Top 5 Waders under $300

When I started waterfowl hunting it was in rubber hip boots, before moving into canvas waders, and then into rubber waders. Yes, I am that old, but that’s beside the point. One thing I can tell you is that those waders were cheap, and they generally sucked. They were bulky, cumbersome, and the rubber would rot if you didn’t follow a strict maintnence protocol after the season. After my experience with the real-cheap waders, I switched to slightly higher-priced neoprene which was better, but they were heavy, especially when wet, still cumbersome, and on warmish days, they started out by making you hotter than Hades when moving, and transitioned you to freezing your buns off as you dripped in your sweat. After that, breathable was all the rage, and I have never really looked back. Breathable waders work great all season. I still own, and use, neoprene waders because nothing is better when it is brutally cold out. That said, for 80% of my hunts breathable is the way to go.

In today’s current market, wader prices are anywhere from $200 on sale up to more than $1,000. This article isn’t implying that the high-priced variants aren’t worth the money, they certainly can be, but not everyone hunts enough to justify the investment or simply has an extra grand lying around to replace their leaky waders.  With that in mind, I set out to investigate the best waders under $300 that meet the key criteria of: Whether they are good for waterfowl hunting, adequate features for the rigors of waterfowling, and are the majority of reviews decent. With that in mind, I found a few I think are worth considering.

Frogg Toggs Grand Refuge Hunter BF Wader (MSRP - $299.99)

Sneaking a fake-copper Lincoln under $300, Frogg Toggs Grand Refuge Boot Foot (BF) Waders are definitely ones to consider. They are available in Brown, Mossy Oak Bottomland, and Realtree Legacy & Max 7 camouflage. Features include a single buckle shoulder strap that is perfect for right-handed shooters, but leaves us lefties out to dry, adjustable sides to reduce “bulk”, and four layers of nylon in the upper body. In the critical regions, it has reinforced nylon in the seat, knee, and shin to help stave off tears and 1,000-gram Thinsulate boots for added warmth. It even has a fleece-lined handwarmer pocket and a unique feature, a removable 120-gram quilted INSUL-LITE liner. This liner is something I appreciate as it allows for a broader use spectrum from early-season teal to late-season mallards without overheating due to the wader's construction.

froggtoggs.com

Lacrosse Mallard II Waders (MSRP - $300)

The lone neoprene wader in the bunch, Lacrosse waders have long been a gold standard in waterfowl hunting waders. From their Brush Tuff neoprene to their SwampFox breathable waders, Lacrosse has been my go-to for many years. While neoprene waders are generally less desirable, they still have their place, especially when it is cold out. Using 1,000-gram Thinsulate boots, Brush Tuff layered stretch neoprene, and cloaked in Realtree Max-5, these waders are more than suitable for late-season waterfowl crazies. Other noteworthy features include convertible straps that have both buckle and Velcro closures, a frontal loading pocket, and a SWAMP-LITE outsole that has great traction in the snow and the mud. Side note: I never recommend neoprene waders for airline traveling because they retain water and add weight to your checked baggage, but for driving and local hunts in the cold, the Mallard II waders are worth a look.

lacrossefootwear.com

Avery Originals Breathable Insulated Wader (MSRP - $260)

Super lightweight, durable, and available in mud brown and Realtree Max-7, Avery Originals Breathable Insulated Wader is a noteworthy consideration. These waders allow your body to breathe, avoiding excessive sweat build-up, but are insulated allowing you to hunt in only a base layer (or less ) in teal season. For late-season hunts simply add layers and you are golden. They feature a stitchless, welded crotch seam to reduce the risk of leaks in a "critical region" and use SHEDS waterproof/breathable technology. Other inclusions include a 900-D DuraMax abrasion-resistant knee reinforcement, an adjustable suspender and belt with quick-release closures, and a 1600-gram Thinsulate Ultra boot. They even have a large chest pocket for your phone, hand warmers, and calls PLUS four shell loops that keep ammunition at the ready.

banded.com

Roger’s Workin' Man 2N1 Insulated Breathable Wader (MSRP – $250)

Available in regular and stout, Roger’s Workin' Man 2N1 Insulated Breathable Waders are a good balance between features and price. Available in Realtree Max-7 and Mossy Oak Bottomland, these waders have a 120-gram insulated zip-out liner allowing for all-season use. Light on the boot insulation ensuring you don’t sweat when it is warmer out, they have a 600-gram Thinsulate boot. I strongly recommend wool liner socks with all boots and tend to gravitate to lower insulation in my boots anyway. They feature a NO-BUCKLE shoulder strap designed for shooting without obstruction on BOTH sides, perfect for us lefties who too often get ignored. (Poor us). They are also breathable allowing the sweat/moisture to escape the waders keeping you more comfortable in hot weather, which certainly beats swamp a**. These waders are worth a look, especially considering they are the most reasonable (cheapest) waders in the bunch!

rogerssportinggoods.com

TIDEWE TorridWade Heated Duck Waterfowl Hunting Breathable Chest Waders (MSRP -$299.99)

Admittedly, TIDEWE is a new company that I don’t know much about. That said, they are starting to take the market by storm in a few areas, waders being one of them. These waders are different than the rest because they have built-in electronic heating. While I am normally skeptical of electricity and water, the reviews I have read, to date, are encouraging and positive. In addition to the built-in heating, these waders are breathable and have a fleece-lined chest pocket which is something I personally give two thumbs up! I did cheat a little as without a battery they are $299.99 and with a battery they cost $329.99, but who I am to tell you if you need a battery or not. They also have 1,200-grams of boot insulation and waterproof and a zippered front pocket which would have been nice the last time my phone slipped out of my pocket and into the drink.

tidewe.com

A great pair of waders don't always need to break the bank, and for under $300, these pairs will help you enjoy many hunts to come. Good hunting and stay dry!

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