Why convertible breathable fishing waders are the best choice for backcountry fishing trips

Do you like to fish places where you might not see another angler all day long? If the answer is yes, then you may want to consider the benefits of backcountry angling

We’re really into the backcountry style of fishing, and are going to discuss why breathable fishing waders, and specifically the convertible wader style, provide several advantages for backcountry anglers, making them essential gear for your next backcountry fishing trip.  

What are convertible top fishing waders? 

Convertible waders are simply where the upper portion of the wader is constructed on a sliding system, to be able to be unsnapped from the top end position and pushed down to the users waist. Usually they incorporate snaps or buckles, to allow the top to be secured in the upper position. Our new Session Lite Convertible Waders use a magnetic snap to make this function effortless. 

Session Lite Convertible Breathable fishing waders being used in the backcountry

Convertible waders increase mobility and comfort through breathability and function

Advantages of convertible straps and stockingfoot wader design

Waders with a convertible style top will increase your comfort by allowing you to drop the top when you’re warm and hiking, and pull it back up if you get cool or need to cross a deep stretch of water. Waders designed with an easy snap method, like the magnetic snaps on the Session Lite Convertible waders, are a necessity. We recommend a stockingfoot design for active fishing, as you can wear wading boots designed for hiking that will be comfortable all day long. Also, lightweight stockingfoot waders will roll up and fit in a backpack for a long hike in. 

High quality fishing wader neoprene stockingfeet

How do breathable fishing waders actually work?
Breathable fishing waders are constructed of a multi layer fabric that allows air, but not water, to pass through.  A waterproof membrane is sandwiched between layers of durable fabric, giving the fabrics the ability to pass air through but keep water out. This is a huge advantage to any active angler, and most quality waders are built using this technology now. 

Benefits of breathable material
The main benefits to breathable fishing waders is that it helps prevent overheating and sweating. Keep in mind that getting hot and sweating can still happen while wearing them! It just significantly helps compared to older styles of non breathable waders. 

Fly fishing in the backcountry

Comfort and mobility of waders designed for backcountry fishing
The importance of using the proper waders for backcountry angling cannot be stressed enough. If you want to enjoy your day, be comfortable and mobile then you will want to use the right waders. Lightweight, breathable, and convertible systems will help make the most of your trip.  

We hope you enjoyed these tips, and hope you enjoy lots of happy and comfortable fishing this season!

Session Lite Convertible Breathable fishing waders being used in the backcountry

Get your waders ready for spring with these cleaning and prep tips

Here are a few easy tips for prepping your waders for a busy spring and summer fishing season.

The days are getting longer, and seasons are kicking off. Time to get your gear prepped and ready. 

Apply a fresh DWR treatment to your waders and jackets. 

The DWR, or Durable Water Repellent coating, is what makes water bead up and run off your waders and jackets. This coating is what helps keep your technical garments breathable and keep you comfortable. When the coating wears down the outer face of your garment gets saturated with water and you’ll start to get the dreaded ‘wetting out’. This term simply refers to reduced breathability, so the wearer gets clammy and damp from sweat and condensation build-up.  Heading this off is as easy as picking up a bottle of ReviveX DWR spray and treating your waders and jackets. 

Tip: If your waders are really dirty, clean them first before applying the DWR treatment with some ReviveX Pro Cleaner

Check your belt 

Check that your belt is still with your waders.

We know, it sounds basic, but it’s better to check now than realize it’s not there when you go to put them on at the fishing spot. If your belt is missing get yourself a new one – it’s a safety item.

Clean and lubricate your zippers

We recommend cleaning and lubricating the zippers on waders and jackets on a regular basis.  Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant and Zipper Lubricant Stick from Gearaid do the job nicely and will help keep your zippers operating smoothly and performing like they should.  If your zipper is dirty, or isn’t running as smoothly as it once did then pick up one or both of the products mentioned here and fix it up. 

Clean out pockets

Are your pockets full of old gear, line trimmings, protein bar wrappers, etc? Go ahead and clean it out now and give yourself a fresh start to the season. 

Replace worn out gear

Is it time for a new jacket, new boots, new waders? As you go through checking your gear be real and fill in any gaps in your gear closet with replacements.

Recycled Nylon Fabrics in the New Lite Series

We recently introduced the new Session Lite Series, with wading pants, a convertible wader and a jacket. All products in this line are constructed with recycled nylon face fabrics, and utilize a pfas-free DWR coating, in our new Light Stone Grey stealth color.

Why Recycled Fabric?

Choosing recycled materials aligns with our goal of minimizing impact to people and the planet, through reusing materials to reduce waste. By sourcing recycled materials for the face fabric on the entire lineup, it pulls a material back into use and keeps it from the landfill.

The entire line also utilizes a pfas-free DWR coating, which is less harmful to people and the planet.

Read more about each product on the specific pages below –

New Wader Color: Light Stone Grey

The New Session Lite Series in Light Stone Grey

Breaking with our history of dark colored waders, the new Session Lite is a departure from the norm for us.

Over the years we’ve fielded lots of requests for a lighter and more stealthy option. Here it is! Adding to our lineup of dark waders and jackets, the new Light Stone Grey blends into the banks and provides cover for stealthy approaches.

The new Light Stone Grey combined in a highly breathable package makes these waders and wading pants the perfect choice for those looking for a comfortable and stealthy option.

Read more about each product in the series on the product pages —

Introducing the new Session Lite™ Series

After a long siesta, the Session Lite wading pants are back. And they brought some friends along for the ride. Rounding out the line, the all new Session Lite convertible waders, Session Lite Jacket and women’s Session Lite wading pants are here to play hard.

Available exclusively direct from DRYFT in limited quantities. Shop the Session Lite Series today.

New Primo jackets are on point.

New fishing jackets are here for the winter steelhead party. Designed for playing hard in the rain, the new all black Primo Rain Jacket and new full length Primo wading Jacket will keep you dry, and look good while doing it.

Planting Trees Along the River

One Tree Planted Logo

This year, we’re proud to continue our partnership with One Tree Planted. For every wader sold, a tree is planted along rivers and streams across the United States. Trees help keep our rivers cool and fish thriving. 

Join us in supporting conservation this year.  Learn more at dryftfishing.com/conservation.

Reintroducing the Fluffapuff™ Insulated Jacket. 

Several years ago the Fluffapuff™ jacket went down for a siesta, that turned into a long hibernation. Now waking from its slumber, the refreshed and updated Fluffapuff™ rises from the ashes like a flaming phoenix to reclaim the throne high above… ok, that’s a little much. Let’s try that again. This popular insulated fishing jacket is back in stock with some choice updates. Read about them on the product page.

A huge thank you! From the owners.

A message from the owners

As the holidays approach, we want you to know how much we truly appreciate your support of DRYFT. Small businesses like ours thrive because of friends and customers like you, and we’re deeply grateful.

Founded and operated by long-time friends Nick and Sam, DRYFT is a labor of love, fueled by passion and dedication. When we go to the river together it’s usually one or the other of us fishing, with the other behind the camera. This year in Alaska we managed to both be fishing and double up with some nice trout. A real treat for us, and we wanted to share this photo with you. 

Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and cherished memories.

Warmly,

Nick & Sam
-Co-owners