200 Gram thinsulate neoprene warm enough?

[Burtbords149]

hey all, since having caught the steelhead bug I want to get out there as soon as I can.

The only thing I'm concerned about is the cold feet issue. Last time the water was maybe 38 degrees and the stockingfoot breathables i was wearing didn't cut it my feet were frozen.

I'm looking into an insulated bootfoot to keep me toasty out there. I see a lot of 200 gram thinsulate neoprene waders and one 1000 gram thinsulate, cabela's spring run.

My question: is 200 gram thinsulate enough to fight off the 34 degree water if done properly or is 1000 gram needed or 600 if that's available?

Thanks a bunch every1. Every sporting goods store nearby has 5mm 200 gram waders which would be convenient to buy, but i don't want to be cold again with them.

 

[WBDluver]

It is hard to answer your question as everyone's body is different. Some can tolerate colder temperatures better that others. some have poor circulation etc etc. 1. I find boot foot will help keep you warmer due to the fact that you do not have a constriction around your ankle, improving circulation. I would go with the 200 and layer properly with high quality wool socks, like Bridgedales Then the waders can be used from fall to early spring. Just adjust the type and amount of socks.

 

[trico mike]

Sometimes being cold is part of the game. No matter what I wear my feet freeze. I find that after they get really cold I just get out of the water and go for a walk to warm them up. I would buy the heaviest insulation you can get. No sense buying 200 grams and then find out that your still cold when you could have bought the 1000 gram ones.

 

[Andy]

I used boot-foot neoprenes for years, but like many other steelheaders, I've given up on neoprene as I find it too heavy and it restricts my movement. Two important things to consider when purchasing your waders, whatever style they may be. Firstly, get the next size larger to your regular foot size so you can wear an ample amount of heavy sox and the foot doesn't fit too tight. Secondly, get a pair that doesn't fit too tight in the chest area so you can wear a heavy jacket INSIDE of them which you'll find to be much warmer. A base layer under a pair of heavy fleece wading pants, plus the neoprene, should keep your legs warm. One final suggestion: stay away from the Simms Guide wading pants which they claim are made for cold temperatures...they're useless!

 

[streamfisher]

Room for your feet to breathe is critical. I don't think 200 grams is a major enhancement to the warmth problem. It certainly would help. I also wear liner socks. Wearing sylk liner socks under heavy smartwool is much more comfortable. Without the liners, you feel the moisture in the wool and the socks can kind of glom on to your feet. The liner keeps your feet dry and moving freely within the wool sock. I wiggle and krinkle my toes as often as I can remember when I've not been moving around much to keep blood flowing.

 

[Burtbords149]

thanks for all the info every1....here's my next question n response to this:

I've been looking for breathable bootfoots that are insulated well and I can't find anythign except for expensive Simms with the custom muck boot. When i was fishing i found my legs and body weren't cold just my feet.

Anyone know of any reasonably priced bootfoots with well insulated bootfoots? Thanks again

 

[WBDluver]

One final suggestion: stay away from the Simms Guide wading pants which they claim are made for cold temperatures...they're useless!

Great, I just bought a pair, I did not pay the $100 but $80. When I got them I thought the same thing. Should have stuck with my $40 cabelas fleece pants.

---------- Post added at 01:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:42 PM ----------

I had the Orvis sliver label bootfoots. No insulation but with the breathable you can layer underneath heavy wool base layer and thick fleece, you can wear your jacket inside you waders not outside like you will have to with Neoprene. Go with the breathable boot foot from LLbean, for 198.00 Layer properly and put these inside your boots. Cabela's: GRABBER® Foot Warmer Insoles . The reason your feet and hands are the first to get cold is due to the fact your brain tells the rest of the body it needs that warm blood in more vital places to keep your organs functioning. So it robs it from places that need it less. That is why you fingers and toes are the first thing to get cold on the human body.