Sitka Crosscurrent Zip GTX Wader

Reviews

1. Rated 4 out of 5

   I am writing this review while wearing a pair of Crosscurrent Waders and boots. The material construction of these waders is convincing. The leg length and body sizing of the Medium Short are ideal for my build: 5’7″, 160lbs, 29″ inseam. The bootie fits me perfectly, too, but I’m a size 9 and these are designated for 9-11 feet, so anglers with a size 11 foot will find the bootie too short. The feet are not as fitted as on my Simms waders. They balloon just a little, but don’t seem to bunch in my boots, so I’m ok with that. The calves are snug but not too tight. I have large calves, but had no problem slipping my leg into the waders, nor taking them off. The whole wader has a fitted feel without extra material, bulk or weight. This I like, but if I weighed 180 lbs rather than 160 lbs, I would need the Large Short rather than the medium. They are cut athletically, not generously.

   The shoulder yolk is perhaps the most comfortable I have ever worn, so I can wear these waders snugly. The front zipper is longer than on some zippered waders, which I like because it will actually work for its primary advertised purpose. The wading belt is more substantial and less stretchy than on many waders. I prefer this belt because it offers more back support and better fit on my waist. It will also be more durable, less likely to stretch out of its elasticity over time. There are a generous number of pockets, but I wish that one of the internal pockets was waterproof and that the handwarmer pockets were fleece-lined rather than raw Gore-Tex. The last detail is that I like the gravel guards because they are tight, thin and highly elastic. Most gravel guards come unhooked and slide up the leg. I bet these will stay put, and if they do come unhooked, still fit tightly enough to do their job.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)