I wear a Cabela's brand chest wader bought for about 150$. I also wear Cabela's brand hunting boots. The boots were returned after a year when I tore em on barbed wire, no questions asked, simple exchange. I'm sure the waders will return the same if need be. Not sure how other brands do it but Cabela's will exchange for new if in stock. I'm thinking girlfriend said they return all items as long as it's their name. It was one of the better investments I had to make

DANS hip boots with LaCross bottoms

Wont ever have the right ones on no matter what

Have multiple pairs in assorted sizes New / slightly used 20 dollars a pair

Hip boots get me by most of the time but I'm having a hard time finding ankle fit boots that hold up. The last two pair came from Cabela's, their brand, and both pair developed leaks way too soon. I see they've discontinued them. Lacrosse next time.

Waders hands down for me. You can sit or kneel on the stream and not have to worry about getting wet. I buy cheap ones from cabela's about $70-80. They rarely last more than a season or two for me anyway.

I have always had the lacrosse hip boots with the wider style ankle. They did me well but I bought a pair of Lacrosse Big Chiefs this year. I like them a lot. The ankle fit is great and because my feet don't slide around my feet aren't sore at the end of the day. They are uninsulated and my feet stay warm all day.

Back to the original question though.......hip boots for me. But it fits my trapping style. I save the chest waders for the post-rain high water days when everything is waaaay under water.

I use the Cabelas wader pants that are waist high. A little extra protection over hip boots without the bulk of chest waders.

Hip boots for me. I stay out of water deeper than that unless i got a boat

Waders all the way

Well, hip boots hold twice as much water as knee boots! I prefer waders.

I hate chest waders with a passion! Always feels like I am in a straight jacket. Not that I know what that feels like.