Back in the days when our grandfathers were fishing the variety of materials we have to choose from today did not exist.  Rubber or coated canvas were the choices.  These materials

Neoprene waders are available in various thicknesses from 1.5 or 2mm right up to 5mm.  The thicker the neoprene the greater it’s insulating properties will be.  The drawback to this material is that it is not breathable.  Gore-tex and some of the other materials available offer more in terms of breathability but generally less in the way of insulation.

The other thing to consider when purchasing a pair of waders is whether you will want boot-foot or stocking foot with separate wading boots.  Once again, this decision should be based on where you intend to do most of your fishing.

If you are primarily a trout guy who will spend most of your time wading streams, rivers and other sweetwater and plan to do most of your fishing during the warmer months a pair of breathable stocking-foot waders would probably be the right choice for you.  You will able to purchase wading boots with either felt or rubber soles to fit a range of bottom conditions, from slippery rocks to sand.

If you will be spending more of your time plying the salt, then boot-foot waders will be a much smarter choice for you.  With stocking-foot waders your boots will fill with sand after only short periods of time wading in the surf.

The choice between neoprene and breathable for the salt is a tough call.  There’s nothing like a pair of 5mm neoprene’s if you’re fishing the wind blown shoreline during the fringe seasons, but come the warmer months these same waders will become hot and uncomfortable.

With breathable waders you do have the ability to adjust what you wear under them according to conditions but I have found that on those really cold and windy early spring or late fall days neoprene is what you are going to want.

Unfortunately, for those of us who fish for a variety of species under many different conditions there is often not one clear choice in waders to cover you all the way around, and most likely you will eventually wind up owning more than one pair.

The best advice regardless of what material and style you decide on is to buy the best quality you possibly can.  With waders, as with most things, you get what you pay for and a good quality pair will provide you with many enjoyable seasons.  Happy Fishing!

Author: Scott Peters is an outdoor enthusiast and sportsman.  Please see Nikon Monarch Scopes for details on some of his favorite hunting equipment.
stocking foot, Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com