Just booked a hunt for June of next year. I was wondering for those that have gone, are waders madatory or could hip boots suffice? Not looking forward to carrying waders all the way down there. Anyone have recomendations on a light pair that would be good for checked baggage?

NoCAL

Your outfitter is the best one to ask. In Argentina we were told to bring chest waders and in fact we needed them. In Uruguay, we were told that hip boots were all that was needed, and that too turned out to be correct.

Ask your outfitter.

BTW....when you return to the States, they'll make you unpack your waders and hip boots so they can be treated. Unpacking and repacking waders and hip boots at the customs station is one pain in the ass.

I have been the last 8 years with Argentina Outfitters. My definite answer is that it depends.

All joking aside, it directly depends on where you are shooting and the water levels. For the most part, I have found that we needed some type of wader or hip boot. There are a few places where one would never get wet unless they wanted to do so. One year my luggage was lost and I shot wearing crocodile shoes and street clothes. It must have been comical.

Personally, I have stayed away from the hip boots. While they are fine for the most part. However, should you need to kneel down or sit down, you can get a wet rear end.

I would speak with the outfitter.