Risks with hip boots and waders: At 78 I’m moderately fit. I haven’t spent all that much time on the water using hip boots or waders. I do have an inflatable personal flotation device...

Harls Loc: Portland, OR

At 78 I’m moderately fit. I haven’t spent all that much time on the water using hip boots or waders. I do have an inflatable personal flotation device (PFD). At any rate, I’m definitely fearful of falling while wading and can imagine taking on water into hip boot or waders.
My question is what are the best and safest chest waders that won’t “take on” water and that also have built in PFD?

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Harls. I cant help on that one but would like to welcome you to thr forum.

fishinphil

That would be an excellent point to look for while out shopping for either a pair or a set of waders. The better chest waders ones will have a useage with a belt, either loops or sewn in.Waders are only thigh high, so you'd need to know your water before you venture out.

Fishing Fool Loc: redding, ca

I have always used a belt when using chest waders and a life vest for fisherman with pockets.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Harls wrote:

At 78 I’m moderately fit. I haven’t spent all that much time on the water using hip boots or waders. I do have an inflatable personal flotation device (PFD). At any rate, I’m definitely fearful of falling while wading and can imagine taking on water into hip boot or waders.
My question is what are the best and safest chest waders that won’t “take on” water and that also have built in PFD?

I'm 76, fly fished all my life. I have never seen a set of waders with a PFD built into them. The better ones have a belly belt that I don't use, nor do I use a PFD, because I'm usually fishing streams. If I plan on crossing a lot of streams, I will take my cane, I have a hook that I can attach it to my vest with and it drags along. Welcome to the Forum, Harls.

Capt Lou

Always use a wading belt , plus a good wading staff and finally use stud bottom boots !
I’m your age group and fish a lot in winter and cold weather months . The above keeps me upright and dry !
If your fishing heavy flows in big waters then by all means wear a personal safety floatation vest !

Cleemartin Loc: Hampton, Virginia

I prefer the waist high waders; they have the best of both other waders.

BankStalker Loc: Friendswood TX

you guys in your 70s fishing are my heroes!!! Im 58 I just pray I will be able to fish like yall if I make it to there.... youve scored before you even catch a fish!!

Cleemartin Loc: Hampton, Virginia

Still fishing from my own boat at age 80. Also travel from Virginia to upstate New York to fish for salmon and brown trout each October, using waist high waders.

Wysacky

77 still wade fishing Lake Moultrie in s c
Always tie off your chest waders
If you don’t and you fall face first you will trap air in your boots and will not be able to get up and you will drown

willfalls

Harls wrote:

At 78 I’m moderately fit. I haven’t spent all that much time on the water using hip boots or waders. I do have an inflatable personal flotation device (PFD). At any rate, I’m definitely fearful of falling while wading and can imagine taking on water into hip boot or waders.
My question is what are the best and safest chest waders that won’t “take on” water and that also have built in PFD?

It is best to wear a belt. I also use a staff in fast deep water and carry a small sheathed knife.

Jon_Gi

So, let me ask this question: How old is too old to wade into water on slippery rocks?
That's similar to the question I asked my older brother when he fell climbing a tree with a climbing tree stand and broke both legs at age 74.
Get a boat. Never go alone.

Jacksprat Loc: Earlington ,Kentucky

Jon_Gi wrote:

So, let me ask this question: How old is too old to wade into water on slippery rocks?
That's similar to the question I asked my older brother when he fell climbing a tree with a climbing tree stand and broke both legs at age 74.
Get a boat. Never go alone.

Well, I am 74, been fishing and duck hunting for as long as I can remember! Wear chest waders all the time while fly fishing! Wear that mid drift belt. And keep a sharp Knife just Incase you have to cut them off if you get them full of water and your over your head or can’t regain standing! I use a staff religiously!

Jon_Gi

Did you notice a difference in your physical abilities between 54 and 60, or 60 and 66, or 66 and 72? The person who has little experience with waders is 79, 6 years older than you!
Yes, a staff helps and the knife and PFD is essential safety requirements, but again I ask how old is too old?

Jacksprat Loc: Earlington ,Kentucky

Yes, Health of a individual is ever changing. Just go with the flow stay active and enjoy! And as for age to stop wading? I would say when you feel unsafe standing or walking due to old age , bad joints, vertigo. But I really don’t think there is a set age when you can draw the line,