Tips on the Care & Repair of Fly-Fishing Waders

After the Water

Allowing those waders to fully dry out between uses will go a long way in keeping them leak-free. Hang the waders by the boots--upside down--from an elevated area. Use a wide strap around the boot area. Distribute the weight of the waders on this strap as much as possible. This allows the entire surface of the waders to breathe and the interior to drip dry. Do not throw them crumpled up in a corner. The material on the outside may soon become damaged by lack of air circulation. Clean all storage pockets of the contents. Items left in pockets can collect moisture and soon begin to mold in the correct environment. Remove the shoulder straps and hang them separately to dry. Hanging the waders from the straps can place long-term stress on the material, causing them to fail.

Cleaning

Clean the waders using a mild hand soap such as Ivory. Soak a sponge in warm water and lather the sponge with the hand soap. The mild cleanser in the soap will not clog breathable material or create a problem for any existing glues or patches. Thoroughly rinse the waders in clean water and hang them up to dry completely. Store the waders as described above by the boots in a dry, sealed closet area away from sunlight. Constant exposure to UV rays my break down some wader material, prematurely causing it to crack along folded seams. Hand wash the shoulder straps and suspenders. Again, use a mild soap and warm water. Salts from perspiration can eventually infiltrate the material weakening it to a point where it may break when under stress--most likely when your are knee-deep in a stream.

Repairs

Search for pinholes using a small flashlight. Place the light inside the waders and run the face of it against the material. Dim the lights in the room to observe any small pinholes of light. Inflate the waders using the reverse flow of a vacuum cleaner. Exercise caution when inflating the waders, and allow the pressurized air to escape somewhat. Mix a soapy solution of water, and spray it on the outside of the waders. Small bubbles will form at the leak. Immerse the waders in a tub of water while they are inflated. The leaks will show themselves as a constant source of bubbles rising up through the water. Use only adhesives that will not melt or destroy the wader material itself. The manufacturers of the waders may even provide kits for the repair. Preferably you will need to use an adhesive that is water repellent and will immediately stick to the waders material (see "Resources," below).