There is very little in this life that I love more than wade fishing with a fly rod in picturesque mountain streams. When fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, or doing whatever it is that gets you outdoors, gear matters. I have tried a few different pairs of waders since I started fly fishing and let me tell you firsthand what a huge difference a good pair of waders makes. It’s everything! This is why I love the Orvis Clearwater waders.
Orvis Clearwater waders are my favorite, hands down.
Let me tell you why. These waders are sturdy without being blocky, comfortable without being flimsy, and fitted enough to the contours of a woman’s figure to let me move freely.
Find them on Amazon.
The Clearwater fly-fishing wader was designed specifically for a woman's body in a modern fit to eliminate traditional bulk. They feature a four-layer waterproof breathable nylon fabric, which doesn’t feel heavy but does feel durable. There is a kangaroo-style hand-warming pocket in the front, which comes in very handy when the water is cold and I need a place to warm my hands up. This makes so much sense because trout fishing is done when the water temperature is below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, so realistically, the water I’m fishing in is never warm. There is also a small external storage pocket on the front, which is the perfect size for a fly box or other small item.
They come in three length types: petite, regular, and tall. For me, who stands all of five foot one on her tippy toes, this is a big deal. Regular-length waders are too long. They inevitably bunch up and create ripples of extra material sag. The petite-length waders eliminate this issue for me. They also have a wide range of sizing, from XS to XXL. When combined with the length type, this is a huge range of fits to fit women of all sizes. Hooray for size inclusivity!
Find them on Amazon.
I pair my Clearwater waders with a set of Orvis Pro Hybrid Wading Boots. The combination of these two pieces allows me to go anywhere I want to go in the water. The half tread/half felt bottoms of the wading boots are the ideal balance of traction.
All the benefits of the Clearwater Waders have me pursuing happiness (in other words, trout!) without limitation.
