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Nothing matters more than wader fit when it comes to your comfort on the water. We wrote this article to take the guesswork out of choosing your size and style. They will all keep you dry, but for every angler, there is a best pair of waders.
Trying on waders: Rich Post and Wes Yarnall tried on waders representing every series that we carry at Telluride Angler in their normal sizes, which are standard MEDIUM for Rich and XL for Wes. For your visual assessment, we shot a little runway video for each man in each wader. We then pieced these together by series, presented sequentially below, and also in size groups so you can see how the waders fit each angler in a rapid fire comparison. Rich and Wes made notes for each wader as they progressed through the lineup, which are summarized in the chart below and also in remarks listed for each style.
Wader Fit Considerations
Cut and literal sizing: Wes and Rich both claim that MEDIUM and XL are their sizes for virtually all waders and apparel. So, Rich tried a regular MEDIUM in every style, and Wes donned a regular XL.
Weight and bulk: Some waders, like the Sitka Crosscurrent Zip GTX, are built for speed with a sleek, minimal, athletic design. Others, like Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders, are designed for comfort, warmth and maximum accessory capacity. We found that the waders varied considerably in weight and bulk.
Suggested purposes: Wading pants are for low water; we all appreciate a roomy pair for layering in the winter; many anglers seek maximum versatility for a one-wader-4-seasons. Rather than ranking these waders by overall quality, the goal of this article is to provide fit and feel reference points to help you choose your next pair of waders with confidence.
How should the booties fit? Wader booties are designed for a size range, like 9-11. As a result, bootie fit is an imperfect science, but better a little big than a little small. You can always fill out your booties with thicker socks, and you’ll need those socks in the winter. End of toe plus a little is a good target.
How should the legs fit? Long enough to allow you to kneel in the river. Waders are affixed to your feet, so they don’t ride up like a pair of pants. Therefore, you need a couple extra inches, a wrinkle or two when you are standing straight-legged.
How should the torso fit? This is a question of layering preference. Wearing a jacket over the top of your waders is practical, but you’ll want room for a fleece layer or two beneath your straps, too. Excessive girthy material around the chest is annoying, but you do need a little room for apparel adjustments. Your waders should come up 1-3″ below your armpits to provide adequate coverage for deep water crossings without having excessive upper body material.
What happens if waders are too big? They create extra water drag, feel heavy on your body and tend to wear faster by chafing more between the legs and on streamside brush.
What happens if waders are too small? Mobility is limited and comfort is reduced. In general, a little too big is ok, but a little too small is not.
Wader Model Beta
Richard Post (Medium Waders in all styles)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 155 lbs
Inseam: 32”
Waist: 31”
Chest: 39”
Shoe: 11 (average width)
Wes Yarnall (XL Waders in all styles)
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 225 lbs
Inseam: 32”
Waist: 36”
Chest: 44”
Shoe: 11.5 (average width)
Wader Fit and Feel
Skwala RS Zippered Waders
Summary: These true-to-fit waders represent middle ground for bulk and breathability. Richard has been using them as his everyday wader for 2 years and loves the way they fit and feel when loaded for action. On Rich and Wes, there is room for layering both under and over the wader. The integrated wading belt/back belt provides the greatest comfort and best support for the angler and you’ll never have to go searching for it. Skwala’s set-it-and-forget it shoulder yolk is convenient on and off, but requires working the straps through the buckles to make an adjustment.
Rich: “Thanks in part to the integrated back belt/wading belt, Skwala RS waders handle weight better than any other. I can load up the chest pockets and they still ride really well.”
Wes: “Rugged without feeling overbuilt”
Fit: Small, Large or True? True
Layer over or under? Both. Shop Skwala RS Wader »
Disadvantages: Heaviest material feel.
Simms G4Z Waders
Summary: The original zippered wader is highly refined for fit, thanks to the evolution of several generations. They fit consistently according to angler expectations throughout their size range. Material sophistication and feel are strengths of the G4Z. Soft and comfortable, they fish “quiet.” The shoulder yolk lays flat against your back with undeniable comfort, but doesn’t adjust as intuitively as Sitka or Patagonia waders. The wading belt provided with G4Z waders is tall, sturdy, high quality and supportive, but we wish there were a rear belt loop on the wader itself.
Rich: “Material has a fine feel, supple and peachy, with no crunch.”
Wes: “Softest, lightest feel of any wader under comparison.”
Fit: Small, Large or True? True
Layer over or under? Both Shop Simms G4Z Waders »
Disadvantage: Price
Sitka Crosscurrent Zip GTX Waders
Summary: Following Sitka’s apparel sizing strategy, the Crosscurrent Zip GTX wader is highly “athletic and patterned,” in the words of Richard Post. “Articulated,” “sleek,” “efficient”, “nimble” and “fitted” were all used to describe them. Both Wes and Rich commented that the materials feel most breathable of all waders. Also, the sleek design of both the upper and lower body creates less water drag and less angler fatigue. They are mobile, stealthy and minimal. The Sitka shoulder yolk may be the most comfortable of any wader. It lays flat against the back, yet provides terrific support and comfort around the neck. Sitka’s ladder adjustment strap system allows the angler to make micro adjustments throughout the day to alter the fit on the upper body. Sitka’s wading belt is tunneled around the wader, so it stays in place without riding either up or down during the day.
Rich: “You can feel the breathability of this wader more than any other.”
Wes: “Form-fitting below the knee without being too tight.”
Fit: Small, Large or True? True/Small
Layer over or under? Over Shop Sitka Crosscurrent Zip GTX Waders »
Disadvantage: no inside zipper pocket, no handwarmer pockets, least accessory capacity
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders
Summary: We found that the zippered version of these waders fits slightly more trim than the non-zippered version. They are still generous in size, allowing room for under-wader layering and ideal for winter use. They fit large in their size class. Upper wader pockets are luxurious but also add a degree of bulk. Patagonia’s adjustable upper wader rides up and down on straps affixed internally at the waist, so the angler may easily adjust the upper throughout the day. This is a great feature. The high quality Patagonia wading belt is less integrated into the waders than with some of these competitors, but still positioned with 4 belt loops to discourage slippage.
Rich: “Have more room for layering underneath than other waders.”
Wes: “Way easier on and off!”
Fit: Small, Large or True? True/Large
Layer over or under? Both Shop Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders »
Disadvantage: Feels a little bulky and stiff, overall
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders, non-zippered
Summary: These proven waders have the most generous fit of any wader under comparison. They offer maximum room for layering beneath the wader, ideal for winter use, but are also bulkier than other waders. Patagonia’s adjustable upper wader rides up and down on straps affixed internally at the waist, so the angler may easily adjust the upper throughout the day. This is a great feature. The high quality Patagonia wading belt is less integrated into the waders than with some of these competitors, but still positioned with 4 belt loops to discourage slippage.
Rich: “Taking 7 waders on and off makes me want a zipper.”
Wes: “The non-zippered Swiftcurrent Expedition feels oversized in the XL. They feel huge on me and would fit a larger man.”
Fit: Small, Large or True? Large
Layer over or under? Under Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders »
Disadvantage: Bulky with excess material, especially in larger sizes. Also, obviously, there is no zipper.
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip-Front Waders
Summary: The weight and fit of the Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip-Front wader will be ideal for many anglers. Noticeably lighter in overall design, they are optimized for all but the dedicated North Country winter angler. Rich and Wes noted that they have room for insulation without feeling bulky, which is the sweet spot for a versatile wader. Patagonia’s adjustable upper wader rides up and down on straps affixed internally at the waist, so the angler may easily adjust the upper throughout the day. This is a great feature. The high quality Patagonia wading belt is less integrated into the waders than with some of these competitors, but still positioned with 4 belt loops to discourage slippage.
Rich: “Fit and feel will be ideal for most anglers.”
Wes: “Noticeably lighter in the body. Comfort is unmatched.”
Fit: Small, Large or True? True/Large
Layer over or under? Both Shop Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip-Front Waders »
Disadvantage: No handwarmer pockets
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Wading Pant
Summary: This highly-evolved wading pant surprised Richard with its efficient cut and comfort. More slim than Swiftcurrent Expedition models, the Traverse Wading Pant seems well-designed for its purpose — a lightweight wader with minimal water drag and few moving parts. Material lightness is a solid plus. These are a purposeful, useful, high quality product, but almost categorically your second or third pair of waders, rather than your all-arounder.
Rich: “Straightforward, minimal and clever.” I like the gusseted front zip for easy entry and the side drop-in pockets for floatant and tippet.”
Fit: Small, Large or True? True
Layer over or under? Under (obviously) Shop Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Wading Pants »
Disadvantage: Not as versatile as a chest wader
Testimonials
Rich Post on Skwala RS waders
Skwala RS Waders are comfortable enough that you might look forward to wearing them in camp after a long day of fishing. They feel like a favorite pair of sturdy pants through the leg and seat, and a lot of that comes from the relaxed gravel guard. I have worn these on multiday and weeklong steelhead trips and they are my pick for winter fishing in Southwest Colorado when I’m layering up. Pocketing is simple but comprehensive. They have three zippers on the right side, same on the left side, and when you load these waders up, they remain comfortable. The chest panel rests over the built-in wading belt, another feature I really appreciate. Ideal conditions for me and my Skwala RS waders are being on the water all day Fall through Spring. I might be floating and getting out to swing my favorite runs, or I may dress light underneath and hike upstream a couple of miles to swing the runs I like on the way back to the truck. My favorite place to use them is waist deep in a coastal river in Washington state.
Wes Yarnall on Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip-Front waders
When it comes to tools, there is a time and place for the right one; and waders are no exception to this rule. I have 2 guide seasons, a week in Patagonia Chile and countless personal days of fishing in my own pair of Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip-Front waders with no leaks, failures or buyer’s remorse. These waders wear astonishingly light on the body and have enough room for layering when I decide its time to bust through some ice to get to open water and attempt to find hungry trout. The zip-front access accompanied with the quick release drop down cam are features I never knew I needed in a wader until I put them to use for myself. These waders are the right tool when water temps keep me from wet wading or mother nature wants to dump some rain during a guided trip. These waders avoid unnecessary weight and bulk, and have incredible fit and comfort, making wadering-up a welcomed treat rather than a chore. Your only regret when it comes to the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip-front waders will be that you waited so long to get a pair for yourself.
Rich Post on Sitka Crosscurrent Zip GTX waders
In my mind Sitka took the profile of a wader and transformed the fit in the same way they did with hunting pants years ago. The fit on the Sitka Crosscurrent is trimmer and rides closer to the upper body, but not in a way that made me want to adjust my size. The Crosscurrent pocketing is very clean and has a low profile and the back portion of the wader has some elastic that works in conjunction with the articulated patterning. They aren’t designed to stuff your biggest puffy underneath. Crosscurrent waders are built to work seamlessly as a part of your Sitka wading system. When I want to put on more layers, I drop down a couple notches on the shoulder straps for more room and I adjust them back up if I’m wearing just a sun hoody. It is very easy to micro dial in the fit. The athletic cut and articulated patterning move easily in and out of the water with less drag. The fabric is the most breathable heavy duty wader fabric I have used. The wading belt loops are more of a tunnel and keep the belt where I want it. I will waterfowl hunt in these waders without having to add or drop layers. If you are the type that likes to fish out of your waders without a pack, these are going to be a little tight on room for boxes. The Sitka Crosscurrent waders are built for the discerning angler that understands their waders are a core component of their kit, and they demand a durable wader that helps them fish harder and further regardless of the conditions.
John Duncan on Simms G4Z waders
What I’ve come to appreciate about Simms waders is their predictable, practical, fishy fit. They always meet my sizing expectations, whether pulling on a pair for myself or fitting them on a customer. The Simms size block has evolved with micro-adjustments through many generations. Material allocation is optimized. Pockets are sewn without creating bulk. The materials never creep on my feet, ankles or calves. There is minimal bulk when I roll them down to fish waist-high with straps wrapped around my hips. They feel lighter than other waders. They are everything I need and nothing I don’t. They instill confidence and happiness every time I fish in them. If I were buying waders sight unseen, I would choose Simms G4Z.
All Styles Runway
[Out of Earshot]
“A guy could get used to a zipper.” -Wes Yarnall
“The only thing missing is the Sitka codpiece.” -John Duncan
“You want your waders to come up just below your areolas.” -Rich Post
“See how my ass is right where it’s supposed to be?” -Rich Post
“Something about taking off waders makes me want a cold daddy.” -Rich Post
“If you are zipper curious, get ‘em.” -Wes Yarnall
“This weird sh&t is right in my wheelhouse.” -Rich Post