Stockingfoot hip waders

[Forestfishin]

I’ve used Chota hippies for years but they seem to no longer be available. Any suggestions on alternatives? I cover a lot of miles while fishing so something with a well constructed neoprene bootie is a top priority. Seen some brands I’ve never heard of before while searching but have no idea of the quality.

Have LL Bean chest waders for when needed and they’re too much when fishing small streams (awesome when fishing larger/deeper water though).

Thanks

 

[Bamboozle]

I'd try and find a pair of Hippies because stockingfoot hippers are rare as hen's teeth and if you are like me, waist-highs (AKA wading pants) don't cut it...

 

[TroutHunter814]

I’m on my second pair of Frog Toggs Canyon 2 breathable stocking foot hip waders.
They’re pretty good for the price.
Only complaint I have is that they don’t come in a drab color. Only light “ silver” color. And the thigh area is made for an NFL full back.( a little too big).

 

[TimMurphy]

Dear forestfishin,

Check Amazon. Kylebooker is one brand I saw, there are others. All are made in China, but then again, most waders are made in China regardless of brand. When Ranger and Red Ball went away so did almost all American made hip boots. I still have a pair of Orvis neoprene stocking foot hip boots I bought 30 years ago that still don't leak. I don't wear them often but for most of the local creeks they are all that is needed.

I got lucky on vacation in October and scored a pair of Frog Toggs felt soled canvas insulated hip boots for $ 90.00 when Unkel Joe's Woodshed in Lock Haven was closing. I haven't worn them in the water yet, but I really like the fact that the boots fit me well and the material is stiff enough to stand up on its own without needing suspenders. That a big advantage for folks like me who suffer from Dunlaps disease and even when wearing a belt can walk out of their britches. 😉

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂

 

[nymphingmaniac]

it might sound radical, but not as crazy as you think. A number of years ago my pair of G3s wore out in the crotch (when you are this big....😀). The bottoms were fine so I cut the legs off. I've been using them as hip waders since. You could get a cheaper pair of chest waders and do the same.

 

[Bamboozle]

I’m on my second pair of Frog Toggs Canyon 2 breathable stocking foot hip waders.
They’re pretty good for the price.
Only complaint I have is that they don’t come in a drab color. Only light “ silver” color. And the thigh area is made for an NFL full back.( a little too big).

How is the fit in the calves?

That's my problem, I have big calves from years in the weight room and even the Hippies BARELY fit.

FWIW - If Chota is at Edison, someone might ask them if they discontinued the Hippies because they MAY be out of stock due to a redesign, or new overseas manufacturer.

At minimum if I was Forestfishin, I'd call Chota on Monday and ask because I ran into a similar issue with them when they redesigned a wading shoe.

 

[Forestfishin]

Thanks for all the replies. Have thought about the Frog Troggs but was worried about the thighs as mentioned. Also saw the Kylebooker but haven’t talked to anybody with real world experience

Tim Murphy-I have a pair of red ball boot foot chest waders from the late 90s that are still going strong. Gifted them to my son about 4 or 5 years ago. They’re rock solid still.

I’ll have to try calling Chota as mentioned. Emailed a while ago with no response. Read something about warehouse moving last summer but thought that was supposed to be a temporary interruption. Can’t find large hippies anywhere. They had close out deals on all their stuff, not much left.

 

[TroutHunter814]

I tried those Kyle Booker ones, but sent them back. The bootie was way too small. So be careful with those.
I’m in the process of doing a “ custom “ pair.
I ordered an inexpensive pair of breathable chest waders, planning on cutting them down, and having my sister sew them into hip waders, and adding the straps. I’m confident it will work.
I have difficulty sizing my 6’7” thin frame.
If I can fabricate my own custom hip waders, it will be a game changer!!

 

[scs]

I have the kylebooker hips. No issue other than I should have gone a size up. A little snug on the thighs, but otherwise fit fine
Steve

 

[Fuzzy]

At the TCO section at the show they showed me stocking foot hip waders made by Simms I think. Great looking, price not so great $200!

 

[Nocktavius]

Dear forestfishin,

Check Amazon. Kylebooker is one brand I saw, there are others. All are made in China, but then again, most waders are made in China regardless of brand. When Ranger and Red Ball went away so did almost all American made hip boots. I still have a pair of Orvis neoprene stocking foot hip boots I bought 30 years ago that still don't leak. I don't wear them often but for most of the local creeks they are all that is needed.

I got lucky on vacation in October and scored a pair of Frog Toggs felt soled canvas insulated hip boots for $ 90.00 when Unkel Joe's Woodshed in Lock Haven was closing. I haven't worn them in the water yet, but I really like the fact that the boots fit me well and the material is stiff enough to stand up on its own without needing suspenders. That a big advantage for folks like me who suffer from Dunlaps disease and even when wearing a belt can walk out of their britches. 😉

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂

Kylebooker routinely tries to sell fake EF Payne fly rods for like 300$ using photos from actual classic tackle websites. I get the impression they’re not the most reputable company around but of course YMMV.