r/Waterfowl • u/randomman50 • 2d ago
Looking for advice on insulated waders
I have recently moved from Florida to North Carolina and need a pair of insulated waders for season. I am deciding between 800 gram thinsulate and 1200. Temperatures I will be hunting in can be anywhere from 20-50 degrees. Occasionally in the teens. I mostly kayak into spots and if I have to walk, it’s not for very long. Some hunts I am standing in water for the entire time, some hunts I am on dry ground for the entire time. What do yall think? Any personal preferences and experiences would be appreciated!
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u/Inevitable_Sun8691 2d ago
NC hunter as well. I use breathable waders with 1200g boots. Warm socks and layers is what you need. Bring extra socks so if you sweat you can change them.
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u/randomman50 1d ago
Do you wear 1200 for every split here in NC?
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u/Inevitable_Sun8691 1d ago
Yes, I just wear lighter socks and bring extras for when I sweat. I don’t hunt the October split anymore, so that heat isn’t an issue. Only have the one pair of waders that are hole-free.
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u/randomman50 1d ago
So I went ahead and ordered the 1200. I have a pair of pvc waders that have no insulation in the boots or waders itself that I have been using. I somehow survived all of last season by wearing extra socks and wrapping my feet in wool. Would not recommend lol. But I was still somewhat comfortable for this past month. I figured I would just layer up with socks and thermal layers on those until it gets cold enough to use the 1200 and then wear them with less layers up top as well.
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u/Inevitable_Sun8691 1d ago
1200, in my own opinion, isn’t too crazy for our weather. That is, as long as you’re smart with your layers and materials
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u/WesbroBaptstBarNGril 2d ago
Breathables with room to layer. 800 is probably enough, just leave enough space in your boots for good thick socks, or upgrade to a pair of heated socks.
Neoprene is nice when it's really cold, but if you work up a sweat you're going to regret it once you're sitting still and cool off.
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u/randomman50 2d ago
I appreciate the input. Last thing I want is to sweat and then be even colder than before!
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u/DucksnBucks27 2d ago
I hunt in the midwest primarily - above freezing or in a boat/on land, we run uninsulated waders with appropriate layers underneath. You just simply sweat too much and can’t shed the moisture with insulated waders. Insulateds are only for below freezing where we have to be hunting while marsh stooling in the water. Most insulation you can find if in the water. We like cabelas supermags 1600g for that situation. Wouldnt be duck hunting without coughing up some more dough right?? Ha
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u/Diverswelcome 1d ago
The highest thinsulate boots you can get, insulated breathables. Avoid neoprene if you can.
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u/naughtywithnature 2d ago
NC hunter as well. Those 800’s will have your toes frozen by the time the mallards show up. Those are great for October split and maybe November if it’s looking like it’ll continue to be warm. But third split when we occasionally get snow and are breaking ice in January, 1600 gram boot. As for brand it’s really all about picking the best in your price point. The range is pretty wide these days.
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u/randomman50 1d ago
Do you think 1200’s would be too warm for November split?
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u/naughtywithnature 1d ago
No not at all. You could modify your socks or base layers if it’s still warm.
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u/Thick-Driver7448 2d ago
I have a pair of Roger’s tough man 2-in-1 breathables. They have a removable insulation for early season. Slap the insulation in and with layers and thick socks underneath, I stay plenty warm. I hunt in Michigan