For Brown Bear boat hunt outfitter has suggested lightweight, breathable, stockingfoot chest waders, not neoprene. He said to get quieter ones if possible. I searched old threads but didn't find the answer. The Simms listed below look good but pricey $300 @ Cabela's.

Simms Rivershed Stockingfoot Waders
Lightweight and highly breathable, these GORE-TEX® waders from Simms are ideal for active fishermen that cover lots of water on foot or are on the oars for extended periods. Three-layer Performance-Shell Technology throughout with five-layer front leg panels that deliver added durability in highwear areas. Articulated knees for less bulk and more comfortable wear. Thermo-laminated, Schoeller® zippered chest pocket. Adjustable elastic 1.5" suspenders with YKK® nonlocking buckles. Flip-out, zippered chest pocket with key cord. Patented built-in guide model gravel guards. Built-in belt loop and included nylon wading belt. Easily convert to waist highs. Manufactured and tested in Bozeman, Montana.
Color: Grey.

Does anyone know of fairly quiet chest waders cheaper than these, or should I pony up for the Simms.

Thank you

I own Simms Breathable waders.
They are great waders, I have owned mine for 4 years without any leaks.
I use mine for fishing only.

There are quite a few cheaper breathable waders on the market.
Hodgman makes cheap waders. I went through 3 pairs in a year. They are cheap for a reason!
Dan Bailey makes less expensive waders that I have heard good things about.
Patagonia makes good waders, the cheapest being $250.00.

SIMMS makes about 10 different styles of waders.
They range in price from $699.95 for the G4 to $149.95 for the BLACKFOOT. There all breathable and fairly quiet.

Good Luck!

While I know diddly about brown bear hunting, I have been a Simm's breathable wader user for about six years now, with zero trouble. Use them for both fishing, and waterfowl hunting. I don't buy the breathable theory one bit, but still love them. They're so lightweight and comfortable, compared to neoprene. They have almost zero insulation(which is why I think you stay cool/don't sweat...not due to "breathing"). This allows you to layer underneath, according to the conditions. Take your long johns of choice, as well as polar fleece sweatpants to layer with. I'd pony up and go with Simm's. Why risk an expensive hunt, by taking junk gear. That $300 will seem pretty cheap, if the el cheapo waders blow a seam, and no one in camp has a spare pair, that actually fits you.

Jeff

We've taken to wearing oversized cotton bdu's over our cabelas breathables to reduce the noise.

I put my Helly Hansen Impertec rain pants over my waders, they're easy to slip on and off as needed, but they do negate the breathability of the breathable waders and in my experience they are breathable.............No more hip boots here

I've used breathable waders, for both fishing and hunting for years. My current pair, that I just bought this past summer are the Simm's with the fly zipper. WOW, really great.
I find they are much better than neoprenes for durablity and comfort. You don't sweat, other than your feet, so the claminess that tends to chill is not a problem. If it's cold, just put on more insulating clothing. My feet will chill much faster in these than a rubber boot, but for wet area's these really are the ticket.
As for noise, I find the sneaking in a wet environment is not noisy because the fabric is contacting wet vegetation. The one sound I can't seem to stop though is the inseam rubbing. I never thought about this until I read these responses, but maybe lighter knee length shorts would take care of this.

Alaska

Do you remember the model number? The fly sounds great as I have to go every 15 minutes plus at the shot on dangerous game.

Oldcoyote,
The ones I have are the Simms G4.
They're expensive around $700.00 but so far the best waders I ever used. The seams are in front rather than down the inseam like most waders. That's been a wear point on all the others I've owned. They also are tailored well, creating less drag in the water and a lighter less bulky feeling as you walk.
At times, I'll be in waders every day for a week or better and that zipper is great. I expect to see it on all the good brands in the near future.
Before this pair I used the Orvis Guide Series, their my backup pair now.

Check out Cloudveil 8X. IMO they are better than Simms which I have worn for many years. A truely superior product.

Not trying to hijack the thread but how do the simm waders hold up to briar, thorns, and the like. I need a good set of stocking foot waders, hip or chest, that are uninsulated and cool for bear and hog hunting down here. The old rubber hip boots hold up the best so far but there so damned hot and offer no ankle support. Neoprene shreds to fast, and is hot also.

trekker,

SIMMS waders are IMO the best breathable wader on the market. That being said they are designed mainly for fishing, not for bushwhacking through thorns or briars.
They will hold up to some tough conditions, but considering the price I personally walk around such obstacles when fishing.
SIMMS will last longer than the others.
Wearing BDU's over them would help.

FWIW I did bury a size 2-0 steelhead fly in my wader leg that never did leak.

I agree completely with KC Carlin. I walk around the devil's club and rose hips. I do pick up the odd sticker now and then but this doesn't typically leak. After a few years they all seem to seep a little. You can send them back to Simms for repair or do a little touch up yourself.
I will add that the neo. socks will make your feet overheat and sweat in warmer weather, so take them off and change socks frequently.

I use the Cabales breathable waist lenght and stealth bibs that zip to the hip over the top 3 year that way and a heck of a lot cheaper.