Geoff Mueller

William Joseph V-2 waders

You can bet whoever invented "waterproof trousers" never won a Nobel Prize for benefits to mankind. But the concept was a noble one. A solid pair of waders can mean the difference between potential hypothermia, or keeping toasty and warm while chasing wary risers during a prolonged, winter midge hatch. Over the years, waders have evolved significantly. And with the onset of new and better technology—combinations of multilayered fabrics, taped seams and the introduction of waterproof/breathability—today's waders do a better job of keeping you dry and comfortable.

For 2007, wader technology continues to steamroll ahead. Topping manufacturers' lists of product priorities, this year's crop addresses everything from multifaceted pockets and anatomically correct foot designs, to rehashed seam configuration and better warm-weather breathability. And who could forget, zippers! New high-end zippered offerings swarmed the market recently, with companies like Cloudveil, Simms, William Joseph and Dan Bailey's leading the charge (See Zipper Invasion on page 40 of the February 2007 issue of Fly Fisherman). But with all the industry hype buzzing around zippers, and easier, on-the-fly access to where it counts, tried-and-tested nonzippered offerings still hold a place in the evolving world of waterproof trousers. The following is a look at the latest non-zippered, but still zippy, wader offerings for '07.

Patagonia
Patagonia has redesigned its popular Watermaster Waders ($200 to $335) for 2007, changing the overall fit and placement of seams, and using a less bulky fabric to reinforce the lower legs, thighs and seat. According to Patagonia, new contour lines provide a different, more comfortable fit, while improving seam-edge wear. Patagonia's Hydrostorm HB+ fabric marries waterproof/breathability with DWR (Deluge Durable Water Repellant) performance, and increased puncture resistance. Hydrostorm Heavyweight (featured in the Watermaster II) is less bulky and increases puncture resistance by incorporating a three-layer system. Hydrostorm Light (featured in the Watermaster Light) is also a three-layer package, which Patagonia says provides comparable puncture and abrasion resistance for anglers concerned with weight and value. Watermaster waders feature Patagonia's removable shoulder strap suspension system, which allows waders to be worn up or down without cumbersome adjustments. The system also makes it easier to "relieve" oneself, without having to remove upper layers of clothing. Other Patagonia staples include an oversized, gusseted pocket inside the top of the wader, a built in waist belt, gravel cuffs and neoprene feet.

Men's Watermaster waders come in 17 sizes in four categories: Regular, short, long and king. Women's Watermasters are available in five regular sizes (XS to XL), plus full, small, medium and large for full-figured sizing. The feet incorporate left-and-right-specific design. For more information visit patagonia.com.

Redington Women's Chena River waders

Chota
Chota enters the non-zippered fray with two new boot-foot waders for 2007: The Steelheader ($329.95) and the Tellico II Felt Sole ($314.95).

According to Chota, its Steelheader waders address the day-to-day facets of the steelheading addict, incorporating RockLoc high-traction rubber soles, with optional CL380 3/8" case-hardened steel cleats. The Steelheaders merge a rugged, heavy weight breathable upper to rubber boots, featuring 4 mm closed cell neoprene insulation with a fleece lining for warmth. Chota says the extra large toe box allows for unrestricted circulation, while the Steelheader's QuickLace system provides extra support and keeps the foot from "swimming" inside the boot. Lace guards protect the laces, and a two-layer knee panel provides extra protection against seam wear between the legs.

While the Steelheader strives for warmth, Chota's Tellico II Stocking Foot wader delves into the other end of the spectrum. According to Chota, this super light, super cool and breathable wader was specifically designed for "ultimate" warm-weather comfort. Integrated gravel guards block out sand and scree, while the two-layer knee panel provides extra puncture protection. Inside leg seams are covered to fight seam wear, and the knees are articulated for ease of movement. The Tellico IIs also feature form-fitting, dual-taped neoprene socks, an adjustable suspender design-for easy conversion from chest waders to waist highs—an adjustable wading belt with an integral belt loop, and a zippered security pocket.

Chota offers its waders in ten sizes, from S to XXL, and for boot sizes 8 to 14. For more information on Chota waders visit chotaoutdoorgear.com.

William Joseph
Utah-based William Joseph was started by a group of individuals experienced in building mountaineering backpacks, but the company has since branched out into fly-fishing products. William Joseph now boasts a comprehensive lineup of fishing packs, vests, tools, wet-weather gear and, of course, waders. For 2007, William Joseph has introduced V-2 waders ($179) to accompany its zippered Dry-Namic ($289) big brother. William Joseph says the V-2 waders were designed to bridge comfort, confidence and performance at a price that won't break the bank. According to William Joseph, the V-2s incorporate articulated knees and feet, and high-end breathable materials. Other features include a neoprene upper gasket and "watertight" front pockets on the inside and outside. For more information visit williamjoseph.net.

Simms Guide Model Stockingfoots

Redington
Members from the Northwest Women's Fly Fishers, a group dedicated to promoting women in the sport of fly fishing, helped Redington design the fit and features for its new Chena River Waders ($179.95). The Chena River torso area is constructed from four-layer Red Storm waterproof/breathable Taslan materials. Redington says it has reinforced the front legs to offer durability and greater protection from the elements. And there is no seam on the inside of the leg, which means a longer life in an area that could see high abrasion. Other features include a chest storage pocket with equipment strap, a fleece-lined hand warmer pocket, with a built-in sleeve for hand-warmer packets, built-in gravel guards, anatomically correct neoprene booties, shoulder straps that allow for waist-high conversion, and a wading belt. Redington offers its waders in sizes S to XL. For more information visit to redington.com.

Simms
Simms turned heads this year with its new G4 Guide Stockingfoots, boasting increased durability, design and features, and a $700+ sticker price to reflect the claim of "the most advanced fishing wader on the market." On the nonzippered front, Simms has revised its Guide Stockingfoots ($359.95) for 2007—an update on its original guide model wader.

"In essence, we've taken a long-time favorite and updated it for even better performance and comfort," says Simms Marketing Manager Whitney McDowell. "We have been working on the new pattern and design--in development and field test—for over three years and wouldn't have made these changes unless we felt that it offered a better product for the end user."

Like the G4, the Guide Stockingfoots feature three-layer and five-layer Gore-Tex Immersion technology. But unlike its big brother it comes with fewer frills. Revised Guide Stockingfoots feature adjustable elastic suspenders; a flip-out zippered chest pocket with key cord; articulated front and back leg seems; Guide Model gravel guards; Simms hourglass stockingfoot seam design and a built in belt loop. Weighing in at 40 ounces, more than 10 oz less than the G4, the Guide Stockingfoots use a nylon/polyester fabric combination throughout for greater puncture resistance, with the five-layer fabric concentrated in the lower-leg area for increased pinhole protection. Simms offers the Guide Stockingfoots in 12 stock sizes, and additional sizes are available through its custom shop program. For more information visit simmsfishing.com.