Chest Waders or Waist Highs

[David Knapp]

I would personally never buy waist highs when you can get chest waiders that double as waist high waders... I've had many close calls, both intentionally and not, where the chest high waders kept me from getting soaked...to be fair though I'm a very aggressive wader... If you were only going to fish small streams then waist high waders would be fine. I fish tailwaters enough that the extra height of the chest high waders allows me to cover a LOT more water. When I slip and fall in the Smokies, the chest high waders (which I only wear in the winter in the park) keep my dry...

[PeteCz]

I have waist-highs and love them. BUT, I only fish mtn streams with them (in the winter). If I fished tailwaters with any regularity, I would own chest-highs or at least convertibles.

[flydoc]

I've got the convertibles from Simms and love them. Waist-high in the mountains, chest high on the tailwaters.

[gverholek]

Okay, guys...you've convinced me to examine the convertibles. I like the idea of waist highs, but if the convertibles are comfortable, having an option may be the way to go. Thanks for all your advice.

Ah, now who had the best convertibles...

[brownhunter]

Simms has the best hands down. Actually, they have the best waders on the market. I know they are a bit more pricey, but I have owned several pairs of different brands of waders, and I am now totally sold on Simms.
Of course, this is only my 2 cents and opinion. Good luck in your search and tell us what you decide on.

[gverholek]

I've been out of town but will check LRO's inventory on my next visit.

Thanks.