overboots or waders?

[Lush]

Hi there,
I am looking for a pair of waders or maybe overboots that reach up to, the crouch. I don't know if there is a name for that. It's meant for hiking, rivercrossing and fishing. The hiking is important. I like the idea of overboots most so I can use my own comfortable shoes that fit me well. Waders are also an option. Any material as far as I am concerned as long as it's durable. It's not for cold insulation. Purely to be able to stay dry during gathering and fishing and hiking. I have seen trappers wearing waders in documentaries about Alaska. They hunted in them. Anyone that uses overboots or waders? What could you recommend me? What kind and material or brand?
thanks a lot!

 

[DavidJT]

I have waders for fishing, called "thigh" waders, but you wouldn't want to walk more than a few 100m max in them.

 

[mrcharly]

They are also very dangerous. Trip when crossing a river and you will find it very hard to get back up again.

 

[greensurfingbear]

I use waders for working in ponds and rivers they come up to past my waist and have bracers on that come over my shoulders to keep them up. The boots are built in. Quite comfortable for working and walking around in. i often wear them for hours at a time wouldn't want to go hiking in them though. You can get done that are like chaps that come up to the thigh and attach to your belt.


Orric

 

[Teepee]

Never used them but when I think of overshoes, New England Overshoes (Neos) come to mind.

These are the river waders; http://www.overshoe.com/Pages/Product.aspx?category=Non-Insulated&cat=HLS-OVERSHOE&pid=RTK8

Not cheap.

 

[oldsoldier]

The boots you refer to hunters in Alaska using arent overboots; they are well insulated, and rubberized on the outside. In the US, they can cost over $200. I recently started birding, and found that I needed something to keep my feet dry. I have a pair of hip waders, that I fold down, under the knee (look like green pirate boots when worn like that). But, they are heavy. I went to a local store here called Tractor Supply, and found mucking boots, for cleaning out stables, for $20. They are simply rubber boots, with a felt insole, and are comfy to wear (I walked a couple miles through the woods with them). One note though: carry an extra pair of socks. After a couple hours, my feet got sweaty. I had a change of footwear in the car, but, I could see if it were hot, that this could potentially cause a LOT of foot sweat. Option 2, of course, would be to go sockless.

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87931&highlight=Wiggys
not sure if this is the sort of thing you mean.

 

[Lush]

They are also very dangerous. Trip when crossing a river and you will find it very hard to get back up again.

Sorry for my late reaction, thanks for your responses. You mean thy fill up with water and then you about twice as heavy? Or..?

Those Neos river waders I do like very much I must say.

Thanks Oldsoldier! Those are the rubberized? OK, I really wanted to know. It's probably hard not to sweat in those rubberized thigh waders (or any other). I have seen in documentaries. Unless it is very cold weather and you are walking very relaxed I recon.

Johnnyboy1971, that's exactly what I mean only a bit tougher, like the Neos

I am on the right track. I know my options and can picture myself the difference in weight between rubberized or fabric based ones. Nice, thanks..

 

[mrcharly]

Sorry for my late reaction, thanks for your responses. You mean thy fill up with water and then you about twice as heavy? Or..?

Exactly that. Thigh-high waders not such a great danger, you'll be able to get upright.

Chest-high waders can be extremely dangerous; it is easy for the chest-thigh part to fill with water while air remains in the boots, tipping you head-down in the water.

I'm not saying don't use them, just take care.