I hunt many stands that I need to wade creeks, sometimes a mile at a time, to acces my treestands. I have been using rubber hip waders and changing them when I got about 200 yards from the stand. This is a pain because I have to back pack my other boots in and change the waders, which usually results in me getting sweated up. I don't know about you guys, but rubber waders are a pain to take on and off.
I have been looking at neoprene chest waders that are suitable for icy water for duck hunters. My plan is to wade right in to my stand, climb up, and hunt. I did try this with regular rubber waders and my feet froze off, not to mention my knees hurting from being in the sitting position with the waders on in a treestand.
I don't have any experience with these type of waders, but has anyone tried wearing these types of waders in a treestand? I hunt all day in many cases and I need to stay warm on stand. I see some of the waders are insulated with up to 1600 grams of Thinsulate. Plus, if I get a larger size, I can layer underneath them. As far as camo, I can throw my Leafy Wear on right over top of them once I get to the stand, so that's not a problem.
Any duck hunters or deer hunters that hunt swamps have any helpful info. on this subject?
Any advice/recommendations is greatly appreciated.
The neoprene waders are definetely warm, but man, the damn things are heavy and bulky! I dont know if I would want to sit in a stand with em on all day. I used to have to wade a creek to get to my stand and I did the same thing you do, using hipwaders then changing. But, I didn't have to walk a long way either like you. This is a tough one......
Well, I have someNeoprene Bare's (5mm of insulation, don't know what that is in Thinsulate grams), and although they'll keep me warm longer than I'll hunt, I don't think I'd want to be walking to far in them. They're not too bulky, I just wouldn't want to start sweating in them, and then sit for "X" hours. That's just me though. Your camo over the top idea is what I've done, just got some el cheap-o camo sweats in as big as I could find, and the ducks didn't notice. If you can read this, it should help a bit
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you would sweat in this neoprenes big time walking that far in them ive got 1600's no more than quarter mile walk at the most and youd have a real good sweat going. Wouldnt be very comfortable too sit long periods of time in either. My suggestion, find a couple heavy duty waterproof bags and velcro them around your thighs when crossing the creeks. water will naturally suction them too your legs. Only hassles i see would be putting them on and taking them off at every water crossing. my $.02
If your boots are waterproof and large enough, you might be able to get away with some breathable waders. I use them for flyfishing and have hiked easily 4-5 miles easily. They are light, but at the same time, you can layer and they will help keep warmth in.
My thought would be for you to get some with a neoprene sock and then put your hunting boots over the sock. Assuming your boots are completely waterproof, your feet will stay dry and when you get to the stand, you will have the option of taking the waders off and just wear your clothes underneath or keep the waders on.
Otherwise, I would probably stick with the breathable material. Since you're going to walk quite a bit, you won't get too cold except for your feet and as long as you layer, you should be ok once in the stand. If you don't like the prior approach, I would probably go with something like this:
If you hae a gander mountain near you, try their guide series 3mm waders, i use the 5mm, and i dont get all that hot, so i could only imagine that the 3mm would be cooler.
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Need some wader info. * Please Read*
