Best Duck Hunting Waders: The Definitive Guide

If you want to make your hunting experience a little more enjoyable, you may be looking for one of the best duck hunting waders.

There’s a few things you need to consider before making your purchase and I’ll show you what’s most important – you’ll see my top picks for 2017 too.

Ready?

How To Pick The Perfect Wader

If you choose a low quality or poorly made wader you can be in for a miserable day. To prevent this you need to look for:

• Durability and toughness
• Boot quality and insulation
• Smaller details (seems, stitching, buckles, zippers, etc).

First of, and most importantly, you need a product that’ll stand up to the elements without ripping or tearing. If you’re treading water in early winter the last thing you want is water seeping in – it’ll be impossible to have a good day if that’s happening. You want hunting gear that’ll keep all wetness out. Good waders will do that and will endure pokes and stabs from sticks and logs.

Next, you need to examine the quality of the boot and the type of insulation it provides. I’m someone who gets cold feet easily and this is major for me. The average range of insulation is between 600 and 1000 grams but you can find products that go up to 1600 grams; the later you hunt in the season the more insulation you’ll want.

Lastly, you need to consider the smaller details like seems, stitching, buckles and zippers. This usually comes down to brand and how much you pay. The old saying “you get what you pay for” rings true here. If you pay a little extra you’ll get better stitching, which keeps water out, and zippers and buckles that won’t break. If you cheap out, you run the risk of getting faulty equipment.

So now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at my top picks now.

Frogg Toggs MarshTogg RealTree Max 5 Hunting Wader 

Company: Frogg Toggs

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.9/5

Frogg Toggs is an excellent company and they’re well known for their waders – anytime your purchase from them you know you’re getting a well made, durable and comfortable product. Hunters will be happy the MarshTogg’s come with:

• Fleece lined chest pockets to help warm your hands when necessary
• 1200 grams of insulation ensures warmth and prevents coldness
• High back upper let’s you wade in deep water

The knee pads are reinforced and, like all good waders, the boots provide supreme traction. This product costs around $195, which is very fair – I know you’ll agree if you decide on these.

Take A Closer Look At The Frogg Toggs MarshTogg RealTree Max 5’s

LaCrosse Mallard II Max-4 HD 

Company: LaCrosse

Price: $$$$

Rating: 4.9/5

The LaCrosse Mallard II Max – 4’s are great for a lot of reasons. First off, they have 1000 grams of insulation, so you’ll be nice and toasty with snow on the ground. Some other awesome features include:

• Expandable and adjustable materials so you get the perfect fit for your body type
• Puncture resistant materials won’t let water in
• Plenty of storage for all your gear
• SwampLite outsole on the boots make them slip proof

This product has reinforcements in the most vulnerable parts too, like the rear and knees. Any hunter would be lucky to wade with these on.

Take A Closer Look At The LaCrosse Mallard II Max 4’s

Banded Gear Redzone Breathable Insulated Wader

Company: Banded Gear

Price: $$$$

Rating: 4.9/5

The Banded Gear Redzone is made for all weather conditions and will keep you protected in the coldest conditions (1600 grams of insulation). Also, they come with:

• Fleece lined chest pockets that will warm up your hands when needed
• Articulated knees enhance mobility and movement
• Extremely durable and will keep all water out

Just by looking at these you can tell they’re well made and quality. Quality has a price, however, and the Redzone’s will cost around $299. If you have the cash, and plan on getting out there a lot this year, it’s definitely worth it.

Take A Closer Look At The Banded Gear Redzone Breathable Insulated Wader

Kobuk Men’s Waterfowler Max-5 Hunting/Fishing Wader

Company: Kobuk

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.8/5

The Kobuk Men’s Max 5’s are one of the easiest waders to get in and out of – they have quick release buckles that aid with this. It’s also very rugged and will stand up to all kinds of elements, and has some nice features, like:

• 1200 grams of insulation
• Adjustable shoulder straps so you get the exact fit you desire
• Removable fleece hand warmers

Kobuk Max 5’s aren’t overly expensive either, at around $179. This is a fair price for what you’re getting.

Take A Closer Look At The Kobuk Men’s Max 5’s

Allen Cattail Chest Waders

Company: Allen Company

Price: $$

Rating: 4.7/5

The Allen Cattail Chest Waders come at a really good price and you can find these for under $100 – they’re one of the best values on this list. Despite it’s low price, these waders are quality and come with:

• 1000 grams of very warm insulation
• Large pockets for storage and warmth
• Adjustable so you get a good fit

The camo is Mossy Oak and it’ll help you blend in with your environment. This piece of gear has a lot of positive reviews on Amazon and if you’d like to see what others are saying about it, click below:

Take A Closer Look At the Allen Cattail Chest Waders

Drake LST Eqwader 2.0

Company: Drake Waterfowl

Price: $$$$

Rating: 4.9/5

The Drake LST Eqwader 2.0’s are one of the most expensive products on this list and for good reason – they’re one of the best! This wader has an unbelievable amount of insulation (1600 grams) and you’ll be able to wade deep into the hunting seasons with them on. You’ll also like that they:

• Have multiple pockets that are easy to access
• DryFuse Seam Technology keeps all water out
• Hydro-Flex technology allows for maximum mobility and movement

If you hunt every once in a while, or are just starting, you probably won’t need this piece of gear. It’s reserved for people who get out there frequently and love to hunt.

Take A Closer Look At The Drake LST Eqwader 2.0’s

Lacrosse Swamp Tuff Bottom Land 1000

Company: Lacrosse

Price: $$$$

Rating: 4.8/5

Here we have another excellent Lacrosse product and the Swamp Tuff Bottom is, as the name suggests, very tough. Besides that they’re very warm and feature 1200 grams of insulation. If that’s not enough, they also come with:

• Waterproof protection that’s hard to match
• Strong materials that won’t rip or tear
• Contoured Ankle-Fit prevents heel slippage and you get a lot of traction from the boot outsole

This wader is built for waterfowlers and the camo design will blend you in, no matter what water conditions you come across. This isn’t a cheap product and will likely cost around or over $260. If, however, you’re looking for the best hunting experience possible, you should consider the Lacrosse Swamp Tuff’s.

Take A Closer Look At The Lacrosse Swamp Tuff Bottom’s

Hodgman Caster Neoprene Cleated Wader

Company: Hodgman

Price: $$

Rating: 4.7/5

The Hodgman Caster Cleated Wader’s shouldn’t be worn by anyone who plans on hunting in cold weather and water – they only provide 200 grams of insulation. These are made for less serious hunters and people who like to do it in warmer weather. They still have some nice features, which include:

• Reinforcements in vulnerable parts, like the knees
• Fleece lined top pocket that acts as a hand warmer
• Will keep all water out

This Hodgman product comes at a very fair price too, at around $105. Under the right conditions and circumstances, this wader can be quite useful.

Take A Closer Look At The Hodgman Caster Cleated Wader’s

Itasca Marsh King 1600

Company: Itasca

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.8/5

The last product you saw isn’t meant for cold water and winter hunting. The Itasca Marsh King, however, is. It comes with the the most insulation, 1600 grams, and will have you feeling nice and toasty. Also, it comes with:

• Felt midsole in the boots to increase warmth
• Extremely comfortable buckles that are quick release and easy to get in and out of
• Will keep all water out

These aren’t overly expensive and will cost between $169 to $189. Not too bad.

Take A Closer Look At The Marsh King 1600

Banded Gear Playmaker Realtree Max-5

Company: Banded Gear

Price: $$$$

Rating: 4.8/5

The Banded Gear Playmaker Realtree is an expensive product and will cost around $279. If you’re planning on hunting deep into the season, however, you must consider these waders. They offer 1600 grams of insulation and come with:

• Breathable Heat Absorbing Retention System that traps warmth inside
• Will keep you warm and comfortable in -10 degree water
• Articulated knees improve mobility and enhance movement
• Completely waterproof and will keep you nice and dry

If you’re a casual duck hunter, you won’t need the Playmaker’s – they’re definitely made for serious hunters.

Take A Closer Look at The Banded Gear Playmaker Realtree

Frogg Toggs Amphib Bootfoot Wader

Company: Frogg Toggs

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.8/5

Here we have another well made product from Frogg Toggs and the Amphib Bootfoot Wader’s are fairly priced – they’ll cost around $133. The only people who shouldn’t purchase these are hunters who go out in very, very cold water. The Amphib’s have moderate insulation (600 grams) that can handle most temperatures, just not extreme cold. Also, they have:

• Dual entry handwarmer pockets
• Superior stitch and seam work that improves waterproofing and life of the product
• Cleated boots for superior traction
• Reinforced knee pads resist tears

This is another product with a ton of Amazon reviews and you can see what others are saying by clicking below:

Take A Closer Look At The Frogg Toggs Amphib Bootfoot’s

Allen Ridgeway 2-Ply Waders

Company: Allen Company

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

The Allen Ridgeway 2-Ply’s are best suited for people trying out duck hunting or anyone who goes out every once in a while, in warmer conditions. They just won’t protect the way serious waterfowler’s need. There’s still a few nice features, which include:

• Cleated boots that’ll prevent you from slipping all over the place
• Adjustable suspenders so you get a good fit
• Very lightweight and won’t slow you down

The price is right on these and they’ll cost around $75. The right person can have a lot of fun wearing the 2-Ply’s.

Take A Closer Look At The Allen Ridgeway 2-Ply’s

Lacrosee Super Brush Tuff Insulated Wader

Company: Lacrosse

Price: $$$$

Rating: 4.9/5

The Super Brush Tuff’s is another excellent wader from LaCrosse and is one of the top products on this list. They have reinforcements in all the right spots and 1200 grams of insulation – you’ll be nice and toasty in almost all weather. Hunters will also love:

• The waterproofing that keeps all moisture out
• Trac-Lite outsole that provides superior traction
• Realtree camo that blends you into marshes and other outdoor environments

Like with all quality waders, the Super Brush Tuff’s are pretty expensive and will cost around $270. If you expect to get out a lot this year they’re definitely worth it, though.

Take A Closer Look At The Lacrosse Super Brush Tuff

Llano Creek Fleeced Wader

Company: Llano Creek

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

Last on the list is the Llano Creek Fleeced Waders and they’re very affordable – will only cost around $99. This is an excellent price, especially when you consider they:

• Come with 1200 grams of insulation
• Good seam and stitch work prevents tearing and leaks
• Lots of area to attach accessories

If you’re a very serious  hunter you may want a different product. One with a little more protection. Everyone else will really enjoy this Llano Creek wader.

Take A Closer Look At The Llano Creek Fleeced Wader

Don’t Hunt With Low Quality Gear!

There’s no reason to freeze your butt off in cold water this season. Hunting is meant to be enjoyed and with the right waders that’s attainable. The products on this list are all quality and I know you’ll find one that’s perfect for you – no matter your budget, needs or experience.

If you have any questions about what you’ve read, comment below and I’ll make sure to respond as fast as possible. You can let friends and family see by sharing on social media too.

Are you ready to get out with your new waders this year?