Chota Hippies

[Bran]

Anyone tried these yet? I was looking at them on the online store a while ago and typically the only time I wear a wader is late Fall/ Winter, and then I only wear a breathable wader with cotton pants underneath. I was just wondering about these. They look really convenient to use.

[Knik]

Bran,

I picked a pair up back in late Sept. to try out and they worked very well for me, granted I have only used them in the "Hip" high position. They should be excellent for those that pack back into the hills later in the year. I bought them as a back-up for my chest waders, they take up less room in the wader bag as opposed to a 2nd set of chest waders.

[Bran]

Thanks Knik, I appreciate the info.

[Rog 1]

Chota Hippies....sounds like native American flower children from the 60s

[mattblick]

I bought a pair in October and have used them in the back country twice now. The weight savings vs waist high waders is substantial in my backpack. Also worth noting is that each one can roll up and store inside a wading boot to save pack space.

So far the hippies have performed well, and I haven't babied them. My rear got wet a few times while using them when sliding across rocks (to be stealthy); I am used to that being waterproof in waist highs. The lack of bum coverage will take a bit of time to get used to. I haven't been gentle on them, and so far no leaks.

I haven't been able to figure out how to fold the darn things for the "lower modes" shown in the pictures - I've only used them in the highest position.

-Matt-

[5xtippett]

"typically the only time I wear a wader is late Fall/ Winter, and then I only wear a breathable wader with cotton pants underneath." If you wet wade tailwaters you are one tough cookie or you are a lot younger than me, or both!

[Bran]

Haha, I don't fish any tail waters, just the mountains streams/ rivers in VA, NC, and TN Smokies. I fished last week for 2 days above Sugarlands visitor center and below almost to the boundary and waded breathable waders. My knees ached the 2nd night! I said then that my age is catching up with me, I'm not going to always be able to do that so I'd better enjoy it!

[Ky Tim]

Originally Posted by Rog 1

Chota Hippies....sounds like native American flower children from the 60s

LOL My first thought was of dope smoking, granola eating people in need of a haircut!