of wicking micro fleece like Lampsons wader wear or simms micro fleece. If you still feel you might suffer from the cold over the micro fleece put on a heavy weight fleece. Try not to wear a pair of jeans under oyur waders you will be a whole lot more comfortable.

Any one seen that darn roadrunner go by?

W. Coyote

The waders are i think from Hodgeman. They were not the top of the line brand but they weren't at the bottom either. I sprayed them down with rubbing alchohol last night like you suggested and I identified the leaks. There was actually really only one that was bad. I am ready to go fishing this weekend and stay dry.


SteelieSlammer

good luck dude! Unfortunatly none of the hodgman waders have been any good. Look at one of the recent threads on waders and see some of the recomendations. Unfortunatly with breatable waders there are only the good, bad and the smelly!