Hip waders look like a pair of waterproof boots and pants combined in one single piece of clothing. Normally, these are worn by anglers and fishermen. Hip waders are designed to make a significant difference in one’s fishing experience by helping keep the feet and legs dry when walking through bodies of water.
With fishing as one of the most common activities, you’ll find hundreds of options when looking for the best hip waders. To help you out, we did the hard work and narrowed down the choices to the best of the best. We also included a buyer’s guide and a FAQ section.
Best Hip Wader Reviews
1. Frogg Toggs Rana Hip Wader
The first hip wader on our list is the Frogg Toggs Rana. It is a boot-foot wader, which means that it comes with footwear attached to it. Take your shoes off and leave them on the boat or onshore before getting into the water.
Product Highlights
You need to stay dry at all times as you move around the water, and you can expect the Frogg Toggs hip wader to do just that. It features high-quality PVC material throughout the length of the leg. The waterproof welded boots attached to it provides maximum protection from the floor of the river or lake.
The boot is non-insulated but cleated, with waterproof taped seams to prevent moisture from entering inside. The wader also features adjustable poly-webbing belt leashes with elastic stride flex and locking buckles for quick release and fastening.
The wader is durable enough to last a long time and is easy to clean. The belts make it easy to wear the wader and also make adjustments.
The Good
The boot is a welcome addition as it keeps the feet dry and saves you the additional cost of purchasing waterproof boots for your fishing trip. The upper part of the wader features a nylon reinforced PVC that keeps the leg dry and safe while walking in the water.
Overall, we love that the wader fits. It is also versatile, which means that you can use it for hunting and fishing in any terrain and condition that requires you to stay warm.
The Bad
We noticed that the hip wader leaked after a full day at Wallowa Lake in Oregon. We don’t know whether to blame the uneven nature of the lake bed or the particular product, but we weren’t at all happy about that. It will be best to take extra care when fishing in rough conditions if you want to get your waders to last long.
Pros:
- Waterproof and elastic build
- Made with durable PVC
- Equipped with adjustable belts
- Fitted boots
Con
- Damages easily
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2. TideWe Hip Wader
If you love to go fishing with your partner, or you both are suckers for angling, then you may want to consider adding the TideWide hip wader to your collection. This is designed to fit perfectly with both males and females.
Product Highlights
This hip wader is made from a quality nylon PVC material that protects the upper thigh and is attached to a waterproof boot. A lightweight material runs through the entire length of the hip wader, making it one of the lightest options you can buy.
The all-purpose design of the wader features an adjustable belt strap, cleated soles, and waterproof tapered seams. It may not be visible at first, but as soon as you strap it on and get into the water, it becomes noticeable.
In addition to being lightweight, it is also durable. With proper handling, you should be able to get it to last long. Another thing worth mentioning is that the wader is versatile. This means that you can use it for any messy outdoor activities such as fishing, gardening, and hunting, or any other activity wherein you need to stay dry.
Lastly, the unisex design of the TideWe hip wader earns it our best choice for fishing couples. If you love to go fishing with your partner, you can gift them this special fishing gift at Christmas or any other time. This wader is available in sizes seven to 14, all in the traditional brown color.
The Good
We love that the material used is light and doesn’t restrict movement while in the water. You can rest assured that you will remain dry all through your outing. The waterproof feature is in place to prevent water from entering into the fishing wader. It is available in different size options, so you can find one that fits perfectly without stress.
The Bad
As with all our reviews, we look for the bad in a product, and the TideWe Wader won’t be an exception. We noticed that the waders are designed to be small, so you may want to get a bigger size if you decide to buy one. There are also complaints about the durability of the product, so you want to ensure you buy from the manufacturer and avoid imitations.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Versatile design
- Waterproof boots
- Multiple size options available
- Designed for both men and women
Con
- Poor sizing
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3. FISHINGSIR Hip Wader
The FISHINGSIR Hip Wader is yet another option that made it on our list of the best hip waders. If you are one for adventures, you will need a gear that is suitable for long-term use, and the quality design of the FISHINGSIR provides you with just that.
Product Highlights
This is made from selected nylon materials, with a two-ply fabric that keeps you dry always. Other features include the adjustable belt loop and take-up strap, which makes wearing this hip wader comfortable even for long hours. This comes with attached boots that are waterproofed and fitting. The lightweight design doesn’t add any difficulty while casting your fishing rod.
This also features a thigh circumference that is wide enough to accommodate all sizes. You can easily make adjustments with the loop and strap. You can move about without any restrictions and easily adjust the wader using the loop and strap attached to it.
It is made from 20% breathable PVC fabric, which is lighter than most of the rubber waders. The wader is available in different size options for men and women to pick from. The one-year quality assurance from the manufacturer is also worth mentioning.
The manufacturer claims to perform a leakage test on all of their products before shipping them out, so you can expect to get quality. The test involves filling the wader with water and turning it inside out to check for leakages.
The Good
The first thing to note about the FISHINGSIR is its lightweight design. In fact, it almost feels like you’ve got pantyhose on. You would think that this makes the product to be less durable, but this is not the case. There are features in place that make it rugged yet soft and comfortable to wear.
It is also flexible, thanks to the large circumference around the thigh region. For this reason, apart from fishing, you can also use the hip wader for hunting and farming to keep you dry and dirt-free.
The Bad
At first, we noticed a pungent rubber smell that lasted a few outings. We can’t say if it is toxic or not, but if you don’t like to take chances, you can opt for a different brand. Other than that, we didn’t find anything wrong with the hip wader.
Pros
- Breathable fabric
- Adjustable features
- Leak-proof
- Comfortable to wear
- Size variation
Con
- Rubber smell
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4. Duck and Fish Brown Hip Wader
Also on our list is this brown hip wader from Duck and Fish. If quality is what you desire, then you should consider adding this to your outdoor gear collection.
Product Highlights
The 420 denier PVC construction of the wader is 30% lighter and 25% stronger than rubber waders. The heat-welded seams at the point of attachments to the rubber prevents leakage. The soles of the PVC boots feature insoles with traction that grips tightly to the surface, providing more flexibility and reduces chafing compared to rubber waders.
You also don’t have to worry about size inconsistencies. With this hip wader, there are size options to choose from, so finding the right one for you shouldn’t be difficult. You don’t have to order a size higher or lower, as the boot design follows regular sizing.
The Good
The durable construction of the hip wader can be noticeable at first glance. The waterproof features in place include heat-welded seams that prevent water from passing through the barrier. The hip wader is more flexible and durable than regular rubber wader, too.
We also love the traction design of the soles, which helps to keep you glued to the terrain as you move. You can also find it in different size options, making it easy to find your size.
THE BAD
We found the insoles that came with the boots to be of poor quality. The insoles wouldn’t come off, and it ripped when it finally did, so we had to look for extra-padding before we could use it again. You might want to consider getting durable insoles to use with your boots.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust
- Waterproof design
- Comes in different sizes
- Traction soles
Con:
- Poor insoles
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5. Frogg Togg Bull Hip Wader
In case you didn’t notice, the Bull Frogg is the second hip wader from Frogg Togg on our list. The company is notable for making quality PVC and canvas hip boots that are ideal for fishing and hunting, and this hip wader is just one among the many that they offer.
Product Highlights
This hip wader features a three-ply canvas and vulcanized rubber construction that provides strength to the angler. The adjustable belt leash releases quickly for easy adjustments. The drawcords on the hip make it possible to adjust the fitness.
The rubber material is sturdy and can withstand wear and tear. With the right handling, you can get it to last a few years. We also like that the wader could hold up in saltwater conditions, unlike some other brands that suffer damage when exposed to a saline environment.
The boots attached feature a cushioned foam padding that provides extra insulation and protection to the feet. Other safety features installed include wool felt mid, hard toe cap, and a steel shank.
There are different size options available in either cleated or felt outsoles, allowing you to choose one based on your preferences. The durable surface material and lock seams help to prevent moisture from getting through.
The Good
The hip wader is easy to attach and adjust. Thanks to the quick-releasing, adjustable belt leash and drawcord, you can easily set up the wader to fit perfectly around your hips. The versatile design makes it great for other outdoor activities apart from fishing. You can use it in conditions that you need to stay dry, like hunting and gardening.
We also love that it is available in cleated and felt outsoles with size options from seven to 11. This means that you get the liberty to decide on which one to choose.
The Bad
We noticed that the toe box on the boots was tight-fitting, so it may be best for you to order a size above your usual shoe size.
Pros:
- Comes with adjustable straps
- Made with a soft, comfy fabric
- Long-lasting design
- Cushioned boots
- Water-resistant
Con
- Tight-fitting boots
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Buyer’s Guide
Shopping for a hip wader can be a difficult task. Due to the many brands available in the market, finding the right one can be stressful, especially if you don’t know what to look out for when shopping for one. For that, we’ve got your back.
When looking to buy a new hip wader, you should look out for the following:
1. Type
There is a vast selection of hip waders out there, and each one differs slightly from the other in style and height. Hip waders also come in different types. For one, you can opt for a hip wader with boots attached to it. This is known as the bootfoot fishing wader. Compared to others, this is cost-effective because it saves you the additional cost of buying fishing boots.
The other type is the stockingfoot fishing wader, which is designed to look like a long stocking. It is lighter than the bootfoot, but it lacks the grip and protection that comes with a boot. You have to know which type fits your needs and preferences before making a decision.
2. Wader Height
You also need to consider the height of the wader when in the market for a new one. As mentioned, there are different types available; you can either decide to buy a hip wader, waist wader, or a chest wader. You should understand that they all are not the same thing.
A hip wader is suitable for fishing in water that is below the knee level. It is tight-fitting and works well in fishing in warm weather. A chest wader provides maximum protection due to its design. It keeps your body covered, and with an extra layer of clothing, you can fish in ice-cold water.
Waist waders are in the middle of the hip and chest wader. They are suitable for fishing in summer and winter conditions and in waters that don’t rise above the thigh.
3. Style
The style of hip wader you choose depends on the type of fishing you’re planning to do. The bootfoot is a popular option for anglers who like to fish in the roughest of terrains. In most cases, the boot material is either a lightweight PVC or neoprene plastic that keeps the foot protected.
The stockingfoot is lighter and easy to transport. You only need to be careful not to brush your foot against the floor or wear fishing boots as well. The decision is up to you.
4. Material
You should also consider the material used in making the hip wader. If you hate having to spend money on replacing a product, then you should try to find the highest quality. The common materials used in making hip waders are breathable latex, neoprene, nylon, and rubber.
Most breathable fishing waders are a combination of polyester and nylon materials; they regulate humidity and are suitable for multipurpose use.
Hip waders made from neoprene offer warmth and are a suitable choice for fishing in winter conditions. They are more elastic and durable compared to breathable hip waders, but you should be aware that they require careful handling for your gears to last longer. On the other hand, nylon waders are a better option for beginners due to their lightweight design.
5. Fit and Comfort
You should check that the hip wader is properly fitting. Remember that you will have to deal with the water and uneven terrain, so your hip wader should fit properly for a comfortable fishing experience.
6. Size
You also need to buy the right size of hip wader. Check that the boots are your size; if needed, you can try it on to make sure. You should also confirm from the seller if you need to order a size larger; some manufacturers do not follow the standard sizing guide.
7. Durability
Lastly, you should confirm that the hip wader is designed to last for years. You can do this by double-checking the material to see that it can hold up in rough conditions. Hip waders made from breathable fabric and neoprene material are more durable than other lightweight options.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that finding the right hip wader for you can be a difficult task, which is why we have answered some of the questions you may be asking when looking for one.
1. Do you have to wear wading boots with waders?
Waders helps to keep you dry, but can you wear them without boots? The answer is yes—that is, if you feel comfortable in them. Bootwaders offer protection from rough terrains but can weigh much for the lightweight angler. It all depends on your preference.
2. Are breathable waders warm?
One of the reasons why breathable waders are popular is because they keep you warm and dry as you move around in the water. They are safe to wear during the summer and winter months and for other activities apart from fishing.
3. Are waders supposed to be tight?
The perfect wader should fit you snugly. Nevertheless, it also has to be comfortable enough for you to be able to do your tasks without hindrances. When shopping online, ask the seller for measurements so that you can be sure that you won’t have to return the product when it gets delivered.
4. How long should waders last?
The durability of your hip wader depends on the material used in its design and how careful you choose to use it. With proper handling, fishing waders made from neoprene materials can last a couple of years for the frequent angler.
Again, keep in in mind that for that to happen, you have to make sure that you take care of it properly by following the manufacturer’s care instructions.
5. Do neoprene waders keep you dry?
Neoprene waders feature a leak-proofing design that prevents water from getting inside it, but it doesn’t do much to prevent you from sweating on a hot day. If what you are after is water-resistance, then you shouldn’t have to worry.
Final Recommendations
Fishing waders are your best bet to keep you dry and protected while fishing. However, you should know that hip waders are best for fishing in water that doesn’t rise above the knee level.
All the waders we have reviewed are durable and made from lightweight materials, but the TideWe Hip Wader is our best pick. It is designed to be unisex, which means that it can fit both male and female anglers. If you love to go fishing with your partner, you can purchase it as a fishing gift for your other half.
Lastly, if you would be shopping online for a new fishing wader, a great way to distinguish the worst from the best fishing wader is to check the user reviews to hear what others have to say about the product.