I bought a pair of LLBean emerger waders 2 januarys ago. I've put them though hell, walking through brush and thorns, kneeling on and sliding down rocks, basically beating the crap out of them in the back woods. I'm not gonna lie, I'm hard on gear (hardon gear?). So, when my right leg filled with water last weekend on the Salmon, I wasnt surprised. What did surprise me was where the leak was. All my walking had worn the inner knee area, behind the inseam, completely through.
Naturally, Bean took them back in exchange for a new pair. If it had just been a pinhole or seam leak (likely from my abuse), i just would have patched it and lived with it, but since the rest of the waders were in tip top shape, i thought it was weird the material would wear through just by rubbing on itself.
Now, does anyone have advice how I might prevent this pair from doing the same? (Before you even say it, no, it's not from my fat thighs rubbing together. It's at the knees and I have chickenlegs.) I was thinking possibly putting a loose band or strap aroun the knee, or maybe taping or patching over the seam area with something low-friction? I'd like to take a preventative measure that won't prevent me from identifying and treating any possible leaks in the future.
If i'd had the $100, I'd have just upgraded to their next level waders, which are reinforced 360 degrees around the leg up to the thigh, but I dont. I just dont want to be the guy that is constantly bringing back gear that is just worn out.
And of course, once again, this is another plug for LLBean customer service. Gear-wise, yes, those waders have a weak-spot, but now I'm aware of it and still havent seen anything better for the price. And as always, they were almost too eager to take it back and give me a new pair.
