[Ronniedee]

Any weight-conscious backpacking fly fisherman in here? What do you recommend for waders and wading boots for fishing the NC backcountry trout streams? I'm considering the Simms Headwaters and Rivershed boots, Simms Blackfoot and Headwaters waders, Cloudveil boots, and Patagonia Canyonwalker boots.

I backpack year-round and plan to fish wild waters during the colder months.

I've spent a lot of money to get the weight of my backpacking gear down, so I want to get lightweight wading gear to pack in. It needs to be durable, but light, and keep me dry and comfortable.

If anyone has any experience with these or others, please let me know.

Thanks!

[Neusewader]

Sounds like wet wading is the ticket so you won't have to mess with waders at all.

[Riparian]

If your planning on doing this in the summer look into the sims/keen river wading sandals, and forget the waders all together thats what I use. The sandles are sticky rubber and felt and work great. I just use those and a pair of wading shorts that dry quickly. This is important as you dont want to wade in cotton shorts. They will get wet and take forever to dry and then when the sun goes down you got to take them off or freeze and they wont be dry the next morning. Korkers also makes a pair with interchangable soles so you can hike with the lugs and then put on the felt when you hit the water. Ive done miles of hikeing and fishing in those Sims/Keens and while hiking is kind of rough on the felt they havent hurt my feet at all.
Take Care,
Riparian.

[Upstream]

No experience with those products, but when backpacking, I wade wet whenever possible, and often when it's not. I usually pack in a light pair of Chota felts. Sometimes I hike in auqastealths from Bean and wade in them, but that's a poor compromise only undertaken when I am familiar with both the trail and stream condition. I really don't like felt on the trail.

Good luck.

Bob

[slickfly]

If you want to keep the weight down, you simply don't bring it. Especially if you're backpacking. All you need is a bathing suit and some sandals.

[Labrador]

cloudveil boots will be the lightest at this time I think, but you can get some cabelas boots that are just a few ounces heavier for about half the cost. They aren't super comfortable, but they are light.
I think at some point I want the cloudveils.

I still pack in the boots in summer, just ditch the waders once spring hits.

[Ronniedee]

Thanks so much for all your advice. I updated my original post to add that I do backpack all year long and plan on bringing my fly gear when near trout waters. I'll need to stay dry until spring at least. I'm hitting Pisgah in about three weeks, so I am still looking for some waders and boots.

Originally Posted by Labrador

cloudveil boots will be the lightest at this time I think, but you can get some cabelas boots that are just a few ounces heavier for about half the cost. They aren't super comfortable, but they are light.
I think at some point I want the cloudveils.

I still pack in the boots in summer, just ditch the waders once spring hits.

My buddy is really high on these Cloudveils. I may end up getting some. Hopefully he'll hurry up and get a pair so I can see them in person first. My local outfitter is out of stock.

[Ronniedee]

Also, I just realized it may have been rude to start asking for advice without introducting myself. I'm Ronniedee out of NC's piedmont. I just started fly fishing last fall and have a whole lot to learn. Looking forward to hanging out with you guys and gals here and talking about some fishing. What a terrific resource!

[Dr. Gonzo]

I have a pair of the Patagonia Watermaster Lights that are my everyday waders. So far they have held up really well in the face of some serious abuse. Rubbing against rocks, walking through thorns and general rough treatment has done nothing to reduce their ability to keep me dry. I've been using them all winter up here in the north country too. So if you're looking for something lightweight but durable, I'd suggest you give them a look - they're heavily discounted right now at most places too.

[wvyou]

You might buy yourself a large pair of Simms/Chota/whomever wading socks, and instead of folding them down, as intended, pull them up.

I did this for the first few years with my son Wyatt. They covered him to mid-thigh.

Chances are they'll stop just below the knee on an adult. That may be enough, however, to get you close enough for the casts you'll be making.

For summer wading, you can't beat Craghoppers. These are the pants Bear Grylles wears on his show Man vs. Wild.

They dry super fast, are anti-microbial, have built in bug repellent for ticks and nasties, and have a lifetime warranty. Add to it that you don't get scratched to h$ll and back while beating the bush.