Why do Waders leak?
Every day Waders are worn by anglers, marine workers, ecologists and an endless amount of other industrial roles when working in or with water. But even the best-made waders can leak so let’s explore a few common areas for Wader failure and how you can keep dry for longer.
Wear & Tear
Perhaps the most common cause of Wader leaks is due to wear and tear. Frequent bending, kneeling and walking can cause stress on seams, the fabric itself especially around the knees, crotch seams and the boot joints. Generally, thicker fabrics will be more durable for Waders, although design features can also help reduce wear and tear such as additional layers of fabric on areas more susceptible to puncturing or flex.
Punctures & Abrasions
Punctures and abrasions are another common culprit. Sharp objects like thorns, gravel, hooks, or barbed wire can easily puncture the fabric. These micro-holes might not be noticeable at first, but they let in water under pressure. In the case of PVC Waders, the thicker the fabric is, the more PVC is present, and the more puncture resistant the Waders will be. Although lightweight Waders are a nice concept, they are more likely to leak as there is less PVC to create the bonded joints and less PVC to prevent puncturing. Knees are also a common cause of leakage as a stone or small sharp object between the Wader knee and the ground will easily cause damage. Look for Waders with reinforced knees and external kneepads that prevent puncturing of the main Wader fabric.
Storage
Poor storage and cleaning habits also contribute. Storing waders while damp encourages mold and weakens adhesives. Folding or stuffing them in tight spaces can stress seams and cause creases that eventually fail. In the case of Neoprene, this is particularly important as neoprene will naturally crease and these creases will remain. It’s important to hang your Waders up to dry after use, avoid folding them as much as possible, and definitely keep them away from damage from mice!
Seams
Seam failure is a common cause of Wader leaks – it’s important to buy Waders that use the right technology for the fabric used. For example, Neoprene needs glued and seamed joints, and PVC Waders need welding. Lightweight Nylon Waders with stitched and taped joints are always going to leak faster as the fabric has been punctured with sewing needles before a thin layer of seam tape is applied across the stitch holes.
General Defects
Finally, other manufacturing defects can sometimes be to blame, especially in cheaper models. This can include cheaper fabrics with (in the case of PVC Waders) insufficient plastizers that allow the fabric to be as supple as possible, low quality seam tapes, poor gluing or bonding and cheap componentry such as buckles.
Importance of Care
Regular inspection, proper drying and storage, and prompt repair of small holes can dramatically extend your Waders’ life—and your comfort in the water. Treat them well, and they’ll keep you dry much longer.
Choose Ollyskins
When you buy Ollyskins Waders, you’re buying a premium quality garment. We research fabrics, components, trims and boots to bring to you Waders that will deliver the best value for money and performance, but a little extra care will help them last a little longer.