CS: Wader Care - How To Maintain Your Fishing Waders

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Top Wader Care Tips

1. Protect

Always put your waders on using a protective mat to shield the neoprene feet from rocks. Simms makes a variety of storage bags with a built in changing mat for ease of use.

2. Dry

Waders should be dried after each use, both inside and out. When you get home, you can hang your waders to dry thoroughly. Note that exposure to salt water requires special care.

3. Wash

Regular washing helps maintain the waterproof, breathability of your waders. Depending on the number of days used, annual, bi-annual or tri-annual washing is recommended.

All Wader Care Instructions

General Wader Care

SIMMS waders are all built from a durable breathable fabric. Whether that is GORE-TEX® or Toray®, the care that should be taken is the same.
Waders should be dried after each use, both inside and out. Simms understands that certain situations do not allow for time to fully dry between uses. It is the expectation that this circumstance will contribute to a potential shorter lifespan.
Breathable fabrics are porous in nature and can collect dirt, oils from the skin and other environmental substances. Regular cleaning of waders is a key contributor to their lifespan.
Depending on the number of days used, annual, bi-annual or tri-annual washing is recommended.
Exposure to salt water or salt air requires special care: The waders must be rinsed thoroughly with fresh water and dried after each use.
Do not store inside your car for long periods of time. Excess heat will damage your waders.
Always put your waders on using a protective mat to shield the neoprene feet from rocks. SIMMS makes the perfect companion for your waders, the SIMMS Taco wader storage bag and changing mat. The Taco Bag zips completely open to provide an ideal changing surface. When you're done fishing, you can store your damp waders in a ventilated bag such as a Simms Taco Bag.
When you get home, you can hang your waders to dry thoroughly.
Regular washing helps maintain the waterproof, breathability of your waders. Wader fabrics are actually micro porous, allowing body moisture to move outwards while preventing water from coming in.

Wader Storage

Waders are meant to be used but there will be times that they're stored away. During these durations, there are a few guidelines to follow:

Hanging waders is the best storage method. Simms sews a hang loop in the back of the waders. This should be used rather than the suspenders. Suspenders are elastic and will stretch out.
If you are planning on storing your waders after the season is over, we recommend rolling your waders and storing in a cool dry place. Excessive folds can damage the integrity of the material.
Store waders in a cool dry place. Humidity and moisture can promote the growth of mildew, the silent killer. Mildew can work its way beneath the seam tape and begin to lift it up. Once this begins, repairs are difficult if not impossible.

Transport

Getting your waders to and from your favorite angling spot is important.

Waders should be transported inside the vehicle. The open truck bed offers endless possibilities for issues to occur.
Driving in your waders: We do not advise driving in your waders. While it may be easy to move from spot to spot, the seatbelt, seat material, buckles and etc. can create wear spots on the waders.

Technical Fabric Care (excludes Simms Waders)

Gore-Tex and other technical fabrics will be at peak performance when kept clean and free from dirt, sunscreen, oils from skin and perspiration.

Technical fabrics should be washed in warm water (100 degrees) using a detergent that is free from bleach and fabric softener. Both powdered and liquid detergents work fine. A performance tech wash, such as Nikwax can also be used. With the exception of Simms Waders, technical fabrics can be placed in a dryer. For best results, tumble dry on a warm setting for ten-minute intervals. The warmth of the dryer can also renew the DWR (durable water repellent) treatment on the fabric. This causes water to bead up and run off the fabric.

Washing Waders

Use a washing machine without an agitator or hand wash. Use cold water and normal detergent that does not contain bleach. Once you have washed the waders make sure you dry them properly. Start by turning the waders inside out and hang dry. Once dry, flip them right side out to complete the process. Never put your waders in the dryer, the heat will adversely affect the seam tape on your waders and will void your warranty.

Wader Washing Recommendation: Take the wading belt off and zip the suspenders into front pocket prior to washing waders. Make sure to zip all pockets.

Maintaining Breathability

If water does not bead off the fabric, it may be time to consider reapplying a DWR treatment. We recommend Nikwax products for both waders and other technical outerwear pieces. Please note, many of these products recommend using a dryer which is fine for everything except waders.

DIY Repairs

WADERS-PINHOLE LEAK REPAIR

While one single pinhole may not cause a noticeable leak, left unrepaired, more pinholes can form causing a larger issue. Regular inspection and preventative maintenance should be performed.