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

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. 

The fun times to be had hiking and fishing the backcountry

Seekr Wading Pants and Korkers Stealth Sneakers – a match made in fish heaven

Like many fine pairings, wine and cheese, bourbon and bbq, coffee and dessert, the new Korkers Stealth Sneaker wading shoes pair perfectly with our classic SEEKR Wading Pants.

Lightweight, comfortable and maneuverable, both the sneakers and the wading pants are perfect for light and fast trips, fishing from boats, and scrambling over rough terrain.

Women’s S14 Waders – Product Details

Bridget Moran talking to us about some of the main features of the DRYFT women’s S14 Waders. #DRYFT #MadetoWade #waders

Women’s Session Wading Pants – Product Details

Bridget Moran here showing some of the main features of the DRYFT women’s Session Wading Pants. #DRYFT #MadetoWade #wadingpants #waistwaders

Winter escape to bonefish paradise

Recently some of us had the sublime opportunity to escape the PNW winter, to a beauty of a place called Belize, for a few days. Seven days chasing bonefish, permit, baby tarpon and more was everything it was imagined to be and more. Going from 38 degrees and raining to sunny skies, warm temps, and the very real threat of sunburn is about all you can ask for on a winter escape.

The time was enjoyed, and the Sun Wizard UPF hoodies performed ideally in these conditions, keeping the sun off our arms, heads and backs while our BKCNTRY backpacks and hip packs carried our gear in safety.

Women’s Primo Rain Jacket – Product Details

Bridget Moran telling us about the DRYFT women’s Primo Rain Jacket.

Snow & Steelhead

A calm day on the river after a snow is a magical thing. Snow in the trees, gentle flakes falling with little to no wind. A perfect day for a float, with dry hands, warm bodies and thoughts of leaping chrome fish. If we’re lucky enough to see a couple fish throughout the day we feel pretty good, and enjoy the time spent on the river with friends.

After all snow and winter steelhead pair together like so many good things. Bacon and eggs, bourbon and orange, peanut butter and jelly. Snow and steelhead.

Photo courtesy of Joey Mara (Waistdeepmedia)

Happy fishing out there. Stay dry and fish hard!

BKCNTRY Hip Pack – A pint sized fishing waist pack

Designed for fishing, this short video highlights the layout and features of the 5 liter BKCNTRY Hip Pack from DRYFT.