Hip Boots vs. Waders

[pete41]

Really have to laugh at this one-half century or more ago there was one of those humorous articles at the back of a field and stream type mag. talking about how all really serious flyfishermen wore manly hip boots-only sissies,overweight city dudes and other clowns wore waders-
Really wish I could find it-this is not a new topic-lol
Waderist here.

 

[jifigz]

I very much dislike when I come to water deeper than my hippers which forces you to navigate around. This can even happen on fairly small waters, of course. I do prefer hip waders for many streams, however I currently don't own a pair. I'll be buying a new pair soon. I think the old all rubber hippers were terrible and aren't worth buying. They always have a crease no matter how they are stored and that crease always leaks fairly soon. Also when they cost $60 I'd rather buy a pair of cheap breathables for like $100. There is a regular guy who fishes Honey Creek and who I've only ever seen throw dry flies and he is always rocking his hip boots.

But yes they have a place and a purpose, are less expensive, are less hot, but definitely not ideal for larger waters.

 

[MKern]

Most chest waders, even cheaper ones can be rolled down to make waist-high waders.

My very first pair of waders ($0 hodgeman's) had oppsing clips on the shoulder straps. That way you could roll the waders down and use the shoulder straps as a wading belt; clicking them together.

My mid-priced cabelas waders can have the shoulder straps removed, roll down the waders and secure with the belt that cam with them.

 

[REDNECK_FLYFISHER]

I would have to say I am probably 50/50 on my use of chest waders and hip boots. Tome like others have said it all depends on where I am fishing. If I hit the Lehigh behind the house it is going to be chest waders. I still prefer small stream fishing so I usually use my stocking foot waders with my Korkers boots. And if its A warm summer day and out for smallies I go back in time to my teen years and just wear wading boots and shorts. Its amazing how much I did that when I had no money for hippers or waders.

 

[UncleShorty]

Age and infirmary have resulted in my not wading much higher than my knees. I don't need to look like a Sports Afield cover so I stick with hip waders. I've got one pair of insulated rubber and one pair of lightweight breathables w/ wading boots.

Besides, in my rubber hip waders w/ my 1980's vintage fiberglass Fenwick sportin' a Pfluger Medalist I'm the coolest kid on the stream...

 

[melvinp]

Hips boots your wet on the second step ,Waist high pants third step,Chess waders make it to step 4 and them your swimming LOL.

 

[Swattie87]

Who woulda thought it...Hippers might be 2017's new boo.

They are good around Jam time for fishing Seven Mountains Run.

 

[greenghost]

If I can get away with hippers, I wear nothing. Errrr... that is to say I wet wade. Especially cool brookie streams in warmer weather. And if the weather is 60 degrees? Then waders are more comfortable anyway. As far as contracting leg rot while wet wading, I've knelt on rocks and scraped my knees and have still lived to tell the tale. Most brookie streams are clean water. I wet wade the Yough in July's and August's hotter days without incident. Maybe I'm asking for trouble, but love the freedom and coolness of wet wading over hippers.

 

[gulfgreyhound]

Waders plus these:
IF YOU'VE GOT A PAIR, YOU GOTTA HAVE THE UNDERWEAR THAT KEEPS 'EM CORRALED!

Nothing breaks your stride, or crimps your style, quite like that “pitcher’s mound” readjustment after every hammer swing, spade and ladder scramble. But Bullpen Underwear’s specially designed “corral” keeps your manhood comfortable – no sagging, no chafing, no fallout. 4.3-oz. 54% nylon/32% polyester/14% spandex knit is light, easy-moving and wicks to keep you cool as you stomp, snort and work through your day. Meanwhile, an anti-odor treatment keeps you from offending. Brushed 1-1/2"-wide waistband for chafe-free comfort.
GG

 

[salvelinus]

 

[laszlo]

I like mKern s dissected hippers suggestion I have an old pair of Simms I'm going to take the scissors to