I finally got some waders

[Firebug2006]

It took a while, but I found a pair that actually fit pretty well--not an easy task if you're female. Sportsman's Warehouse was the ticket. They actually stock 2 brands of women's waders. (The Bass Pro shop people acted like they never even heard of waders made for women.) But in the end, I went with the men's Alpha Swampfox. I love the features and the way they fit, but I have one question: after a couple hours of wading, my pants were damp around the seams of the reinforced knees. Is this acceptable for a brand new pair of good quality waders?

[canebreaker]

How deep were you in the water?

I'll send a contact to the company to see what they say.

[Firebug2006]

I spent most of the time 2-2 1/2 feet, which is mid-thigh for me. It was windy morning, and as soon as I got in above my hips I had a hard time staying upright. I tried calling Sportsman's this morning but they weren't open yet. I think your idea is better, though.

[Tadpole!!]

If they were "damp" around the knees on the first use then they will leak worse as time goes on. They should not be leaking.

[armyman]

I see they are 600g Thinsulate. Could you possibly be sweating in them in this warm weather???

[duckhunter]

I see they are 600g Thinsulate. Could you possibly be sweating in them in this warm weather???

Good point..............neoprene insulated waders are notorious for making you sweat. I hate wearing mine even while duck hunting for this reason. It can happen very easily if you are moving around all the time, not as much a problem while sitting down. JMO, lol.

[ducker]

My breathables do the same. As long as the water ain't pouring in I'm fine. A lil dampness has become the norm for me, even in the winter. I had a pair of swamp foxes last me 4 hard years of duck huntin

[hotrod1]

If your socks are wet there leaking.

[canebreaker]

They received my email. now wait a few days for a reply. Must be off on weekends.

Good replies from everyone.
Call it wet dreams if you must. I wake during the night with the back of my knees soaking wet.

[Firebug2006]

Tadpole, thank you. I'm glad to know they shouldn't be doing that. It was definitely leakage from the seams above the knees. Perfect pattern on both legs. My socks were nice and dry, and I didn't get hot in them. They're nylon, only the boot portion is insulated. Feels like the boots are lined with neoprene.

Ducker, I am very happy to hear you got a lot of use out of them. I've been saving up my nickels for a while, and they felt like they'd be worth the investment. The belt alone had me hooked.

I just got off the phone with Lacrosse. Since I'm a couple hours away from the retailer, the company is going to exchange them for me directly. He mentioned the added benefit of knowing that I would be getting a "new" pair, which is exactly what I was thinking--how long have these been sitting in a stockroom? Now I just have to wait on UPS.