Tag: flyfishing

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

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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.

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New 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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Why you should be maintaining the DWR coating on your fishing waders and jacket

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What is DWR?
The waterproof breathable fabric used on waders and jackets helps to keep you comfortable by allowing warm air to escape outwards and breathe through the membrane, while simultaneously keeping water out.  The DWR coating is what makes water bead up and run off. You may have noticed that over time water will bead up less, and instead the outer layer may begin to soak up or saturate with water. This is often referred to as ‘wetting out’, which doesn’t mean the gear is leaking, but instead means the outer layer is saturated and inhibiting the inner membrane from breathing.  When this happens it can leave damp spots of condensation on the users under layers.

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. Let it dry and you’ll be good to go. 

Then go have some happy and comfortable fishing!

A huge thank you! From the owners.

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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

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

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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.

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Women’s S14 Waders – Product Details

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