Patagonia Wading Gear

Launched in 1973 by climber and environmentalist Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia started as a small climbing equipment company and grew into one of the world’s most influential outdoor apparel brands. Known for its commitment to quality and durability, Patagonia has also set the standard for corporate environmental responsibility. The company invests heavily in conservation initiatives, sustainable materials, and fair-trade practices, making it a favorite among anglers, adventurers, and environmentally conscious consumers.

Regular washing is good for technical fabrics—including waders. For the best performance, hand wash only, with cool water (27 +/-3C; 80 +/- 5F) in a tub with enough water to cover the waders fully. Use a mild liquid detergent or a technical wash soap. We recommend STORM Clothing Wash. Soak for 5 minutes on one side and another 5 minutes on the other side while squeezing and scrubbing the waders gently. Rinse twice in clean, cool water. Grasp dry waders by booties and align so legs are parallel. Working from booties toward wader top, roll or fold. Store in a cool, shaded or indoor location. Avoid excessive heat.

Suit Up Carefully: Avoid overstretching or walking on abrasive material (like gravel) without wading boots. Keep Clean: Rinse your waders after each session, especially after use in salt water. Dry Completely: Hang dry only, out of direct sunlight, until completely dry.

Most wading boots are sized to be worn over neoprene booties on stockingfoot waders, so you’ll typically need to go up one full shoe size from your everyday street shoe. Some brands recommend going up a size and a half if you plan to wear thicker socks in colder weather. Always check the manufacturer’s sizing guide, and remember that a snug but not tight fit will prevent heel lift while still allowing circulation.

Felt soles provide excellent grip on slick, algae-covered rocks but are banned in some regions due to concerns about spreading invasive species. Rubber soles are more versatile, offering good traction on varied terrain and easier cleaning. Vibram soles are a premium version of rubber, designed with specialized tread patterns for enhanced durability and traction.