Gander Mountain Waders | Chest & Hip Waders for Fishing & Hunting
Our ProTech chest waders deliver the waterproof protection and mobility serious anglers demand in moving water. We engineered these waders with 4-layer breathable fabric that blocks water while letting perspiration escape, so you stay dry from the inside out during long days on the river.
Reinforced neoprene booties with gravel guards seal out debris, while adjustable suspenders and a built-in wading belt ensure a secure custom fit. The large front pocket keeps flies and tippet within easy reach when you’re working a run.
- 4-layer waterproof breathable fabric construction
- Reinforced neoprene booties with integrated gravel guards
- Adjustable suspenders with quick-release buckles
- Built-in wading belt for safety and fit
- Large front cargo pocket with water-resistant zipper
Materials & Waterproof Construction
We build Gander Mountain waders with materials selected for specific fishing and hunting conditions. Our breathable chest waders use a 4-layer laminate that bonds a waterproof polyurethane membrane between durable nylon face fabric and a moisture-wicking inner layer. This construction blocks external water while allowing sweat vapor to escape, preventing the clammy interior common with non-breathable waders.
For cold-water applications, our neoprene bootfoot waders provide insulation alongside waterproofing. The closed-cell neoprene traps a thin layer of water against your skin that your body heat warms, creating a thermal barrier. We seal all seams with waterproof tape and neoprene cement to eliminate potential leak points. Hip waders use heavy-gauge PVC-coated polyester that resists punctures from thorns and sharp rocks encountered in brush-lined creeks.
Sizing & Fit for All-Day Comfort
Chest Wader Sizing
Our ProTech chest waders come in Regular (fits 5’8″ to 6’2″) and King (fits 6’0″ to 6’4″ with larger chest and waist) sizes. Measure your inseam from crotch to floor while wearing the socks you’ll fish in, then check our size chart to select the right length. The adjustable suspenders provide 4 inches of vertical adjustment, letting you customize the rise to prevent sagging or binding.
Hip Wader Fit
Hip waders are sized by boot size, with the wader body designed to fit over jeans or base layers. Order your regular boot size for a proper fit with room for thick socks. The adjustable waist straps cinch down to seal the wader top against your torso, preventing water from entering if you step deeper than expected. We recommend sizing up one boot size if you plan to wear heavy insulated socks during cold-weather hunts.
Care Instructions & Maintenance
Rinse your Gander Mountain waders with fresh water after each use to remove mud, sand, and salt that can degrade fabric and seams. Hang them upside down in a shaded area to dry completely before storage—direct sunlight breaks down waterproof coatings over time.
Inspect seams and high-wear areas regularly for signs of leaking. Small punctures in breathable waders can be repaired with seam sealer or waterproof repair tape applied to clean, dry fabric. For neoprene waders, use neoprene cement designed for wetsuit repair. Store waders loosely folded or hanging on a wide hanger to prevent creases that can crack waterproof membranes. Never store damp waders in a sealed container—trapped moisture encourages mildew growth that deteriorates fabric.
Complete Your Wading Setup with Gander Mountain Outdoor Gear
What people are saying
Wader Questions from Gander Mountain Customers
Breathable waders use a waterproof membrane that lets perspiration escape, making them ideal for warm weather and high-activity fishing. They work best with layering for temperature control.
Neoprene waders provide insulation alongside waterproofing, keeping you warm in cold water without additional layers. Choose breathable waders for spring through fall fishing and active wading. Select neoprene for late fall, winter, and early spring when water temperatures drop below 50°F or for stationary waterfowl hunting in frigid conditions.
Chest waders provide protection up to your armpits and are necessary for fishing rivers and lakes where you’ll wade deeper than mid-thigh. They’re essential for fly fishing in moving water and duck hunting in marshes.
Hip waders protect to your waist and work well for small streams, pond shorelines, and shallow creek fishing where you won’t venture deeper than knee to mid-thigh. They’re lighter and cooler for warm weather but offer less protection if you step into an unexpected hole.
Yes, most wader leaks are repairable with the included repair kit. For breathable waders, clean and dry the damaged area completely, then apply seam sealer or adhesive patch material following the kit instructions. Small punctures typically seal permanently.
Neoprene waders repair best with neoprene cement applied to both surfaces, pressed together, and allowed to cure overnight. We recommend testing repairs in your bathtub before heading back to the water. For large tears or seam failures, contact our customer service team for warranty evaluation.
Order wading boots one to two sizes larger than your regular shoe size to accommodate the neoprene bootie and thick wading socks. For example, if you wear size 10 shoes, order size 11 or 12 wading boots.
The neoprene stocking foot adds bulk, and you need room for insulated socks in cold weather. Try on boots with your waders and socks to ensure comfortable fit without cramping your toes. Boots that are too tight restrict circulation and cause cold feet during long fishing days.
Clean and completely dry your waders before storage. Hang them upside down on a wide hanger or fold them loosely in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Avoid tight folding that creates permanent creases—these can crack waterproof membranes over time. Store waders in a breathable bag rather than sealed plastic, which traps moisture and encourages mildew. Check stored waders mid-season to ensure they remain dry and to air them out if needed.
All Gander Mountain waders carry our standard warranty against manufacturing defects including seam failures and material defects. If your waders leak due to faulty construction or materials within the warranty period, we’ll repair or replace them at no charge.
The warranty does not cover damage from punctures, tears from sharp objects, or wear from normal use. We include a repair kit with every pair for field maintenance of accidental damage. Contact our customer service team with any warranty questions or to start a return.
Yes, our waders work equally well for fishing and waterfowl hunting. Breathable chest waders provide versatility across both activities in moderate weather, while neoprene bootfoot waders excel in cold-water duck hunting.
Many customers own both styles—breathable waders for warm-season fishing and active wading, neoprene waders for late-season hunting when standing in frigid water. The durable construction handles rocks, brush, and repeated use in both environments without specialized models for each activity.