Waders and condensation

We get questions about condensation from time to time; what’s normal, what should I expect, are my waders leaking?

Before we dive into what condensation looks like and what can be done to manage it, a little background on why.

How Breathable Fabric works

The material used on breathable waders works in this way; there are thousands of tiny holes, that are too small for moisture (water) to fit through but are big enough for vapor or air to move through. This allows air to flow through, hence making them breathable, but keeps water from passing through. Because the human body naturally passes moisture out through the skin, a bit of condensation build up throughout the legs, feet, knees and on the ankles is normal. This is just a function of moisture escaping the body and being left on the inside of the breathable membrane as the warm air escapes out through the fabric and leaves moisture behind.

Condensation dampness occurs when there is water moisture in the vapor, and as the air escapes through tiny holes in the membrane it leaves the moisture behind on the inside face of the fabric. This moisture then transfers or rubs onto the wearers inner layers. Condensation usually feels like dampness to the touch on the outside of the inner layer, that doesn’t soak all the way through to the skin.  The dampness can be heavy at times, depending on the circumstances.

One thing to keep in mind is that you don’t have to be sweating or overly warm to experience condensation…the human body naturally expels moisture at all times.

Are my waders leaking or is this condensation?

You might be wondering how to tell the difference. First off, if you have multiple small damp spots on your pants that occur on both legs, but aren’t wet through to the skin then it is condensation. The spots can be small and limited to a single area, or they can be large and cover large parts of both legs, feet and torso. The first time you experience condensation it can be tricky to determine what the cause is. Just remember, if the layers you’re wearing under your waders are damp on the outside, but not wet through to the skin then it’s most likely condensation. If this has happened to you there are things that can be done to help manage it.

breathable fishing wader condensation example

Epic condensation! The photo above is an example of poor layering choices (not wearing breathable layers), dressing too warmly for a cool morning which turned into a warm spring day combined with a long and brisk hike. This worked up quite a sweat and transferred moisture to the pants. In this extreme example of condensation the anglers long underwear under those sweatpants remained completely dry.

Managing condensation; switch it up

First thing is to switch your layers up. Try different combinations of pants, and socks. Sometimes just switching to a more breathable, fast drying, and moisture wicking layer can make all the difference in the world. If you’re wearing cotton pants, jeans, or cotton socks switch to wool or synthetics.

Two layers; no jeans or cotton sweatpants!

We often recommend wearing two layers of pants under your waders; first a thin base layer, such as a synthetic or wool long underwear, and then another synthetic fleece pant over that.  The weight of these layers can be adjusted for the weather conditions; heavier in cold weather and lighter in warm weather. The reason for two layers is this: when you’re working up a sweat and expelling a lot of moisture, it can build up on the inside of the waders and then brush back onto the base layer of pants, getting the outer part of the base layer damp. With a single layer this can be a little uncomfortable. But with two layers it only transfers to the top layer and your inner base layer keeps you nice and warm.

When it’s warm out it’s not comfortable to wear multiple layers though, and we wouldn’t recommend doing so in warmer temps as it would just be too hot. When it’s warm out we usually wear light shorts and tall socks. The combo keeps your feet warm and covers most of your legs so you don’t have direct skin on wader material contact. A lightweight synthetic or cotton short is best. Normally cotton is not advised as a base layer, but it is highly breathable and cooling so when staying warm is not a concern cotton can be a decent base layer. This only applies when it’s warm out and you want to stay cool. If cotton gets wet it loses all insulating properties and will make you colder, so it’s never advised as a layer in cold weather.

Jeans are the worst layer you can wear under waders, for several reasons. Jeans aren’t very breathable, are restrictive and are also abrasive so can damage the seam tape on your waders long-term.

We often do two layers of socks as well. A thin liner and a thicker outer sock. This helps form a buffer that mops up any condensation and helps keep your feet from that cold clammy damp feeling.

Layer down for the hike in

We often hike long distances into our fishing spots. Often this requires walking several miles at a brisk pace, and includes scrambling/climbing over hills, logs, and obstacles. This can work up quite a sweat.  We usually take an upper layer off and unzip our waders or roll them down if possible for the hike. Then once we’re fishing and settle back into a normal pace we layer back up and get after it.

Clean and revive the DWR coating on your waders

In order for air to pass through the outer layer of fabric there can’t be a saturated layer of water on the outer layer, which is where the DWR coating comes into play. If the outer layer is saturated, it essentially voids the ability of the membrane to do its job, and the warm air won’t be able to escape. This will make the user warmer, sweatier, and more likely to get that damp clammy feeling.

The trick is to maintain the outer layer of fabric by keeping it clean and using a DWR reviver regularly so that water beads up and sheds off.

We recommend cleaning and reviving the DWR coating on your waders and jackets regularly, usually 1-2 times per year is adequate (of course depending on use). We recommend Revivex by Gearaid as it uses a simple spray on and let dry method. Start by cleaning your waders or jacket with a simple scrub down or with Pro Cleaner, and then spray with Revivex Durable Water Repellent.

We hope you find this information helpful. If you have any questions at all send us a message.

Cheers and happy fishing!

How to adjust your waders for comfort and durability

Chances are if you’ve spent a good deal of time in waders you’ve struggled a bit dialing in the fit to get all day comfort from your waders. There are a few reasons why selecting the best fitting wader for your body size, and then dialing in the straps just right, is a best practice. We’ll dive into a few of those reasons here.

Wading comfort

Dialing in the fit of your waders for durability and comfort starts before purchase. First step is to order the size that fits your body type best. We offer a sizing chart that helps do just that. To find the best fit you’ll need your shoe size, inseam length and biggest girth through the waist and chest. Use the size chart to find the waders where you fit into the correct range.

Once your new waders arrive it’s a matter of setting your shoulder straps to the appropriate height. This seems overly simple, but you’d be surprised at how often anglers don’t adjust the straps at all, or simply wear them too loose so the waders sag down and only come partway up the wearers chest. By adjusting the straps so that the waders ride as high as possible on the chest it takes strain off your back, and lets you fish hard all day long in comfort.

Wader Durability

Not only will wearing a good fitting wader be more comfortable, it will also greatly increase the life of the waders themselves. Wearing your waders without the straps set high enough, or wearing waders that are too short or long in the inseam, or too baggy overall can cause undue wear from rubbing on the breathable material and can also cause stretching of the seams.

Excess fabric can cause folding or bunching in the legs, which when repeatedly bent and rubbed back and forth can actually cause the material to wear through over time. It’s an easy thing to avoid, but just needs to start at the beginning with adjusting your straps correctly to a high set position. Set your shoulder straps high so that the top of the waders ride as high as possible on your chest.

Safety

It goes without saying that safety on the river is all important, but is often overlooked. Wearing a good fitting wader with the belt, shoulder straps and upper drawstring strapped tight will greatly increase your buoyancy in case of a fall into the water, and will also help keep water out in case of submersion.

We hope these tips are useful. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about sizing, fit or river safety.  

Release the Kraken [video]

release the kraken primo zip front waders video

 

Primo Zip Front waders – Release the Kraken

DRYFT Primo zip front wader

The Primo zip front waders from DRYFT™ are the newest feature packed and stylish addition to the DRYFT™ lineup of outdoor fishing apparel. Designed with comfort and durability in mind, the DRYFT™ Primo zip-front waders are a great value and give you the style to stand out from the rest.

DRYFT Primo zip front waders

DRYFT Primo Zip Front Waders

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DRYFT Waders and Primo Jacket reviews

DRYFT Primo wading jacket

Recent Reviews:

Jon Ades (verified owner) – July 6, 2014: 5 stars
I’ve been looking to buy a new wading jacket since returning from a cold, windy and rainy trip to Montana recently and realizing my old jacket just doesn’t cut it any longer. While researching and shopping for a new jacket online I came across the DRYFT website. I had a few questions about their jacket and fired off an email. My first impression was “WOW”. I sent the email inquiry and had an answer within 30 Minutes. I then ordered the new PRIMO Wading Jacket, it was a Friday afternoon. USPS delivered the jacket on Monday, a second WOW, 2 day delivery Seattle to Denver. Examining the jacket reveals a well thought out functional design constructed with quality materials. First, the articulated raglan sleeve for a more natural and comfortable fit with no seam on top of the shoulder to leak (one of many problems with my old jacket). The adjustable snag less cuff design and the smooth front pockets with waterproof zippers, no velcro to catch your line. A clever internally adjustable drawstring at the bottom eliminating another potential snag point. A soft collar and adjustable hood add to the functional features. All seams have been taped to assure they are sealed. Although the jacket has plenty of roomy as well as hand warmer pockets the one thing I find missing is an interior pocket for the likes of a cell phone or license, not a big deal as my shirts have pockets. Thanks DRYFT for great customer service and a well thought out, functional, well made, affordable jacket. Now I’m just waiting for another cold, windy and rainy day to try it out in real life and not just in the shower.

Vickie (verified owner) – June 20, 2014: 5 stars
I love these waders. I ordered the S14 adrenaline waders before they were out and had to wait a a bit for them but they were worth the wait! Very comfortable and got lots of looks from my fellow fisherpeople! I passed on the info to them and hopefully they will order a pair. Love them!!

Corey – June 9, 2014: 5 stars
As the owner of Chugach Backcountry Fishing in Alaska I’ve spent many days in the rain feeling damp and soggy after a couple of hours in “100% GoreTex” products. It didn’t seem to matter which high-performance brand I wore-I always found that eventually my coat and I became saturated-the S14 Wading Coat changed that. As with my Dryft waders, the S14 Jacket not only fits well, looks great, sports a lightweight feel, and is comfortable for rowing in but it is absolutely the best waterproof coat I’ve used. As a testimate to my belief in this product, within one week I outfitted my entire guiding staff and my family in it. It is the small details of any product that can make it a favorite for everyday use-that’s where in-field product testing makes all the difference. Dryft did their homework on this one. I am 100% comfortable leaving cash and my I phone in waterproof sealed pockets, the soft liner on the high neck and in the pockets of the jacket are perfect for cooler temp days, and the peripheral vision I have when the hood is deployed are qualities that every jacket should offer. If you want to stay dry on the fly, the Dryft PRIMO is for you.

Travis (verified owner) – June 6, 2014: 5 stars
I absolutely love this jacket out of the box. I have not had a chance to try it out in hard weather yet, but can say that style, fit, finishing, quality of materials are all top notch. Their style is great, these guys know how to deliver what so far appears to be great style coupled with what appears will be a bomber jacket at a very reasonable price.

Chad Campoamor – : 5 stars
As they did with their waders, Dryft has done it again with the Primo Jacket. I absolutely love this jacket, the fit is perfect, it is breathable, movable and stylish. It has all the pockets and compartments that are needed for a full day on the water and it will most definitely keep you dry and wanting to continue fishing even when the conditions aren’t promising. There is plenty of room for layering underneath as well. It is the essential jacket to have here up in Alaska with the way our conditions can be sometimes. Plus, you absolutely cannot beat the price. I have been a supporter of these guys since the beginning and will be until the end. Dryft continues to put out stellar products, and they are without a doubt the future. Everyone should check them out!

– Chad Campoamor
Mayfly Mafia
Soldotna, Alaska

Introducing the Primo Wading Jacket

DRYFT Primo breathable waterproof wading jacket

DRYFT Primo breathable waterproof wading jacket

Primo Wading Jacket – Pre-ordering now.

A true bomber of a wading jacket, the Primo Jacket keeps you dry even on those hardcore bad weather days. If you want to make an impression on the river, sporting this technical shell in the wading jacket style from DRYFT is a sure fire way to do it.

DRYFT Primo wading jacket

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