7 Best Duck Hunting Waders of 2021
Hunting for ducks, waterfowls and general fishing in swaps and marshland requires the right gear and nothing tops waders.
But getting the right waders for all hunting environments can be a tough task because you’re constantly worrying about wader material, waterproofing, size, and many more factors.
Your wader should be waterproof and insulated so that you can hunt comfortably in cold waters. It should also have a superior degree of abrasion resistance to prevent puncturing and injury.
In our top 7 duck hunting waders review and buying guide, we will help you choose the ideal gear that fits, withstands different conditions and terrains, and budget.
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7 Best Duck Hunting Waders – Review
- 1. Hodgman Caster – Good Y-back Duck Hunting Wader
- 2. Frogg Toggs – Duck Hunting Wader for Deeper Wading
- 3. Hodgman Cleat Chest – Best Budget Duck Hunting Wader
- 4. Allen Cattail 12838 – Good Camo Duck Hunting Wader
- 5. Lacrosse Brush Tuff – Best Heavy-Duty Duck Hunting Wader
- 6. Lacrosse Mallard II – Versatile Duck Hunting Wader
- 7. Compass 360 DuraTek – Best Insulated Duck Hunting Wader
- How to Buy the Best Duck Hunting Waders
- Conclusion
7 Best Duck Hunting Waders – Review
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1. Hodgman Caster (Good Y-back Duck Hunting Wader) |
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2. Frogg Toggs (For Deeper Wading) |
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3. Hodgman Cleat Chest (Best Budget) |
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4. Allen Cattail 12838 (Good Camo Duck Hunting Wader) |
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5. Lacrosse Brush Tuff (Best Heavy-Duty) |
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6. Lacrosse Mallard II (Versatile) |
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7. Compass 360 DuraTek (Best Insulated) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Hodgman Caster (Good Y-back Duck Hunting Wader) |
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2. Frogg Toggs (For Deeper Wading) |
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3. Hodgman Cleat Chest (Best Budget) |
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4. Allen Cattail 12838 (Good Camo Duck Hunting Wader) |
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5. Lacrosse Brush Tuff (Best Heavy-Duty) |
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6. Lacrosse Mallard II (Versatile) |
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7. Compass 360 DuraTek (Best Insulated) |
1. Hodgman Caster – Good Y-back Duck Hunting Wader
Photo: Hodgman
- Type: Bootfoot
- Material: Neoprene
Hodgman Caster is a great neoprene Y-back duck hunting wader that will maximize the grip on your back for a comfortable fit.
The Y-back design also includes elastic suspender straps with opposing buckles, which work together to help the wader grip firmly on your back and prevent unnecessary shifting during movement.
It comes with a 3.5mm neoprene lining to maximize comfort, flexibility, and warmth while wearing the wader. You can get this wader in different sizes, all of which combine well with the Y-back design.
For your protection, it comes with reinforced and padded double-layer knees, which also enhance the wader’s durability.
This wader’s design also supports accessory attachment with its 2 front and back D-rings. You can attach useful utilities such as a flashlight , compass, or any other light gear that supports your hunting adventures.
If you’re worried about hunting in chilly waters, this wader’s boots feature 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation, which will keep you warm in such environments.
A key drawback we noted in the Y-back Hodgman Caster is that the wader’s boots have limited insulation of 200 grams compared to others with 1,000-1,200 grams. It’s also not waterproofed beyond boot level.
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2. Frogg Toggs – Duck Hunting Wader for Deeper Wading
Photo: Frogg Toggs
- Type: Bootfoot
- Material: Neoprene
Frog Toggs is a great duck hunting wader for deeper wading because it features a high-back design, which allows you to navigate through deeper waters.
We all want a duck hunting wader that will fit perfectly to maximize comfort, warmth, and improve mobility. That’s what you get with the Frog Toggs wader whose suspenders have adjustable hook-and-loop attachments.
The Bib-style suspenders allow adjusting the wader more conveniently.
For extra durability, the hunting wader comes with reinforced neoprene knee pads, which also do a great job in protecting your knees from injury. The 3.5mm neoprene used on this wader is also waterproof.
You also get some excellent boots with this wader. They boast of a 600-gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation to keep you warm as you wade through those chilly waters during hunting.
We did note, however, that this Frogg Toggs wader has rather long legs across most sizes. Even tall people may, sometimes, need to cuff them at the boot to contain the extra length.
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3. Hodgman Cleat Chest – Best Budget Duck Hunting Wader
Photo: Hodgman
- Type: Bootfoot
- Material: Nylon
You will love the Hodgman Cleat Chest it is a budget duck hunting wader that is also high-quality and feature-packed.
This chest wader for duck hunting is notably lightweight compared to others made of rubber. Hodgman claims this wader will weigh about 35% less than conventional ones.
It features a tough nylon shell fabric, which effectively seals out water so that you can wade comfortably without worrying about water seeping in and getting drenched.
To further enhance comfort and convenience, the wader comes with adjustable suspenders and internal pockets, which you can use to carry extra gear and accessories.
You get PVC boots with this wader. The boots promise to be more durable than rubber ones so that you can use the wader for longer.
While many duck and waterfowl hunters will appreciate the affordability of the Hodgman Cleat Chest duck hunting wader, we did note that the seam that attaches the wader to the boot is rather weak and risks allowing water to seep through especially with frequent usage.
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4. Allen Cattail 12838 – Good Camo Duck Hunting Wader
Photo: Allen
- Type: Bootfoot
- Material: Neoprene
If you’re into camo gear, then you’ll love the Allen Cattail 12838 because it spots a unique mossy oak blades camo, which blends in excellently with the environment around you while out hunting.
The camo jersey comes laminated with 3.5mm neoprene for comfort, warmth, and the wader’s durability.
Other great features that make this wader an ideal pick include a high-back design for deep wading, reinforced knee pads for durability and protection, a web waist belt, and a hand warmer pocket.
Its rubber boots extend the wader’s qualities by featuring 100 grams of Thinsulate insulation to keep you warm especially when hunting ducks and waterfowls in chilly waters.
We did note, however, that even though the wader’s boot has insulation, it is in the lower range given the Thinsulate insulation is only 100 grams. It may not be the most effective for very low temperatures.
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5. Lacrosse Brush Tuff – Best Heavy-Duty Duck Hunting Wader
Photo: Lacrosse
- Type: Bootfoot
- Material: Neoprene, Spandex, Lycra
Lacrosse Brush Tuff is a heavy-duty duck hunting wader made of high-quality materials, high-performance insulation, and robust protective features for different hunting conditions.
The wader is made of different materials, including neoprene, spandex, and lycra. Its upper is made of brush tuff spandex and lycra stretch fabric.
It also comes with highly-insulated rubber boots, which feature superior 1,200-gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation. You can use this wider to hunt in very cold waters without exposure to those harsh conditions.
In addition, you get 5mm of neoprene on the wader’s upper for maximum comfort and warmth.
This wader comes with a polyurethane protective coating on seat and knees for your protection. Its outsole is fully vulcanized to prevent separation from the rugged rubber boot.
All the heavy-duty features of the Lacrosse Brush Tuff duck hunting wader do come at a rather high price, especially if you’re looking to buy one of the larger sizes.
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6. Lacrosse Mallard II – Versatile Duck Hunting Wader
Photo: Lacrosse
- Type: Bootfoot
- Material: Neoprene
Lacrosse Mallard II is a versatile duck hunting wader, which you can use in snowy, muddy, and in loose terrain alongside hunting in swampy areas. This top-rated duck hunting wader is also available in different sizes.
It achieves this versatility by featuring double-stitched seams and polyurethane reinforced knees and seat for the wader’s durability. The wader also comes with Swamp-Lite outsole for superior traction in different hunting environments.
You get a 100% waterproof upper made of 3.5 mm insulating neoprene, which guarantees you comfort and warmth. To insulate you from extreme cold and chilly waters, this wader comes with 1000 grams of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation.
The wader comes with a Realtree MAX-5 camo pattern that blends in excellently with open fields, marshes, and flooded timber.
A major downside of the Lacrosse Mallard II duck hunting wader is that its versatility comes a steep cost and budget or beginner hunters may not be quick to consider it.
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7. Compass 360 DuraTek – Best Insulated Duck Hunting Wader
Photo: Compass 360
- Type: Bootfoot
- Material: Neoprene
Compass 360 DuraTek is the best insulated duck hunting wader on our list. Its boots boast of superior 1,200-gram Thinsulate insulation to keep you warm in extremely cold environments.
This wade also features a superior 5mm neoprene upper with a Dura-Span stretch nylon shell, which combines well for comfort and durability. Its suspenders are made of adjustable neoprene and come equipped with quick-release buckles for easy adjustments.
It is also 100 percent waterproof. You can use it confidently in a shallow pond and swamp without worrying about the risk of getting wet or drenched.
With this cold weather duck hunting wader, you get an abundance of pockets including a top-entry chest storage pocket, a flip-out device pocket, and a fleece-lined pass-through chest pocket, all of which provide you with robust storage and carrying spaces.
The superior insulation and other great features of the Compass 360 DuraTek do command a steep cost, which may put off many potential buyers on a budget.
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How to Buy the Best Duck Hunting Waders
1. Bootfoot or Stockingfoot
Bootfoot waders come with heavy-duty boots attached to them so that you won’t have to spend more money buying the boots separately.
One of the issues with these waders, however, is that you cannot use different boots even when you come across higher quality ones or ones that fit you perfectly.
Stockingfoot waders, on the other hand, have sock-like attachments, which resemble boots, at their ends. They allow you to wear your desired wading boots while fishing or hunting.
You simply wear a pair of gravel guards over the stocking booties and then slip into your boots. Stockingfoot waders are easy to slip into, are lighter, and tend to fit better than bootfoot ones.
2. Warm or Cold Weather
When buying duck hunting waders, it is important to consider the weather conditions you will be using them in. Waders come adapted to different environments and conditions.
For example, bootfoot waders for cold weather tend to have different degrees of insulation in their boots to keep you warm throughout.
Most waders will keep you comfortable even in warm weather because the materials used to make them won’t absorb too much heat that is bad for you.
3. Material
Nylon: Occasionally, you will encounter waders made of nylon material. It is an excellent material for toughening the wader to resist abrasion and other harsh conditions. Nylon is also popular because it can act as a seal to keep water from seeping into the wader.
Neoprene: This material is the most common in duck hunting waders. It is used to line waders so that they keep you constantly comfortable and warm. Neoprene is also lightweight and resistant to many environmental conditions.
Rubber: Waders, especially bootfoot ones, tend to use this material mostly in the boots. Rubber boots are tough, durable, and comfortable to wear.
4. Brand
There are many different brands specializing in the manufacture of duck hunting waders.
We distilled the most reputable brands for you so that you can be confident that the wader you choose is durable and capable of getting the job done.
Some of the brands whose waders rise above the competition include LaCrosse, Hodgman, Allen Company, and Compass, just to mention a few. However, if you do come across a brand that satisfies or exceeds your expectations of a wader, then go for it.
5. Durability
The durability of your wader will depend on the materials used to make it, the frequency, and intensity of use.
Most of the durable waders we reviewed on our list feature neoprene as the main material. It is durable, comfortable and warm. PVC is also durable, as well as most rubber soles.
Durability can be enhanced by reinforcing the wader’s knees and seats because they encounter abrasive surfaces more frequently.
Seasoned hunters who spend most of their time hunting for ducks and waterfowls may wear their waders faster than occasional hunters.
6. Comfort
There’s no point in having a high-quality wader that’s uncomfortable. Comfort should a top priority so that you don’t have to worry about the wader and instead, focus on the hunting task at hand.
Therefore, look for a wader with a thick neoprene lining, preferably in the range of 3mm to 5mm, which is the ideal thickness for providing optimal comfort.
Also, if you have a bootfoot wader, then ensure its boots have comfortable insoles such those made of EVA. Neoprene linings in boots also make them comfortable.
7. Camouflage
Camo is great for your wader because it helps you blend in perfectly with the surrounding environment, thus making it hard for the birds or game harder to spot you.
If you will be hunting duck and waterfowls in environments with a lot of shrubs, then a wader with Realtree camo would create a great blend with the environment.
Other types of camo such as mossy oak blades are great for green and grassy environments top prevent you from standing out.
Conclusion
The value of duck hunting waders is unquestionable. With the insights we’ve gathered regarding the best waders on the market, you can now proceed to shop with confidence.
Remember to confirm whether the wader you’re getting is either bootfoot or stocking foot, depending on your hunting needs. Also, check if it is designed for cold or hot weather.
Always come back to our detailed top 7 duck hunting waders review and buying guide to check for the gear that is ideal all your hunting demands.