This article aims at presenting the different types of waders and their advantages/disadvantages for the practice of float-tube. To know more about a more general aspect like thermal insulation, I invite you to read Thierry Cendrier's article below:
the right criteria to choose your waders for fishing
Comfort between breathable and neoprene
Neoprene, if you choose this option, has the disadvantage of sticking to the body and "cutting off" the blood circulation. By remaining motionless on your float tube, at the end of the day this can accentuate the cramps in the calves and the ants in the feet. In relation to this point, it is therefore necessary to take a larger size to reduce this inconvenience, especially if you want to add clothes under it in winter.
A breathable waders is much more flexible and light, it gives more freedom in the movements. Don't forget that on a float-tube you can stay several hours without getting up, so the slightest gain in freedom is appreciable.
Neoprene slipper or boot?
Waders with integrated boots are not recommended for float tubing. The repetitive motion may eventually wear out the connection between the boot and the waders or the boot. Furthermore, the stiffness of the boot hinders the range of motion of the fins and reduces maneuverability.
The sock waders offer more flexibility of movement and the fact of palming does not stress the connection between the sock and the waders. In my experience, I have never seen or heard of anyone tearing their waders at this level. On the other hand, the liner itself is fragile, so you'll have to be careful with it, especially when moving out of the water.
Some special float-tube waders have a rubber reinforced neoprene liner. It is a very good initiative of the manufacturers. However, these waders will be mainly intended for float-tube practice and it is not possible to wear wading shoes with them.
The straps
A detail that is rarely taken into account, but which is important, is the straps. Velcro straps will have a limited adjustment margin and not always adjusted to your size. They will quickly become unpleasant on your trapezius. It is therefore preferable to choose a wader with adjustable straps, adaptable to any morphology and which will not be in tension when sitting.
And the wading pants?
There are also wading pants which have the same characteristics as the breathable waders, without the top part and therefore, without straps. From a comfort point of view it is even better and in sitting position, on most of the modern float-tubes, there are no problems of water infiltration by the belt. That said, it happens to have to soak above the belt depending on the environment fished, if this is the case with these pants we will be limited.
The ideal waders ?
Neoprene or breathable, there is no particular contraindication at this level, this will depend mainly on the thermal insulation you want. On the other hand, the waders of type slippers with clearly an advantage for the practice of the float-tube. It will bring you a good durability, comfort and versatility of use with several models of fins and shoes, point that I will approach in the article to follow.
