When it comes to duck hunting, you can often distinguish the men from the boys before even setting foot in the field. How? By the quality of gear they have–especially their duck hunting waders.
Let’s start with what are hunting waders?
Duck hunting waders are waterproof pants or overalls that are worn by duck hunters to keep them dry while hunting in wet or marshy areas. They are typically made of rubber or neoprene and extend from the foot to the chest or waist, providing full coverage of the legs and lower body. Some waders also have built-in boots or shoe attachments to keep the feet dry. They are an important gear for duck hunting as it allows the hunter to move around in the water without getting wet and cold.
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a pair of waders, in particular:
Toughness
The best Waterfowl waders will stand up to adverse conditions season after season, especially in chilly waters. Duck hunting waders need to be tough because they are often worn in rough and wet conditions such as swamps, marshes, and shallow ponds. They need to be able to withstand the wear and tear of walking through muddy and rocky terrain, and they also need to be able to keep the wearer dry in the event of splashes or submersion in water. Additionally, they need to be durable enough to resist punctures or tears caused by sharp objects such as sticks or rocks.
The best waders usually have reinforced knees and outer layers with anti-puncture technology.
Attached Boots
Attached boots can be useful for duck hunting waders as they provide added stability and protection in wet and muddy conditions. They also prevent water from entering the waders through the top. However, it ultimately depends on your personal preference and the type of hunting you will be doing. If you will be wading through deep water, attached boots may be a better option. If you will be primarily hunting on dry land, detached boots may be more comfortable.
Some waders come in stocking-feet variety, meaning that you buy the boots separately. You’ll definitely want a pair with the boots attached to the rest of the suit, as this seals off any possibility of water entering.
You may want to think of investing in insulated boots since it can get pretty cold in the marshes and the swamps in autumn and winter.
Pattern
It makes the most sense to buy a pair of waders with a camouflage pattern.
Hunting waders with a camouflage pattern can help to conceal the wearer from the target animal. Camo patterns are designed to blend in with the surrounding environment, making it more difficult for animals to spot the hunter. This can help to increase the chances of a successful hunt. Camo patterns can also make a hunter feel more confident and relaxed, which can help to improve their focus and accuracy.
Additionally, some hunting waders can come with specific patterns such as Marsh, Timber, or Grassland, that are tailored to match the specific environment in which the hunter will be hunting. This can help to increase the chances of a successful hunt as the pattern on the waders will blend in with the environment, making the hunter less visible to the animals.
Even though you’ll be spending a lot of time up to your stomach in water, you don’t want to handicap your hunt by standing out too much when you do venture out into the field.
Here are five types of duck hunting waders that fit the standards we’ve laid out above:
1. Allen Company Jersey Mossy Oak duck hunting waders
- Quality tested and ensured for maximum durability
- Designed with only the toughest, roughest users in mind
- Comfort and performance come hand in hand with Allen Co
- Nylon knit jersey laminated to 3.5 mil neoprene
- Adjustable web suspenders with D-ring front and back, web wasit belt
Nevertheless, over the long term, a few users have expressed questions about the Break-Ups’ durability, and the fit can be a bit tricky, especially if your feet are disproportionately sized compared with the rest of your body.
That said, most hunters have had positive experiences in these waders, and they’re worth a shot if you want a cheap pair.
2. Allen Company Shadowgrass Blades Waders
- WATERPROOF – 3.5mm premium neoprene construction is triple stitched seams and glued and taped for dependable protection
- BOOTS – 600-gram Thinsulate boots with wool felt midsole and a cleated outsole
- HIGH BACK – Designed for deep water wading, keeps user warm and dry. Adjustable suspenders with low-profile locking buckles allow for a customized fit
- POCKETS – Zippered flit-out security pocket and quick-drain chest hand warmer pockets and Dual D-ring attachments
- CAMO PATTERNS – Available in a wide range of camouflage patterns to best matching your hunting environment
In terms of durability and quality, it’s much the same story as the Break-Ups – great for the price for a while, but long term you may run into the issues. Some reviewers have also called the chest too tight, highlighting that this product is intended for a long, lanky hunter.
However, if you’re looking for a cheap pair, once again, Allen comes through in the clutch. If you’re on the shorter and stouter side, you may want to look elsewhere.
If you’re deciding between the Break-Ups and the Shadowgrass Blades, think about whether or not you want the additional insulation and which camouflage pattern you prefer.
3. Frogg Toggs Amphib Camo Bootfoot Wader
- WATERPROOF – 3.5mm premium neoprene construction is triple stitched seams and glued and taped for dependable protection
- BOOTS – 600-gram Thinsulate boots with wool felt midsole and a cleated outsole
- HIGH BACK – Designed for deep water wading, keeps user warm and dry. Adjustable suspenders with low-profile locking buckles allow for a customized fit
- POCKETS – Zippered flit-out security pocket and quick-drain chest hand warmer pockets and Dual D-ring attachments
- CAMO PATTERNS – Available in a wide range of camouflage patterns to best matching your hunting environment
The Frogg Toggs Amphibs suffer from only a few chinks in the armor – the boots tend to run a bit big, and it’s tough to carry a shell holder on the Velcro straps.
Otherwise, the Amphibs are reasonably priced, durable, and good-looking.
4. Frogg Toggs Bull Cleated Bootfoot Wader
- 1200-Gram thinsulate insulated boots with cleated outsole and 8mm wool felt midsole
- Adjustable double-locking neoprene and web suspenders that lock securely with quick-release buckles, and feature h-back inner sharkskin construction
- Dual-entry chest pockets offer a fleece-lined hand-warmer pocket, top entry storage pocket and 10-count shell holder
- Reinforced, embossed knee pads offer over-sized knee protection
- Polyurethane-coated leggings give extra protection above the boot line
If it’s really important to keep your shells at hand, the Frogg Toggs Bull offer a certain convenience; however, be warned that the boots aren’t the greatest, and there’s next to no insulation.
The Frogg Toggs Bull are definitely a warm climate set of waders, so bear that in mind when making your purchases.
5. LaCrosse Swamp Tuff Pro 1000g Insulated Waders
The Swamp Tuff Pros feature a few innovations that are sure to make your experience in the marsh all the better.
LaCrosse’s Armor Weld seam sealing process ensures that no water will seep through the games in these waders, and the Brush-Tuff facing deals comfortably with abrasions.
A detachable shell pocket on the belt allows for easy access to your ammo and can hold an entire box of shotgun shells, and the whole thing is lined with 1000g of Thinsulate, ensuring warmth throughout your hunt.
The boots boast great traction in all seasons, and the contoured ankle provides a great fit for everyone.
As we mentioned, the only drawback here is the price. However, if you can afford to splurge, these waders will last forever and outperform pretty much any other pair.
Conclusion
Though there are a lot of great duck hunting waders out there, we recommend the Lacrosse Swamp Tuff Pros. They’re a step up in terms of quality, provide great insulation, and you’ll have them forever.
Trust me, when you’re chest deep in the marsh in the middle of November, you’ll be thankful for that Thinsulate and Armor Weld seam sealing system.
