
The Best Breathable Waders in 2022
When you are going fishing, especially in cold water and in cold places, a pair of waders is a piece of equipment every fisherman needs. Waders not only keep you dry and warm, which is the key to spending a full day on the water, they also allow you to access and fish the water more effectively. If you see a nice fish on the other side of the river and can’t cast to it from the bank, a pair of waders will get you in the right position.
At A Glance: Top 3 Breathable Waders
- Simms Tributary Stocking Foot WadersBest Overall
- Hisea Neoprene Chest Waders with Boots Warmest Option
- Tung Hsing Lon Fishing Chest Waders with Boots On A Budget
Wet-wading, that is wading without waders, is also not good for your skin. Your feet can get damaged from being wet all day and you will get cold very quickly which will cut your day short. Bearing all this in mind, you will want the protection waders can give you, so you can stay sheltered from the elements and enjoy your day of fishing. Here is our list of the best breathable waders out there at the moment.
OUR TOP PICKS
![]() | Caddis Stocking Foot Waders
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No products found. | KOMEX Chest Waders with Boots
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![]() | Camo Chest Waders with Boots
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![]() | Best Overall Simms Tributary Stocking Foot Waders
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![]() | Frogg Toggs Canyon II Breathable Stockingfoot Chest Wader
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![]() | Warmest Option Hisea Neoprene Chest Waders with Boots
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![]() | On A Budget Tung Hsing Lon Fishing Chest Waders with Boots
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![]() | Compass 360 Deadfall Breathable STFT Chest Wader
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![]() | Fans Fishing Chest Waders
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![]() | Redington Palix River Waders
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Top Breathable Waders in 2022
Caddis Stocking Foot Waders
These waders are made from high-quality lightweight polyester. This gives you a lot of movement making them very comfortable when hiking around a river. The material keeps you warm and dry and they are built for durability. Of course, it always pays to layer, depending on the weather. So, I always wear a merino inner, and then a warm fleece over top of that.
These are made with double knee’s, all the seams are double-stitched and glued. The neoprene socks, which is the place that gets most of the wear and tear, as well as the knees, are double taped glued and stitched to make sure they last.
The material used has a breathable technology included, allowing your perspiration out while not letting any water in, meaning you won’t get damp and sweaty on those long walks upriver.
They do not come with boots, be aware of this if you are on a budget. This does have its advantages though. The waders will pack up very small, excellent for any traveling you plan to do and the boots that you would buy with them are far better for hiking than the inbuilt boots other waders come with.
They have a pocket at the front for your tackle and a hand-warming pocket to keep your fingers toasty.
The material used is a little lightweight and if you are a guide or fish a lot, this may not last and begin to leak. If you fish fifty or so days a year, these waders will suit you perfectly.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Handwarmer pocket
- Fold up very small for portability
Cons
- Can leak after a lot of use, especially if you hike a lot
- Hard to get your size right, double-check before ordering
KOMEX Chest Waders with Boots
These waders are great value. They are built to be durable and portable whilst including boots. Most waders that include boots are bulky and hard to transport but these have got passed that by using much lighter materials.
They are lightweight, comfortable and keep you warm and dry whilst still being breathable. They are double stitched and glued to ensure the seams don’t part and cause leaks. That being said, they can leak where the boots meet the waders, this is a common area for leaks to occur but they are few and far between.
The pocket on the front is very useful for quick access to tackle you may need, although they have put the wading belt over the pocket, meaning it is a pain to get in and out of there in a hurry.
The boots are made with anti-slip bottoms to keep you steady. If you walk a lot while you fish, these inbuilt boots may become a bit uncomfortable and clunky and I would suggest sticking to stocking foot waders and separate boots. The boots will also squeeze your feet due to the water pressure, this will make it uncomfortable when you are in the water for long periods of time.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Comfortable
- Grippy boots
- Thick material
Cons
- Can leak where the boots meet the waders, this is rare
- Water pressure will squeeze your feet in the boots
- Pocket is under the wading belt, making access difficult
Camo Chest Waders with Boots
These waders are very basic and are not made to be the best and that is reflected in their pricing. They are made to be lightweight, durable and to keep you dry and they do this very well.
These do not come with a lining, meaning you will get cold inside them and will want to layer up if you plan on using them in cold places, but they would be perfect when you are wading in hot places.
They are very comfortable to wear and are made with breathability in mind. That being said, they can get very sweaty, so we lose a bit of breathability for budget here.
Boots are included, again great if you are not walking too much or spending short amounts of time in the water. A long time in the water will cause them to squeeze your foot due to the water pressure.
They do come with a pocket which is always useful but there is nothing to close the pocket with, no zip, no velcro, nothing. You may end up with things falling in the river because of this.
Pros
- Good Value
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Good for warm weather wading, you won't overheat
- Lightweight material
Cons
- Nothing to keep the pocket closed
- No internal lining, it can get cold in these
- Not very breathable
- Water pressure will squeeze your feet in the boots
Simms Tributary Stocking Foot Waders
Simms is known to make some of the best fishing clothing and they do not fall short on their waders. This pair of waders is made with 3-Layers on the upper body and 4-Layers on the lower body, keeping you cooler above and warmer in the water. The material and construction is built to be lightweight, durable, breathable and promote natural mobility. Perfect for negotiating steep gorges and rocky rivers.
These breathable waders come with the 3 pockets you would expect from a product of this quality. The front and inside chest pocket as well as a fleece-lined hand warmer pocket. Everything you could ask for.
If you fish over 100 days a year or are a guide, these will last you season after season, and if they do not the Simms warranty will take care of you, replacing any defected waders and repairing anything that is caused by overuse at the great price. They really do make waders for life and are worth the investment.
Pros
- High quality, thick and durable
- Great mobility
- Comfortable & Warm
- Breathable & Lightweight
- Perfect fit
- Excellent warranty
Cons
- A little pricey, but you get what you pay for
Frogg Toggs Canyon II Breathable Stockingfoot Chest Wader
These waders are an excellent choice if you are new to fishing and want stockingfoot waders that are built with a little more thoughtfulness. They are triple-layered, making them durable, waterproof, warm and breathable whilst being lightweight. It is easy to maneuver up and down the bank and over rocks, and the light feel of them keeps you free on your feet.
They have a splashproof outer pocket that is closed with a zip, perfect for your fishing gear, it won’t fall out or get wet, that’s a bonus. They have an inside pocket, also closed with a zip, which is a perfect way to carry your valuables like your phone, easily accessible for a quick picture of your fish.
The material is thick and durable and will last if you fish 50 or so days a year. If you fish a lot more than that, then it might be worth spending a little more as the seams on these may go with hard use.
Pros
- Thick durable material
- High quality for the price
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Easy to move around
Cons
- Can leak
- Socks oversized
- Not made for large people
Hisea Neoprene Chest Waders with Boots
These beathable waders are designed to keep you very warm. The material used is 4.5mm neoprene, which will keep you warm in any situation. You may think that being so thick, they would be heavy and sweaty but they are not.
The neoprene is lightweight, durable and breathable and is laminated to nylon jersey and stretch liner with double-stitched and visibly bonded & taped seams, it is built to last.
The solid slip-resistant rubber boots will keep you steady in slippery situations and insulated to keep you warm but they are very bulky making them tricky to travel with. They will take up a lot of room in your backpack.
These waders have been built with usability in mind and include an outside and inside pocket plus a hand-warming pocket. If you do not plan to travel with your waders and need to keep very warm, these are an excellent choice.
Pros
- Very Warm
- Durable
- Breathable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Bulky to travel with
- Boots are a bit large
Tung Hsing Lon Fishing Chest Waders with Boots
An excellent pair of breathable waders for the price. They are comfortable, lightweight and will keep you dry and warm on your days at the river. These are made from PVC coated nylon making them durable and semi-breathable. They won’t be as breathable as more expensive waders but that is to be expected.
The boots are really where these waders excel. They are made from PVC making them very durable and include a steel nail and felt outsole giving you the ultimate grip when wading around algae-covered rocks. Do not wear them inside or you will damage your floors. The join where the boots meet the waders can give you some chafing, so wear thick socks and tuck your pants into them.
They come with an external pocket, very useful for your fishing gear but these do not come with insulation and therefore can get a little cold if you are fishing in cool areas.
Pros
- Durable
- Great value
- Felt studded boots for extra grip
- Comfortable
- Good Fit
Cons
- Can cause chafing where the boots meet the waders
- No insulation and can be a little cold
Compass 360 Deadfall Breathable STFT Chest Wader
This is an excellent pair of waders. They are built with quality in mind while still not breaking the bank. They have a 4-Ply nylon construction, all double glued and stitched, making them very warm and durable as well as breathable. They are super light and fit nicely, great for movability around the river. If you hike and fish a lot in your waders, these will last you a season or two.
The neoprene booties are ergonomically designed to avoid bunching and to fit your foot snuggly. They are also 4mm thick which should help you avoid wearing super thick socks on cold days, however, test that first though, I don’t know how cold your feet get.
The outside chest pocket is waterproof and zips closed, so you can be confident you will not lose any valuables. The pocket behind this is fleece-lined, giving your chest some extra insulation as well as a place to warm up your hands. They also come with an inside pocket, perfect to keep your phone in while wading deep.
You will have to buy boots with these, an added bonus if you like to travel to fish as they will pack down very small and you can choose supportive boots specific to your hiking or river needs.
They are known to come in a little short, be aware of this when you are ordering your size.
Pros
- Warm
- Durable
- Layered shin and knee reinforcement
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Excellent movability
Cons
- Sizes are a little short
Fans Fishing Chest Waders
This is a quality pair of waders. They are made from a 3-Ply nylon construction, all double glued and stitched making them durable and the extra layers provide excellent insulation. They include 8 Fans dry technology which makes them exceptionally breathable, you won’t worry about sweating in these.
They are super light, great for moving up and down the bank. If you hike and fish a lot in your waders, these will feel light as a feather while you march from pool to pool.
They come with an outside and inside chest pocket, which is waterproof and zips closed, so you can be confident you will not lose any valuables. Unfortunately, the belt can come over the outside pocket, reducing accessibility. It will get annoying having to battle with this every time you want to change a fly.
You will have to buy boots with these and they are known to come in a little long, be sure to get your size right when ordering.
Pros
- High quality & Lightweight
- Comfortable & Warm
- Breathable
- Thick and durable
Cons
- Come in a little long, check your size
- The belt comes over the front pocket
Redington Palix River Waders
Reddington makes great waders. These are made with 3-ply layered polyester and are waterproof and breathable while being very lightweight. The 3-ply adds to their durability and Reddington has added extra layers on the knees so you can be confident when stumbling around rocks.
The waders fit well and with their lightweight material make for excellent mobility around the river. This is especially useful if you hike a lot while you are fishing. The seams can go and create leaks if you buy these in too small a size. I owned these and that is exactly what happened. Reddington replaced them with a size up and it has been happy days ever since.
The pockets on these are as you’d expect. One on the inside, outside, and a hand warmer pocket.
These are great quality waders and are worth the investment if you fish a lot.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Fit well
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Durable
Cons
- Seams can go if you choose the wrong size
- Not the warmest in cold conditions, layer up
What To Look For
How often will these waders be used?
If you plan on using your waders once or twice a year, then buying the highest-end waders available may not be the best investment and you can afford to go for waders of less quality. However, if you plan on going full-on and fishing as much as possible, it is worth the investment.
Where will your waders be used?
Where is also important to consider. Whether it is in warm or cold areas, in saltwater, in big open rivers, all these are factors to consider and can dictate the type, style, or material of the wader you want to buy.
How will your waders be used?
Will you be hiking a lot where weight and sweating a lot is an issue, if so then stocking foot waders are for you. Will you mainly be rowing a boat? Then you may want the warmest you can get. How you plan on using them is an important factor to consider.
Materials
There are a lot of materials out there and most are said to be breathable. The breathability of different materials is up for debate, but it is important during hot days when you are moving around a lot.
Other wader materials include neoprene, rubber, and some kind of treated canvas. Neoprene waders were very popular until breathable waders came along, although neoprene still holds popularity with those who spend much of their time wading in water temps that are just above freezing. With advances in base layers, thermal insulation, and sweat-wicking clothing however, a good pair of breathable waders work just as well as a pair of neoprene waders.
Bootfoot or Stockingfoot?
Bootfoots have a few advantages over stockingfoot waders. The most obvious benefit is that you don’t have to put on waders and then lace up your wading boots or have to buy wading boots. The other benefit is they are extremely warm.
However, the drawback to bootfoot waders is they are heavier and bulkier than standard stockingfoot waders and boots. If you do a lot of moving and hiking when fishing, stockingfoot waders are a better bet.
Price
When it comes to most waders; you get what you pay for, I would buy the best pair of waders you can reasonably afford, this way you can live with fewer headaches.
Sizing
Sizing is the most important factor when buying waders online. Buying the correct size equals comfortable long-lasting waders. Buying waders that are too large will cause wear and tear over time, waders that are too small will cause stress at the seams and crotch.
When buying waders online, your initial sizing assistance should come from the manufacturer’s provided sizing chart. Your best bet is to break out the measuring tape and get some accurate measurements. The three most important measurements to size yourself for waders are:
- your largest girth around in inches (chest, waist, or hips)
- your inseam in inches (crotch to floor)
- your shoe size.
Our Favourites
If it is warmth you are after, these guys are your best bet. They are made from thick neoprene and come with boots, meaning you’ll be warm even when fishing in the snow.
- Designed to be the most Durable & Protective waders for active outdoorsmen. These 4.5mm neoprene chest waders provide 100% waterproof protection you can count on. Whether you are hunting, fishing, camping, riding ATVs, or even just playing outside, these breathable, waterproof waders would protect your clothing and provide an extra, insulated layer for added warmth in cold water or mud.
- Durable & Sturdy – made of incredibly warm and flexible 4.5mm neoprene laminated to nylon jersey and stretch liner, it stands up to the outdoors while trapping and holding body heat to shield you from the chill of the water. The extra solid and durable waders’ rubber boots come lined with 600-gram 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation to help block out the cold, and feature cleated soles for better traction.
If you are on a budget and do not fish very often, these waders are the right choice. They are excellent value whilst being built to last and then the only thing you made need to do is layer up when it is cold as they do not provide much insulation.
- 【4mm Neoprene Fabric Insulated and 100% Waterproof】Warm and flexible 4mm neoprene premium diving fabric holds your body heat to shield you from the chill of the water and keeps you completely dry and comfortable
- 【Extra Warm on Bootfoot】The lining of boots are sew with extra stocking foot for keeping your feet warm and dry, and you don’t need to wear the socks. The anti-slipping cleated outsole let it stable while wading on fishing, duck hunting,outdoor, etc
Fo the best of the best, this pair will do the trick. They are super comfortable, warm, made to last, and are the best quality around. If you fish a lot, these are the ones to invest in.
- ADAPTIVE SEASONAL USE: Gear up for any weather with the SIMMS Men's Tributary Stockingfoot Waders, featuring a waterproof 3-layer upper and robust 4-layer lower. Convert quickly to waist-high on warm days using the adjustable suspenders, and stay warm with the fleece-lined hand warmer pocket when temperatures drop.
- ANGLER-FOCUSED UTILITY: The Tributary Waders are designed with the fisherman’s convenience in mind. Outfitted with anatomically designed neoprene stockingfeet, a zippered top stash pocket for gear, and a warming pocket, these waders accept the Simms Tippet Tender Pocket or Waterproof Wader Pouch for additional functionality.