8 Best Duck and Waterfowl Hunting Waders Check Out In 2022

The DuraTek waders are high-quality 5mm neoprene chest waders with good durability and detailing.

They have triple-sealed seams to keep leaks out, and the extra high back panel comes to shoulder level for warmth and dryness. The knees and shins are double reinforced. Heavy-duty padded suspenders are integrated into the back of the wader and adjust in the front to give a fit and strength similar to backpack straps.

A large front hand-warmer pocket doubles as a velcro-sealed pouch and has shell loops across the front. Thigh pockets offer quick-access storage, and a wide, heavy nylon belt gives a good fit and carrying capacity at the waist. The boots are insulated with 1200 gram Thinsulate, and a thick, puncture-resistant polyurethane strip attaches the boots to the waders.

Compass 360 has hit all the right details with the DuraTek model, and these are sturdy, functional waders at a value price point. The suspender system is excellent—it is well-padded and form-fitting, but has none of the spongy feel and tendency to twist that we see in lighter suspender systems. The chest D-rings are gusseted on separately, and the waist belt also has a large D-ring.

We really like the thigh pockets, a very rare feature on waders—moreover, they also have the strongest boot attachment that we have seen, and the boot tread is aggressive and designed to shed mud. These waders offer the best value for the money in our test.

Allen Big Timbers are lighter 3.5mm neoprene waders—they feature heavy construction suitable for both dryland and waterfowl hunting, and have a high-back cut that rises toward the shoulders for complete splash protection.

They have reinforced knee pads and no-snag outer material to reduce chances of tearing, and the calf-high rubber boots are lined with 600G Thinsulate insulation and have hardened toe caps and steel arch supports.

Details include a large hand-warmer pocket with sealed pouch closure, D-rings on the chest, and a waist belt that allows for adjusting fit and carrying gear. The extra high back on these waders makes them feel tight and cozy, and the belt helps keep out drafts as well. The front pocket pouch is nice, but it has no dividers or compartments.

The boots on these waders are made with extensive dry ground walking in mind, and they fit snugly even when you’re pulling them out of deep muck. While the insulation makes them warmer than plain rubber, deep sock layers will be required in sub-freezing temperatures.

We didn’t find any leakage problems with the Big Timbers, but the seam taping is narrow and could be vulnerable in areas of heavy friction like the seat and inner thighs. Nevertheless, these are solid, heavy-duty waders that come at a lower price than most.

The Allen Cattail waders offer a solution for those who want to get into a neoprene wader at an entry-level price point.

These 3.5mm waders have a Mossy Oak Blades pattern and they come with all the basic details found on high-price waders. The upper rises to mid-back, with H-strap suspenders and quick-release buckles with D-rings. The hand-warmer pocket and velcro-sealed chest pocket are functional, and a waist belt helps snug the uppers. Semi-hard toe caps and a steel arch beef up the rubber boots, and 1000 gram Thinsulate adds warmth.

The Allen Cattails are a set of basic waders that we would consider light-duty—they are comfortable, but the bib portion is a bit baggy, and the suspender straps could use some padding. Mobility is good with the 3.5mm material. On the other hand, we did not like the boot sole tread as it was not very aggressive, and the fit around the ankle area was sloppy. 

The Cattails are a good set of waders for the occasional hunter, or to have as spares—the main upside here is that these waders will suit the budget-conscious buyer well.

Frogg Toggs offers a bargain-priced 3.5mm wader in the Amphib model.

All of the Amphib’s seams are triple-finished, with stitching, glue, and tape combined to stop leaks and add durability. The rubber boots are insulated with 600 gram Thinsulate and come with an 8mm felt insole. The Amphibs have a high-rise upper that is secured with broad buckle-free straps, and Velcro closures allow for adjustment and easy on and off. D-rings and a basic hand-warmer pocket with a quick-drain hole comprise the details.

The Amhibs are solid waders for their price point, and although they might lack many of the usability details we like to see, they also make up for it with some durability points—for example, the seam treatment, wool insoles, and the padded straps are all features common to more expensive waders. The Amphibs are comfortable to wear, but they tend to run long, probably because of the slack that forms at the boot attachment points. The uppers tend to bag around the chest unless the wearer is huge.

We generally don’t like Velcro for closures where strength is needed, but for this type of wader, it adds easy adjust ability—it’s one reason for choosing the Amphibs as spare waders for taking friends hunting, or choosing them as a starter pair of waders.

The Frogg Toggs Cascades are made from tough 2-ply 300 Denier poly/rubber, with stitched, taped, and vulcanized seams.

These waders have a loose fit on top that allows for easy layering underneath. The extra-wide neoprene suspenders prevent cutting and chafing, and a draw-string closure lets you adjust the top fit and allow ventilation when needed. The Frogg Toggs have no outside pockets, but there is an inside security pocket for essential items that must be kept dry. The boots are lightweight and flexible, with a steel shank for support where it is most important.

We think these are some of the best kayaking waders out there because the light material and loose fit nearly eliminate binding and cutting. They are also very easy to get on and off, and the bib can be rolled down if needed for cooling—this is an essential feature when paddling long distances, and between hard effort and sitting in the cold, you need to be able to adjust layers freely. We liked the way the material of these waders slips and slides through brush and snags though. The boots work well for general wading, but they are not built for a lot of dry land walking.

Maybe the best feature is that it is possible to answer calls of nature with the Cascades on, something that is nearly impossible in heavy neoprene waders. These are good chest waders to own when freedom of movement is more important than protection from deep cold.