Zipper care – 4 easy steps how to care for and clean your wader zippers

Waterproof zipper wader care tips

Take care of your zipper, and your zipper will take care of you.

From pocket zippers to waterproof zipper front wader models, all of our fishing waders have multiple zippers that provide different levels of function. The pocket zippers keep things organized and in place, while the main waterproof zipper on the Primo Zip front wader allows easy in and out access. All of the zippers need a little care from time to time to keep them running smoothly and operating for the long run. Here are four easy steps for how to care for your zippers.

  1. Keep all debris such as dirt, sand, fishing line, clothing, bait goop, and salt crust out of the zipper teeth.
  2. Use a cleaner and lubricate regularly.
  3. Always store and pack fully unzipped. The exception to this is when hanging your zip front waders it is recommended to hang them fully zipped up. Packing them fully unzipped helps prevent damage.
  4. Never force a stuck zipper. Instead lubricate thoroughly and gently back off.

Notes on storage and transport of zip front wader models. We recommend storing and transport your waders fully unzipped, with the exception of hanging zip front waders fully zipped up. Never bend or fold your waders when zipped up as this can add stress and create a weak point in the zipper.  When packing for travel, fully unzip your waders and roll them from the feet up and try not to pack them at the bottom of your baggage with heavy items on top.

A final point about waterproof zipper front models. Foreign matter caught in the zipper can result in damage which may not be covered under warranty. Keep it clean and never force the zipper. If the zipper sticks at all when zipping, stop immediately and gently unzip in the opposite direction if possible, and then clean the zipper thoroughly before using again. We recommend Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant and Zipper Lubricant Stick from Gearaid to get it sliding smoothly again.  Use the snap at the top to take stress off and keep it from pulling apart while wearing.  


We thank you for your support

Did you know DRYFT is a small independent family owned business? The two owners, Nick and Sam, and their families run daily operations and oversee all aspects of the business. If you’ve ever reached out to us with questions you’ve likely talked to one of us. We hand pack each order ourselves, and take pride in the products we sell. We appreciate your business and support and would like to say thank you. We hope you enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends.

-Sam & Nick

DRYFT owners Nick (left) and Sam (right) enjoying some of the fishing bounty that Alaska has to offer.

Backcountry Steelheading photo journal

When the backcountry calls you better answer. This spring we had the opportunity to hike away from civilization and experience true wilderness. We only saw one other person over the three days we were there, and saw almost no signs of other people at all. No garbage. No development. Nothing. After fishing downstream all day it was more surprising to see an actual human boot print in the sand than more elk, bear, deer, or coyote tracks.

We could have asked for better fishing conditions, but there were a few fish around. With low and clear water the fish we did see were spooky and not much inclined to play with us.

If you’re in need of a re-set from the hectic day-to-day of modern life then consider unplugging from the stresses of the work week, stuffing a backpack and hitting the trail.

I call this plugging into nature.

words & photos by Nick Satushek

That’s a happy face if I’ve ever seen one.

Squatch Sighting

Strolling through the woods we were struck dumb. Not 20 feet from us was a squatch. We couldn’t believe what we were seeing. He had just landed a real trophy and was prepping it for release. The hook was out as he cradled it gently in the water. A branch cracked under my foot, he looked up and made eye contact. He saw the camera pointing at him and hoisted his catch up high for a quick hero shot. Click click click. The camera whirred away taking shot after shot. This could be it. Proof that the legend exists!

Taking a moment of zen to admire his catch…

And wouldn’t you know it…he was all decked out in DRYFT wading gear. Looks like we found our new unnofficial mascot.

A quick hero pose for the camera.
And ready for release.

Trade show season is here

We’re kicking off the 2019 trade show season with the Washington Sportsmen’s Show in Puyallup WA January 23rd – 27th, then following that up with the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show in Portland February 6-10th and finally finishing it off with the Central Oregon Sportsmen’s Show in Redmond OR (Bend) February 28th – March 3rd.

If you’re in the area come see us!

Booth 940 in Puyullup

Booth 1353 in Portland

Booth 165 in Redmond

Ooooh yeah, we’ll have show specials at the booth so stop by and we’ll show you what’s so hot right now.

Fly fishing for tiger musky; I love musky. I hate musky. Ok, I love musky again.

tiger musky fly fishing washngton - dryft

Fly fishing for musky: long hours of repetitive movements followed by brief intense action followed by jubliation or soul crushing disappointment. These fish are hard to catch but so worth the effort.

Fly fishing for tiger musky in Washington state

tiger musky fly fishing washngton - dryft

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tiger musky fly fishing washngton - dryft
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