I plan to hunt an area with a lot of marshes, ox bow sloughs and branches off a main river system. I will need an inexpensive, good pair of hip waders. What are lightest pair? Any suggestions?
I'm a fish biologist, so I spend a lot of time in hip waders walking not only through water but over some rugged terrain in the mountains of PA while doing brook trout work.
Frogg Togg hip waders are the best I've used. Fairly inexpensive (~$50), the lightest out there, and breathable. Combined with a good pair of wading shoes, you don't know you have them on. (Yes, you do also need a pair of wading shoes, but a pair of old oversized sneakers would work too.)
Thanks so much, John. I will definitely check them out.
Cabelas bog busters
I've hiked a lot in them packing out moose etc and they are very comfortable
I have a pair of NEOS river trekkers, Lightweight, I haven't pushed them on the durablity issue so much, mainly get used for spring and fall canoeing when the water is cold, but they are still in great shape.
I second that. I own a NEO over boots. I used them on a 14 day caribou hunt in AK in the Tundra. I survived and so did the boots. Light weight, easily packable and great feature is that you can use your regular boots in dry areas.
JL :archer2:
Hey, Great tips. Thanks a bunch!
I use the neo overboots to cross a river and hunt white tails. They are lightweight and I just slip them over my pack boots.
Two thoughts
1). I screwed short hex heads into the soles for slick river crossing
2). I pack warm overboots for extra warmth on stand
Check out some of the coonhunting suppliers,like Dan's hunting gear. Look for the "Froglegs" boots. You can get all different types of boots bonded to the hip waders.Water proof and briarproof.Depending on the boots you get they can be much more comfortable to walk alot in compared to regular hip waders.I used them alot when I had hounds.
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