Hodgman® Early Season Waterfowl Waders Realtree MAX-4®
These lightweight Horco-Tex breathable waders feature a reliable waterproof Riri zipper front. 600-gram Thinsulate™ Insulation in the ankle-contour boots cuts the midseason chill. Reinforced knees and seat stand up to the abuse serious waterfowling puts on waders. Includes adjustable suspenders and wading belt. Two tricot-lined zippered pockets. Imported. Men’s Whole sizes: 8-13. Camo pattern:Realtree MAX-4®.
I purchased these waders in July from the Bargain Cave, and used them about 40 times over the course of the 2011 waterfowl season. They are awesome. Nice boot fit, but they run big. (I usually wear 13 and the 12's fit perfect, stayed on great in sticky mud bottoms) The 600gm Boot insulation is just right even in relatively cold weather, you can still walk/hike to the potholes without getting all sweaty. I wore an extra layer of sweatpants as a base layer when things got really cold and it was fine. The zipper is the best part, no leaks even when chest deep and it makes bio breaks and the wader on/off task much easier. Highly recommend the product, i am buying another pair for my dad for xmas.
Oh did I want to love these waders. But sadly the quality is just not there and the sizing is totally crazy. I have 9.5 size street shoe and fit perfectly in the size 8 boots, the size 9 was enormous in addition to being just huge in the body of the wader (and these were not a big/stout sizing). Sadly, they sprung multiple leaks in both feet after just one day of hunting and for the record I did not wrap myself in barbwire and roll down a hill, not even close. The reinforcing on the knees is a second layer that is sewn on instead of bonded and the top seam blew out almost immediately (water then runs down between the layers and pools to leak into the boots. Why they wouldn\u2019t just bond on some reinforcing is beyond me.
Otherwise: the zipper is so nice, being able to cool off a little or to take a nature break without taking off a parka is really nice. The boots are comfortable once you get the size right and the hand warmer pockets are a nice touch.
So instead of seamgripping them into submission back they go and the search for some durable zippered waders continues.