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Breathable Stocking Foot Wader Accessories
If you have read my page on the benefits of breathable waders you will most likely be thinking about purchasing a pair.
Waders are important, and accessories are available that make wearing them more comfortable.
There are a few things that I would say are essential and others that just add to the experience.
We will discuss breathable stocking foot wader accessories and you can decide if you need them or not.
Wading boot are required for stocking foot breathable waders and come in various forms.
The main type difference is the sole.
Over the years different sole materials have been used to help the fly fishing angler keep grip on the wet mossy rocks on a river bed which can be ridiculously slippery.
One of the earlier types was felt sole which worked very well but had the tendency to become detached from the boots after several months of wear.
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Felt soles now banned, well almost!
However, these are now being banned from most rivers as there is a concern that the felt harbors bacteria like Didymosphenia Geminata which can be carried from one river to the next and causes cross-contamination.
Felt waders can still be used if they are cleaned properly between uses or better still only used on one waterway and negate the possibility of cross-contamination.
Some of these also came with steel studs, helping a great deal when wading over slippery rocks.
They also helped on the grassy banksides which when wet are very slippery when only using smooth felt soles.
Now there are newer soles on the market with Vibram and Rubber grip now becoming more popular.
Simms have now created the StreamTread™ and Guideline the Traction system which shows the manufacturers’ movement into developing better and better boots for the wading environment.
A good pair of comfortable boots will aid your enjoyment when wading.
- FELT or CLEATED – available with felt or cleated soles to match your fishing environment and provide traction on wet rocks, gravel, mud and debris
- WATER DRAINING – durable, lightweight mesh and PVC upper with enhanced toe and heel caps provide protection and comfort for a full day of fishing
- COMFORT – polyurethane midsole provides cushioned comfort, wide wading last adds support and stability, padded ankle collar for a comfortable fit, speed laces for fast and secure fit feature locking lace clip
- DESIGNED FOR YOU, CREATED FOR THE OUTDOORS - our focus is on providing better performance, technology, features and affordability for our customers
- SINCE 1996 - frogg toggs has endeavored to provide the world’s best rainwear, waders, cooling products, footwear and accessories at the best possible prices
The boot needs to be thick enough to kick off river bed rocks without getting your feet hurt and supple enough to walk easily when on the banking moving up or downstream between pools.
Also, make sure they have drainage holes as a boot full of water is very heavy when walking out of the river or lake.
Can a wading belt can save your life?
A wading belt is always a good idea.
There are several options available like the slim belt very similar to the straps that hold up the waders.
- Sturdy, 2"/50mm wide web belt that stops you from getting into real trouble, real fast. Heavy gauge strap is perfect for hanging gear off of too
- High quality, rugged nylon buckle that won't go soft out on the flats, crack in winter or pop open when you don't want it to
- Pairs perfectly with optional Smith Creek Net Holster and Net Leash
- Made from UV resistant materials that will last for years
- Don't ever fish in waders without wearing a wading belt, and never ever let your family or friends do it either
These belts are light and when secured reasonably tight will help keep the water out of your waders if you accidentally go for a dip in the water.
This can mean the difference between filling up with cold water and the possibility of being dragged down and being able to scramble to the safety of the banking or nearby boat.
Other types of wading belt install a support mechanism to help those with weak or problematic backs.
Standing about for many hours on a river wading over rocky beds and casting flies is strenuous and will give your back a workout.
The use of a supporting back belt like the Simms will help keep you fishing longer and more comfortably.
I use both, if only out for a couple of hours I use the lighter belt and if going for a long day on a Salmon river I will go for the more supportive option as I do suffer some back discomfort when fishing for a long time.
Wading staff help or hindrance?
Wading staff are either a help or a hindrance in my opinion.
It really depends on the river conditions, if low and the river bed is sandy then there is no need for one as it will get in the way of catching your line and causing more problems than helping.
However, if the river is rocky the water is high and you are not that steady on your feet then the use of a wading staff is recommended.
With it, you can feel the river bed and see the differences in the water height as you work your way downstream.
Working a wading staff correctly is all important as it can get in your way and trip you up or snag the trailing line.
Make sure to get one that has a weighted end to keep it submerged in heavy flows and has a rubber bottom as a metal bottom will make too much noise in the river or adjust it accordingly.
What to wear while wading?
Another thing to consider is clothing, if you wear bulky heavy jeans, for example, you are not benefiting from the breathability of the waders and the bulkiness means they bunch up on your legs and can become uncomfortable.
Ideally, you want to wear a base layer under them in summer and add a mid and or heavy layer in winter or colder days.
Most wader suppliers now have clothing designed for wearing under them.
These are not bulky and the seams are smooth so not to catch you when wading when the water pressure pushes against you.
These also allow the breathability of the waders to work better and take body moisture away from you to keep you dry and comfortable.
The addition of a fleece or thermal mid to heavy layers allow you to wade in zero temperatures without the need to keep coming out and in to warm up again.
This also means you don’t need two or three pairs of waders for summer, autumn and winter one pair will do with the correct layering system.
So there you have the main breathable stocking foot wader accessories.
It may seem a lot for a newbie starting out to purchase but once you do and you look after them you can get several seasons of steady fishing without a problem.
Please feel free to leave a comment below if you have anything to add or question about this article.
I will do my best to get back to you in a timely manner.
Tight lines!
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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About Author
I’m not a fly-fisherman…but I always had one concern about wearing hip waders and that is falling on some rocks, falling and going straight to the bottom as my waders filled up…..emmmm this wading belt is a great idea….now the wading staff….another good idea but it does sound like it could be a hindrance…..well I guess nothing like experience….good post….
There is a concern from fishermen that waders which are big and bulky will make you sink in water. This is not the case. The water actually makes them lighter due to buoyancy and you can move reasonably well i.e. swim etc to get to the bank side or boat.
If in a fast flowing river there is more concern from hitting your head on rocks than getting sunk in a pool. That is why it is suggested you assume the crucifix pose and turn yourself to go down stream feet first. Than as you progress you can slowly aim towards the side paddling with your hands.
When you make it be careful not to try and stand up as the extra water in the waders will make an already tired person fall and can result in more injury. Instead crawl out on your hands and knees then lift one leg at a time to let the water out from the top of the wader before attempting to get up and move to a safer area.
As for the staff I would highly recommend one in fast flowing water especially if new to the beat. If you are cautious and progress slowly then the staff will be more helpful as you feel our way along. i.e. stepping over a large rock not knowing how deep the water is on the other side is nerve jangling. However a quick poke with the staff will let you know exactly if is safe or not. I have went over the top of my chest waders all to often due to slipping and exuberant movement down a river. Not a pleasant thing to happen especially when you are out for the day. 🙂
Well thanks for the run down Mark…nothing like experience….think I will say in the boat….:)