Category: DRYFT Fishing

The ultimate hiking & fishing combo: lightweight breathable stockingfoot waders paired with studded sole boots

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Access to remote fishing spots

Do you like fishing away from other people? Given the popularity of fishing and fly fishing around the country, you’ll need to work a little harder now to get that solitude. A lightweight and packable design is crucial in a wader for this type of activity. Waders designed with the features you need, in a small and light enough package to fit in a backpack, will allow you to reach difficult to access fishing spots. 

The new Session Lite Convertible waders and Session Lite Wading Pants are both built in a small and light enough package to roll up and stuff in a backpack.  Oftentimes if we are hiking into a spot that’s further than 3 miles then we will opt to put the waders in a pack and put them on after the hike. This is where a stockingfoot design comes in handy, because it enables the hiker to wear a padded sock (neoprene or thick wool) inside their regular wading boots for the hike, and then change into waders once they arrive at the fishing destination. 

Studded roles provide superior traction when wading rivers and streams

Improved stability and traction

That leads us to the ideal boots to use for backcountry hike-in fishing. We choose Korkers wading boots for all of our adventures, and especially this type of active fishing. All models of boots give ankle support and provide the huge benefit of swappable soles. You can literally change the soles out to match whatever conditions you encounter.  We usually opt for a studded felt or studded rubber for hike-in fishing trips. The combination of studs and felt or studs and rubber performs well in dry and wet conditions, making the transition from hiking trail to river wading seamless. 

Studded roles provide superior traction when wading rivers and streams

Now get out there and do some backcountry angling!

So if you’re a fan of hike-in backcountry angling already, or looking to get away from the crowds then pick up a set of light convertible waders, some hiking ready wading boots, load up your fishing pack, and get after it!  Lightweight breathable convertible waders paired with the right boots will take you there and back in comfort, and lead to many days of fishing adventure in the woods. 

The only question once you’re geared up is where to go. We suggest checking out local maps (Google Earth or paper maps) to find areas where your river of choice isn’t accessible by road. Then it’s all up to your legs to get you there and back. 

That’s it, that’s all! Happy fishing. 

Waders & Boots we like for hike-in fishing

The fun times to be had hiking and fishing the backcountry

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

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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

Recommended products

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

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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.

Top selling products

New Session Lite Series

Recycled Nylon Fabrics in the New Lite Series

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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 –

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New Wader Color: Light Stone Grey

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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 —

Session Lite Series

Introducing the new Session Lite™ Series

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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.

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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.

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Planting Trees Along the River

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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.

Our Conservation Commitment
Buy new waders. Plant a tree.

Reintroducing the Fluffapuff™ Insulated Jacket. 

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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.