Looks like I got to buy a pair of Hip Waders for a Moose Hunt this year.. Any advice you Seasoned Moose Muckster's can give me would make this more of a reasoned purchase.. What about Breathable Wader's and Wading Boots.. AK
Posts: 16798 | Location: Michigan | Registered: 21 February 2006
Lacrosse ankle-fit are my favorite hippers - I think Big Chief or something similar is the model. Depending on how you'll hunt waist-high breathables and wading boots can be a great option.
Antlers Double Rifle Shooters Society Heym 450/400 3"
Posts: 1990 | Location: AL | Registered: 13 February 2002
I went from using the ankle-fit hippers to breathable waders a few years ago. Never looked back. You can roll the tops down to your waist if you want, and hey, no more wet butt!
Posts: 470 | Location: Mountains of Southern New Mexico | Registered: 24 December 2003
Another vote for the lacrosse ankle fit hippers. They aren't the lightest, but they are tought, quiet and just plain work in swamps.
As what to wear under them, it depends on the temps. In the fall I'll generally use a pair of smartwool socks, longjohns and cargo shorts to have some pockets. If it's really cold I'll put a layer of fleece pants over the long johns.
God help you getting them off if you ever put them on w/o socks for a quick trip to empty your bladder in the morning. They are tough enough to remove when wearing socks, almost impossible sans socks.
__________________________________________________ The AR series of rounds, ridding the world of 7mm rem mags, one gun at a time.
Posts: 7213 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 27 February 2001
I have used lacrosse ankle fit but I started using Simms gortex chest waders and I will never go back. I live in them for 10 days at a time and stay dry and comfortable. When the rain comes who cares. I can sit down in a swamp or crawl though the muck on my knees. They don't weigh a lot either, they are great for those fly in trips. The down side, they are up around $450.00. I have used this set for 6 + years..
GLRodgers
Posts: 45 | Location: Eagle River Alaska | Registered: 13 February 2007
I used ankle fit until about 8 years ago when I dicovered gore tex waders. WOW what a difference. The cost is high but the comfort is worth it to me. I've got a pair of pants but I still seem to wear the bibs most of the time. In and out is easier, rain, muck, snow sleet you name it and your dry, plus you don't sweat near as much. Drying waders in a cold tent at night is not fun. Just too many advantages to ever go back.
Posts: 444 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 11 February 2008
I think the Stocking Wader is the way to go for the Traveling Hunter.. You guys that are using the Stocking Wader what Boot are you using when Your Moose Hunting.. Felt bottom Wading Boots don't seem like the way to go.. AK
Posts: 16798 | Location: Michigan | Registered: 21 February 2006
Truthfully, I have always worn the plain old vanilla hipwaders that you can buy almost anywhere. As long as they are ankle fit you are good to go most anywhere. A pair of wicking socks and wool on top. Longjohns and jeans or wool pants depending on the temps. Hipwaders in Alaska are like tennis shoes anywhere else. I have an expensive set of stocking foot chest waders but never use them for hunting. I get too overheated in them when hiking and climbing. Plus the basalt on a lot of the places I hunt will slice them open. That is also true of the others but besides being easy to patch I dont get upset about having to replace $40.00 waders every so often.
Happiness is a warm gun
Posts: 4106 | Location: USA | Registered: 06 March 2002
I wear breathable waders and prefer them over the rubber ankle fit boots. I've been using these boots with them and have found them to give enough support for moderate hiking:
Those 'cleated' (air bob) soles look pretty good, but I ended up with Korker Wetlands with a studded felt sole for wading the streams while fall bear hunting. Those rocks are some kind of slippery and I was very tired of busting my butt and knees on them. These boots worked very well. You might have to take them off before climbing aboard a nice boat tho, as the studs kinda make the cap'n antsy.
Posts: 470 | Location: Mountains of Southern New Mexico | Registered: 24 December 2003
