Chest Waders
Is it really necassery to spend $300 on chest waders ?
No!
But that’s not a bad amount to spend on a set if you’ve got the scratch. A rep from Simm told me this past spring that if you fish often (once a week or so), you can expect to get about one year per $100 you spend on waders. If you fish less or you don’t fish all year round, you can squeeze some more time out of them. If you fish more, well, pony up.
It’s been interesting to watch the wader market morph and grow in the past few years. It used to be that Simm and Orvis took care of the high-dollar clients, with wader price tags of $250 and on up to $800. Other brands like Hodgman serviced the entry level angler with no-frills neoprene sets and boot waders for as little as $80. Then Hodgman and other formerly low-budget companies like Coleman decided they could grab a chunk of the breathable wader market and started releasing some pretty decent waders. Other companies stepped up, too, like Caddis and Dan Bailey. When that happened it was suddenly possible to get what seemed like top-shelf waders in the $100 – $200 price range.
Then at some point Simm realized there was nothing stopping them from making waders at that low-dollar prince point, and there is now a $100 pair of Simm waders called the Blackfoot. I don’t know how long they’ve been making this model, but I only noticed it last year.
I still feel like the Simm G3 wader is as good as it gets. Yes, they cost $300 and with a pair of Simm boots AND sales tax the tab comes to more like $450. But they are excellent waders and every new feature that you see in Simm waders will be in the cheaper waders within a year or so. They just have it figured out. However, I also have a set of Dan Baily’s that cost me $129 and they lasted for two solid seasons before developing some minor seepage. They were good, lightweight, very cool waders and they never let me down.
So, final answer — no, it’s not necessary to spend that much on chest waders. But my philosophy is that you will spend a certain amount of money on waders during a given time period. You can buy a high-dollar set of waders that will last you for five years, or you can buy two cheaper sets that might last you two years apiece. Don’t look at waders as an investment in your fishing outfit like a rod is. You buy a rod with a replacement plan and it will last indefinitely. You will pass it down to your son and his son’s sons. Waders are an expense, like fly line. ALL waders wear out and start leaking and will eventually be replaced, so you can pay big money up front on snazzy brand names, or spread out the expense over time by purchasing more sets of modestly priced waders.
Chest wader swim testing
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Orvis Light Weight Chest Waders $75.00 |
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Hodgman 2 Ply Chest Bootfoot Waders Cleated Soles – Size 9 $30.00 |
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Hodgman Caster 2 ply Rubber Cotton Upper Chest Waders – Cleated Soles – Size 7 $18.00 |
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HODGMAN RUBBER CHEST WADERS CLEATED SOLE $69.95 |
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AVID Neoprene Chest Waders Size Medium for Fly Fishing? $25.95 |
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New Pro Line PVC Chest Waders Men’s Size 10 $32.00 |
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2 PAIRS OF CHEST HIGH POCKET FISHING WADERS 1 LG.1 MED. $9.99 |
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Hodgman 2 Ply Chest Bootfoot Waders Cleated Soles – Size 9 $49.99 |
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$429 NEW LL BEAN Helix Chest Waders Lumbar Belt Stockingfoot 4 Layer M TALL $269.95 |
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Hodgman Caster Neoprene Chest Waders size Medium 8 Foot Worn Once $49.99 |
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PRO LINE PROLINERS 3 PLY STRETCH CHEST WADERS MENS SIZE 13 $19.99 |
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CABELAS Extra Large Tall Stocking Foot Chest Waders Size XLT $39.95 |
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NEW LACROSSE BOOTS CAMO CHEST WADERS SIZE 8M STEEL SHANK Item #1172 $16.10 |
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CADDIS PROMOTIONAL Breathable Bootfoot Chest Waders $152.95 |
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CADDIS PROMOTIONAL Breathable Bootfoot Chest Waders $152.95 |
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CADDIS PROMOTIONAL Breathable Bootfoot Chest Waders $152.95 |
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CADDIS PROMOTIONAL Breathable Bootfoot Chest Waders $152.95 |
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CADDIS PROMOTIONAL Breathable Bootfoot Chest Waders $152.95 |
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CADDIS PROMOTIONAL Breathable Bootfoot Chest Waders $152.95 |
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CADDIS PROMOTIONAL Breathable Bootfoot Chest Waders $152.95 |
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2 PAIRS OF CHEST HIGH POCKET FISHING WADERS SIZE LARGE $9.99 |
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PRO LINE BOOTFOOT CHEST WADERS DARK BROWN SIZE 10 $80.00 |
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ACADEMY BROADWY 713129 SIZE 12 RUBBER CHEST HIGH WADERS $89.99 |
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ACADEMY BROADWY 713119 SIZE 11 RUBBER CHEST HIGH WADERS $89.99 |
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ACADEMY BROADWY 713109 SIZE 10 RUBBER CHEST HIGH WADERS $89.99 |
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ACADEMY BROADWAY 713099 SIZE 9 RUBBER CHEST HIGH WADERS $89.99 |
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ACADEMY BROADWAY 713089 SIZE 8 RUBBER CHEST HIGH WADERS $89.99 |
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Remington Neoprene Stocking Foor Chest Waders size S nice condition. $30.00 |
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LA CROSSE MENS SIZE 9 CHEST WADERS $19.99 |
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HODGMAN LAKESTREAM NEOPRENE CHEST WADERS $69.95 |
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MENS WATERPROOF CHEST WADERS with INSULATED BOOTS ATTACHED SIZE 7 NEW! $39.95 |
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Men’s Columbia Decoy 3.5MM Chest Waders Size 9 $60.00 |
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Men’s Columbia 5MM Chest Waders Size 11 $75.00 |
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Sports Equipment Fishing Hodgman Wadelite Breathable Bootfoot Chest Waders NIB! $49.00 |
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Hodgman 2 Ply Chest Bootfoot Waders Cleated Soles – Size 12 $30.00 |
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Hodgman Mens Colorado Stockingfoot Chest Waders – SZ Small $28.00 |
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Rocky Chest waders $39.99 |
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“LOOK” LACROSSE 175200 1000G MALLARD CHEST WADERS ADVANTAGE MAX-4 HD SIZE 12 $76.01 |
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Hodgman Womens Wadelite Breathable Stockinfoot Chest Waders – SZ X Small W411GRN $59.95 |
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Hodgman Womens Lakestream Lite Stockingfoot Breathable Chest Waders – Sz XL $59.95 |
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Brand New BONE DRY CHEST WADERS SIZE 5 SHOE SIZE MEN’S 6 $30.00 |
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Chest Waders, LLBean, Women’s boot size 8, insulated, more sizes & styles avail $25.00 |
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REMINGTON NEOPRENE STOCKING FOOT CHEST WADERS MEDIUM NIB 16011N $31.99 |
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CADDIS BREATHABLE YOUTH CHEST WADERS~NIB~100% Waterproof~S, M, L, XL $75.00 |
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CADDIS BREATHABLE YOUTH CHEST WADERS~NIB~100% Waterproof~S, M, L, XL $75.00 |
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CADDIS BREATHABLE YOUTH CHEST WADERS~NIB~100% Waterproof~S, M, L, XL $75.00 |
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CADDIS BREATHABLE YOUTH CHEST WADERS~NIB~100% Waterproof~S, M, L, XL $75.00 |
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REDINGTON SONIC PRO ZIP FRONT FISHING WADERS MEDIUM FREE $69 FISHPOND CHEST PACK $379.00 |
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REDINGTON SONIC PRO ZIP FRONT FISHING WADERS LARGE FREE $69 FISHPOND CHEST PACK $379.00 |
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REDINGTON SONIC PRO ZIP FRONT FISHING WADERS XL FREE $69 FISHPOND CHEST PACK $379.00 |
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REDINGTON SONIC PRO CHEST HIGH FISHING WADERS SMALL FREE $23 TIPPET SPOOL – NEW $249.95 |
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REDINGTON SONIC PRO CHEST HIGH FISHING WADERS SZ. LARGE FREE $23 TIPPET SPOOL $249.95 |
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REDINGTON SONIC PRO CHEST HIGH FISHING WADERS LARGE KING FREE $23 TIPPET SPOOL $249.95 |
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NEW Caddis Deluxe Breathable Chest Waders-Men’s – Taupe $97.69 |
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Onguard 86067 Chest Waders Size 7 $64.00 |
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MONTGOMERY WARD CHEST WADERS FISHING FISH SIZE 7 $17.99 |
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2 PAIRS OF CHEST HIGH POCKET FISHING WADERS SIZE MED. $9.99 |
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mens sz 7 chest waders look really good condition $24.99 |
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Chest Waders – Shoe Size 11.5 $29.93 |
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Chest Waders, LLBean, Women’s boot size 10, insulated, more sizes & styles avail $25.00 |
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Sz 7 Northern Territory Insulated Rubber Chest Waders $59.99 |
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DAN BAILEY LIGHTWEIGHT BREATHABLE CHEST WADERS SMALL $224.95 |
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Red Ball Stocking Foot Chest Waders w/Suspenders Size XL $24.99 |
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Redington Sonic Pro Chest Waders Medium $269.90 |
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Redington Sonic Pro Chest Waders Medium Long $269.90 |
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Redington Sonic Pro Chest Waders Large $269.90 |
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Redington Sonic Pro Chest Waders Large Long $269.90 |
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Redington Sonic Pro Chest Waders X-Large $269.90 |
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VINTAGE UNIROYAL HEAVY RUBBER CHEST WADERS SUIT USA MADE $99.99 |
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Chest Waders size 10 Ranger New in box $10.00 |
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RED BALL chest waders in size 10 with boot $15.00 |
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Rocky Boot Thinsulate Ultra Fishing Chest Waders Men’s Size 8 $49.95 |
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SNOWBEE S11168-05 XS Breathable Chest Waders Sz7 Stout $49.99 |
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Hodgeman Chest Waders $75.00 |
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FISHING CHEST WADERS RED HEAD BONE DRY SZ 9 USED $9.98 |
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New Men’s LaCrosse Duralite Brown Chest Waders Size 11 $99.95 |
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Cabela’s Neoprene Stocking Foot Chest Waders Fishing Hunting Mens XLT $39.00 |
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REDINGTON SONIC PRO CHEST HIGH FISHING WADERS MEDIUM FREE $23 TIPPET SPOOL – NEW $249.95 |
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REDINGTON SONIC PRO ZIP FRONT FISHING WADERS SMALL FREE $69 FISHPOND CHEST PACK $379.00 |
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Bushline Outdoors Chest Waders $97.50 |
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MENS FISHING CHEST HIGH WADERS BLACK IN VERY GOOD CONDITION SIZE 7 EST1 $29.98 |
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HODGMAN NEOPRENE STOCKINGFOOT CHEST WADERS $45.00 |
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HODGMAN NEOPRENE STOCKINGFOOT CHEST WADERS $45.00 |
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HODGMAN NEOPRENE STOCKINGFOOT CHEST WADERS $45.00 |
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Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Chest Waders Size Medium $449.95 |
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Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Chest Waders Size Large 9-11 $449.95 |
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Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Chest Waders Size Large 12-13 $449.95 |
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Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Chest Waders Size XL $449.95 |
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Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Chest Waders Size XXL $449.95 |
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Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Chest Waders Size Large King Stout $449.95 |
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DAN BAILEY KID’S LIGHTWEIGHT CHEST WADERS LARGE $149.95 |
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KOBUk Neoprene Chest Waders, Socking Foot, size Lg $25.00 |
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Hardwear Fishing Chest Waders Made By Airflo – All Sizes $71.10 |
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Hardwear Fishing Chest Waders Made By Airflo – All Sizes $71.10 |
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Hardwear Fishing Chest Waders Made By Airflo – All Sizes $71.10 |
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Hardwear Fishing Chest Waders Made By Airflo – All Sizes $71.10 |
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Cabelas 5mm Neoprene Stocking Foot Chest Waders Size Mens Medium Regular $25.00 |
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Cabelas 5mm Neoprene Stocking Foot Chest Waders Size Mens Medium Regular $20.00 |
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Wenzel Chest Waders Size 10, Green 713-Chest Waders-Size $53.10 |
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Hodgman Lakestream Neoprene Chest Waders 1000Gram Insulated Boot Waders $99.99 |
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Bare Men’s Fishing Wader BARE 3mm Neoprene Fishing wader… |
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Deluxe Elastic Chest Wader Suspenders $7.99 … |
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Glacier Outdoor Flyfishing Backpack/Chest Pack Combo $117.46 The new combo Chest Pack/Backpack will hold everything for today’s angler. The handy chest pack can be unclipped and used separately. This specially designed chest pack can be worn and clipped into any PFD, wader, or backpack. Simply clip it around a strap and you are ready for a full day of angling with all necessary items at your fingertips. Lightweight and functional. The backpack comes with ro… |
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Hasbro Star Wars Darth Vader Voice Changer $34.99 Phrases include:… |
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Toggs Cascades 2-ply 300 Denier Poly/Rubber Boot Foot Hip Waders – Forest Green 11 Cleated Sole $40.09 The Toggs(r) Cascades boot foot hip waders are crafted with an ultra-tough, 2-ply, rubberized 330-denier polyester upper and vulcanized rubber boots. They feature 1-piece felt soles with onyx felt for a sure grip…. |
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Fox Outdoor Advanced Tatical Wallet Black $8.14 For anybody, these Tactical Wallets work great to keep all that hard earned money in…. |
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PEET Dryer Wader M97-WM 2 Boot Wader Electric Dryer With 12-inch Extensions $38.59 The M97-WMB Wader PEET Dryer is a clever, easy-to-use device that’s designed to remove moisture, odor, mildew, and bacteria from hip boots and chest waders. Extensions allow for effective air circulation to dry and warm long boots without damaging fabrics. What’s more, the Wader PEET is safe enough to leave plugged in overnight, so you can wake up to warm and dry footwear. The M97-WMB WaderPEET Dr… |
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2 – ply Chest Waders with Rubber Boot Foot Green $60.00 2 – ply Chest Waders with Rubber Boot Foot, SAVE BIG! A terrific buy on warming, waterproof Chest Waders to get you out there way past knee-deep in it! “It” being fishing or fowling sports and water chores. These were made for a famous outdoor retail chain but were rated “factory blems” for cosmetic reasons. This in no way affects the waterproof construction of the wader, but it means big SAVINGS … |
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Men’s LaCrosse® Brush – Tuff Extreme ATS Max – 4 HD® 1600 – gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation Chest Waders $275.00 LaCrosse Brush – Tuff Extreme ATS Max – 4 HD 1,600 – gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation Chest Waders. Warmth guaranteed! Heavyweight gamestalkers! Warm and tough, in proven Max-4 HD camo for effective concealment. Made from 5 mm fleece-lined neoprene, reinforced at every seam for surefire waterproof protection… you go into the muck dry, you come out dry. Built with LaCrosse’s same commitment to qu… |
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LaCrosse Men’s Coil Scent HD 18 Waterproof Boots,Realtree® APG,11 W US $149.95 APG-HD 18in WIDE… |
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Winchester Men’s Neoprene Chest Wader $166.95 The Neoprene Chest Wader from Winchester features a 5mm neoprene upper laminated to SpanTough Advantage Max-4 camo nylon. Spotlighting a waterproof design,this chest wader spotlights a molded outsole for better traction. |
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Hodgeman Caster Neoprene Chest Wader $54.99 The Caster Neoprene Chest Wader from Hodgeman spotlights a neoprene shell with 5mm durable reinforced knee patches. This pair of waders also features Y-style suspenders with quick release buckles. |
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Hodgeman Lakestream (Stockingfoot) Chest Wader $89.99 The Lakestream Chest Wader from Hodgeman spotlights a D-ring suspensions system. This pair of waders also features an H-strap at back of suspender for comfort, and side release buckles for easy on and off suspenders. |
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Hodgeman Caster Rubber Chest Wader $89.99 The Caster Rubber Chest Wader from Hodgeman spotlights sponge cushion insoles, and steel shank support. This pair of waders also features an adjustable inside harness with inside storage pocket and an outside drawstring closure. |
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Hodgeman Hickory Swale Zip Chest Wader $166.99 The Hickory Swale Zip Chest Wader from Hodgeman spotlights side release buckles for easy on and off suspenders. This pair of waders also features rod holders at lower left leg and upper chest, and reinforced lower legs and articulate knees. |
