Here’s my new super-compact wading bag and what I carry in it. Over the years, I’ve whittled down my wading system to be much simpler by observing my own habits. In this video, I show you what I carry and why. And toward the end of the video, I give two little tips on packing your bag. Please share any wading gear tips you have in the comments section below.
I agree with not wanting to wade deeper than knee high. Just wondering if there were times you fell in and the wading pants take on water? Seems like that would be more likely with the shorter pant. I’m also curious if these would fit women. Some of my friends were wanting wading pants but had difficulty finding them in women’s sizes.
Never fell in with them. But consider this … chest-high waders only take on water down to the wading belt on your waist. Above that, they will fill with water. The belt on the wading pants is exactly where the wading belt is on chest waders. So there really is no difference.
Just stuff it! yeah. Totally makes sense. I have a new pair of soft hip waders that I love. They take up so much less space than a full pant or chest wader. I typically roll mine from the toe to the top. May have to start stuffing.
I will explore the search engine for relative posts, but could you cover the advantages and disadvantages of waterproof socks? I love the simplicity of them but have not yet found any that truly last more than a couple of trips without springing leaks.
Lets get out and fish again some time soon man.
Hi Dennis
Those aren’t waterproof socks in the video–they’re neoprene socks for wet wading.
Put a small car mat in the bottom of the bag to throw on the ground and stand on when you put on and off your stocking foot waders. Also, throw in a stiff bristled brush to take the bulk of the debris off your boots BEFORE you go to the next stream.
Jason
Another great article. And the stuff them idea is great beefing doing that for years and compared to others I know the stuffed waders seem to last longer
Jason, nice info. I have been using the Orvis Ultralight convertable chest waders for a few years now. They quickly convert from chest waders to pant waders! Great for shallow streams, cooling off, and nature calls! Thinking of the ultralight boots that you have too. Take care my friend, always look forward to your expertise in in the Tenkara World!
those Orvis Ultralight boots are great. i’ve put mine through hell and they’ve held up. if they fell apart tomorrow I wouldn’t blame them (and I’d happily buy another pair)
The price today for the bag on Amazon $27.99 Inflation is a …..
Jeez. did you check eBay too?
I only wear waders when the water is too cold to do otherwise. I never put the boots in with the waders as most of the water around here has large slimy rocks which require studs or aluminum bars to navigate, which would damage the waders. My bag has a compartment in the bottom for the boots and I stuff the waders in the top. When the weather is warmer, I wear the boots with wading socks. In areas without the aforementioned rocks, I wear my Keen Newports. I try to stay out of the water as much as I can to avoid spooking fish. The streams where I don the sandals are the upper reaches of local trout streams for brookies.
Great video Jason. I agree that products aimed at us fly fisher folk are way over priced. I am somewhat of a cheapskate! I have used the traditional IKEA blue bag for a while which works but is untidy. However, I recently splashed out and bought the IKEA FRAKTA bag which has a full length zip and tidies up the gear. Obviously no mesh and therefore not breathable but totally waterproof. I always take my wading gear out of the bag as soon as I get home or to the campsite. Cost $4.99! https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/frakta-storage-bag-for-cart-blue-90149148/