I used the heavier rubber La Crosse waders for many years but changed to the neoprene waders as I got older (now 61) to cut down on the weight. The only problem with those is if you get the heavier neoprene, they're too hot and if you get lighter ones, you go through 2 pair per year. What do you guys prefer?

I use the breathable ones from Cabelas,light weight, very comfortable. They last about as long as the rest.

Same here. Light enough that you forget you have them on. And can be used in the summer without sweating to death.

I see I’m not the only one who gets unrepairable holes mid-season. Cabelas seems to have good stuff but it’s pricey.

Yep Litewieght ones for me.

Normally they come on sale in the fall.

I've got the lightweight ones. Got three pair hanging side by side in the basement. When I come home I take 'em off and examine my clothes. Wet spots are immediately ID'd on the waders as a hole and small piece of paper taped next to it. Next day I Shoe Goo the area. Next day they go back on the line. I rotate through these three pair during the season and I keep relatively dry.

The HD rubber ones are used only for late season duck/goose hunting.

Thanks guys. I'll have to take a look at the breathables. Have any of you tried the canvas waders. Seemed to be pretty tough but not sure how they'll hold up either.

I'm in the breathable camp too. The kind that you use separate lace up boots. Much nicer if you have to do much walking. Mine are Frog Togg brand and they have held up well just some minor patching like Muskrat said.

10bands,

Do you have any trouble with the separate boots filling up with water or mud? I'm just wondering if the additional weight will be troublesome.

Not with mud. There is a cover that folds down over the top of the boot that keep mud and such out. Except water. The boots are designed to work with the waders and have drain holes to let water out quickly. I use these for certain fishing trips and duck hunting too. I haven't bought waders with built in boots in several years.

Great, thanks for the answer.

Bought a pair of dan's hip boots last year with the brushbuster chaps and have never looked back. There will be a pair of their chest waders also with the brushbuster material for use this year. As a side note they are only waterproof to the waist. I am sure their are those who have had issues with them, mine treated me good and they were put through the mill. For the hip boots I used J C Connors chap clips, not sure of official name to keep them up. Tried all the boots they offered to glue the lining to and settled on the Dan's. They are expensive though. Good Luck

All of you are up North. Waders in the summer are hot period. The toughest light weight wader I have ever owned is the "DANS" chest wader which is really about belly hight. Their bibs and the waders slip on in the inside. You can separate them.I beaver trap year around and these waders are tough. Best fitting rubber boot I have ever wore.

When i have to use chest waders( i never like to) I use Cabelas 5mm thick neoprenes. I have found that they are pretty tough to put a hole in and if you do, a small dab of Aquaseal will fix them easily and no patch required. I have used them pretty much since they have been invented and I think I have only bought 2 pair. They last a lot of years with an occasional Aquaseal patch.
I have found that they are easier to walk in because they fit tight. I know they are hot if the water is warm and you are in the sun.
Maybe in summer in warm water you can just tie your britches to your boot tops(keeps off most of the leeches) and just forget the waders. That's what we used to do hoggin fish.