Breathables!

 I can’t remember when I realised that breathable waders are not like rods and reels and that they are more like fly lines – the damn things wear out over time. Before I got breathables I wore a pair of cheap as chips thigh waders that were made out of PVC or something, they cost around £20 and they fitted in a plastic bag that I carried when I walked to the Kelvin from my flat, I would then change into them and put my sandshoes in my sling bag. I did this until I decided to get a pair of breathables. My first ones were a pair of Vision Extremes with boots to match – I bought them from a shop in London that was ran by an Irish chap who was all over the forums at the time touting his shop. Back then it was still kinda new buying stuff over the internet even if you then phoned up and paid over the phone. He even threw in a boot bag that I still use now for my waders – not the same ones though, I think I have gone through over a half dozen pairs by now – some last a lot longer than others.

Of course the thing to remember is that breathable waders come in two types:

1. Those that are leaking.

2.Those that are about to leak.

As much as people laugh at this it is absolutely and totally true. Of course what you want to know is the time it takes between your waders getting from the 2nd type to the 1st type. Many aspects of wader design can be considered to lengthen this time:seams, layers, materials etc and of course where you fish as no fancy seam will guard against a barbed wire fence. So choosing what waders  are going to be bought next stress a lot of guys out.

My pal Alex has got a theory that for your regular fisher for each £100 you spend you will get a season out your waders – he fishes like a beast though so maybe two years for everyone else. 

I love a good patch and I always have some aquasure kicking around to patch up my waders in case of a big tear. I remember ripping my waders climbing over a barbed wire fence a good few years ago and at the same time twisting my knee – the waders are long gone however the pain in my knee remains now that age is catching up with me. 

Breathable waders deteriorate over time and lose their waterproofing – it is almost inevitable that this happens. Small areas always need a spot of aquasure and that is to be expected with brambles n’ stuff however often whole areas  just become permeable or something – I have had waders that have been patched up so much with aquasure I should have probably just bought a new pair. 

Anyway, my last waders (Orvis) are actually not leaking or have anything wrong with them – the only issue I have with them is that they need gravel guards and are incredibly lightweight. I live in fear they are going to tear easily so I decided this year to spring for a new pair. While my new waders were only a couple of hundred notes I am still amazed that some waders cost nearly a grand, and that is without boots. Imagine tearing a brand new pair of them on a barbed wire fence – I would be going nuts. 

Those just starting out fly fishing and wearing breathable waders often wonder what the hell they should wear under the things. Some people wear jeans, walking trousers, shorts(during summer) and other miscellaneous outdoor wear. If this is you then I am about to change your life, get yourself a pair of these bad boys:

I picked up a pair of thermal ones for a tenner from Marks & Spencer however you can buy them off Amazon for very cheap

The reason I like them are:

• In normal season temps you are neither too hot or cold.
• As they fit so close to your body there is no chaffing at all – the added bulk of jeans or other trousers will put strain on the seams of your waders so wearing longjohns may make them last longer.
• While fishing you are extremely comfy – I cannot describe to you how you will feel the first time you head out with your longjohns – everyone will wonder why you are smiling.
• That’s it !

What I do is put them on in the house and then drive to the river and put on my waders. I have been stopped by the police while coming home from fishing and the good officers did not even bat an eyelid as I sat in the back of their car in my longjohns with no ID. Obviously an angler reeks of sheer manliness so we can get away with wearing them and showing them off at all times.

Anyway, I don’t know about you chaps however I am looking forward to this season already. I have my regular day off every other week and also I have a trip booked in May to visit Cumbria with some pals. I am going to look a little North as well and have a gander at the Tay, a river that I have fished a good few times however feel that I have only ever scratched the surface. 

Looking forward to it !