Waders - Pants or Chest?

[FoxFox]

I am wanting to get a pair of wading pants or chest waders. I plan on doing a lot of fishing while hiking, so weight is a concern. I figured I'd probably save at least a pound by going with the pants. Anyways, do most people fishing North Georgia and Western North Carolina streams find that their existing pair of chest waders prove to be necessary? OR do people have pants find that they always wish they had a pair of chest waders. Thanks a lot.

[JOHNKIES]

With the current run of Gore-Tex waders, I really can't confirm the weight difference between pants and chest waders. However, I do know that I have never wished for lower waders although a few I have wished for a bit more free board! Also, with the Gore-Tex and similar fabrics, you can easily roll down the tops of chest waders for pants waders. Finally, what is probably more important than the waders are the boots. Make sure that is where you focus first.

[Addict]

FoxFox,

There are times when pants (or hippers for that matter) are enough to keep you dry. I have a pair of neoprene's and a pair of gore-tex, both are full waders.

At times when I don't get in waist deep or am walking in, I will roll them down (inside themselves) to waist level and fasten the snaps around my waist. Work just like the pants, but I don't have to shell out the $$ for a 3rd pair of waders.

If you don't want to buy both, buy the full waders b/c I'm sure you will find times that you wish you could wade a little deeper.

Just my $.02.

CJJ

[Josh Barnett]

Go with both!

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Joshua Barnett
caddisfly08@yahoo.com
1-706-354-8500

Call me for all your flies!

[spinner]

No Brainer.....

Have you ever said......
Gosh.......I wish I had a bigger net?

Gosh............
I wish I had shorter waders?

The logic is evident...

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[bingo]

I wear chest waders or none at all. 7/8 of the times that I fall in shallow streams, I catch myself before I get up to my chest. With hippers I'd still get wet. If I'm getting so hot that I've got to roll the chest down, I'm leaving them in the truck.

[southern redbelly dace]

I agree w/ Spinner and Bingo. Somehow though, If I fish for more than @ 4 hours, I usually take that one step too many anyways.
Keep telling myself, one day I'll learn.

[Gray ghost]

Go ahead and get two pairs its just money. The economy needs your money. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif Your going to end up with a few pairs anyway sooner or later and a few dozen rods and reels.

Its always good to have a back up pair and a back up for your back up.

[This message has been edited by Gray ghost (edited 12-17-2003).]

[lone wolf]

I have both guide pants waders (Hodgeman), and lightweight chest waders. If fishing the smaller streams/rivers of N.GA, TN or NC, I almost always wear the guide pants waders. They are more comfortable and easier to get in and out of. (I'm always in a hurry when I get to the water.....)
wolf

[JerryC]

FoxFox, I'd go with breathable chest highs if I were you. If you ever plan on float tubing, wading pants are useless, and high-back waders are even better. As others have mentioned, you can roll them down if you really need to.
Coachman, I got a pair of camo hippers last year (camo, I know) and they're great because they can be packed away anywhere and I can also use them for hunting in the mucky stuff.
Happy holidays everyone! -JerryC

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"I read somewhere that 77% of all the mentally ill live in poverty.
Actually, I'm more intrigued by the 23% who are apparently doing quite well
for themselves." - Jerry Garcia

[coachman]

Yup...go with both, it's only money. Actually, I've stuck with one pair of chest waders for quite some time. Get a good pair of breathables that will roll down to the waist. My Simms light-weights roll down easily and the suspenders wrap around the waist like a belt...Voila! waist highs!You know, I have thought seriously about a pair of hippers though for a long time.