Three Things You Can Do To Preserve Your Waders

Hunting and fishing are among some of the oldest pastimes in the country -- perhaps because, before they were pastimes, they were necessities. It was impossible for people to live without hunting or fishing centuries ago, and now it is impossible for a lot of us to live without these hobbies for very different reasons. Of course, it's important to remember that more investment is required of hunting and fishing than other, less intense activities -- both in terms of time and energy, as well as money. The last thing you would want is to attempt hunting and fishing without the right equipment. Owning the right pair of outdoor boots, as well as the right types of waders, can make the difference between a successful trip or a miserable one. But once you have those accessories in hand, you'll want to take care of them. Buying a good pair of camo hunting waders or other types of footwear appropriate for fishing and hunting isn't easy -- you have to be careful about what you're buying, and where you're buying it from. Normally, this means making something of an investment as well; a good pair of waterproof boots won't come cheap. Let's look into a few of the ways that you can stay on top of your waders and hunting boots -- and ensure that they stay in the kind of shape necessary for sporting.

1. Storage Matters

A lot of people are under the mistaken impression that waders and rubber boots, in general, can withstand more damage than what they're actually made for. Yes, your pair of camo hunting waders may be made to withstand a lot of water damage, as well as a good bit of dirt -- but during the off season, they need to be stored properly in order to keep them great shape. Keeping your waders in a place that is warm or at all moist will encourage the growth of mold. In turn, they will not only collect the kinds of fungus that can transfer to your feet when you wear your waders; they may also lose their shape and effectiveness over time. Before storing your waders, make sure that they are completely dry, and store them in the shape you want them to hold. Keep them in a place that is dark, cool, and dry. Your shoes are an investment, and the more specific they are, like camo hunting waders, the more expensive they'll get -- treat them like one.

2. Use The Right Waders For The Right Activities

As previously mentioned, there are different types of waders available for different activities. Some are made more for hunting, like camo hunting waders, which blend into the environment while also providing protection against shallow waters. While others are meant for wading into deeper waters, like waders meant for fly fishing. For that matter, different levels of thickness work for different temperatures of water. Usually, neoprene waders will have a thickness ranging from three millimeters, for fly fishing in warmer weathers, to five millimeters, like those made for cold water. The fact is that you'll want to get waders with a thickness corresponding to the waders' purpose. Otherwise, they may not last as long as they should.

3. Take Care Of Your Feet

This might sound odd at first -- and even a bit personal. But when you're on a hunting or fishing trip, you may end up spending a lot of time in your waders. If your feet have some sort of fungus, it's likely to grow in your waders, sometimes even if they're stored properly. For that matter, having long or jagged toenails can damage the inside of your waders over a period of time. Your feet can be rough on any types of shoes, and your waders will have to take a beating from the environment as is. This is particularly true if your waders don't fit well; so make sure that the fit is perfect and your feet are in great shape!