Breathable Waders
KW Morrow. April 12, 2004
Breathable waders are one of those products I can’t seem to live without. But I rarely feel like I got my money’s worth out of a pair before I find myself shopping for new ones. I hear from enough other anglers from around the world to know that I am not alone in my sentiment, either. Breathable waders just never seem to last as long as they should, or else you have to pay a king’s ransom to acquire a pair of ridiculously over-priced waders that will actually last longer than the typical dry fly. Not so with the 2004 model of Bass Pro Shops’ White River breathable stockingfoot waders.
The very best feature of the White River breathable waders is their price. At $79.95, they are competitively priced to the cheapest breathables on the market. However, their second best feature is the fact that they actually will keep you dry for more than a few outings to the nearest trout stream. Ruggedly constructed of micro-denier fabric bonded to a waterproof breathable membrane and hypalon contoured feet, the White River breathable waders are reinforced with rugged knee pads and incorporate an integrated gravel guard. These are features you expect to find in far more expensive waders from other manufacturers. Of course, wide elastic suspenders and a wading belt equipped with quick-release buckles come standard as well.
I’ve worn mine at least four days per week for the past two months, taken some rocky falls, and even hung one fly in the right thigh. Each time out, I’ve made a point of wading in the cold water over my waist to make sure no seams had sprung a leak. They’ve already outlasted my last three pair of $200+ breathable waders.
Combine the White River breathable stockingfoot waders with Bass Pro Shops’ Redhead Classic wading boots at $39.95 (pictured below), and you’ve spent a whopping $119.90. Now that’s true value for the dollar! The boots come in brown leather with either Velcro or traditional lace-up closures; and either felt or lug soles. And combined with the hypalon formed foot of the White River waders, these boots make for very comfortable wading and walking all day long.
However, there is one other feature of the White River breathable waders and Redhead Classic wading boots that bears mentioning: the warranty. This is particularly important to me because I live within a stone’s throw of one, and soon to be two, Bass Pro stores. Like most things you buy at Bass Pro, the waders and boots are warranted against manufacturers defect for a period of one year from the date of purchase. If mine don’t make it for a full year and it’s not due to punctures or other abuse on my part, I won’t be paying for their replacement or paying shipping charges to return them to the manufacturer for an “inspection.” I’ll simply return them to the nearest store for another pair.
Finally! I’ve found a set of breathable waders that makes sense!
Author: GunMuse Date: Thursday Sep 23 2004 10:41:36 am
