We got a shocking rain storm today. The rain came down like someone tipped a whole swimming pool from the roof top.
As I was struggling to get to my car at school car park, I wished if I had my wader with me. So, today, I write bit about Patagonia's Watermaster wader that I have been using for some years.
If I am allowed to get to my conclusion straight, the wader is well made, but I wouldn't be surprised if it starts to leak within the first 12 months or so.
My first pair had a life of one year and bit, then the second pair started leaking in 12 months. The third pair lasted only 3 months, and I used the next one for 6 months. I am on the fifth pair now. All of my previous waders suffered from the same problem. Leaking along the seam tape on legs. Nothing more, nothing less.
Why do I keep going back to Patagonia's waders?
Because apart from their environmental cause that I support, Patagonia's customer service is excellent. Patagonia has replaced all of my leaking waders (the only thing I paid was a shipping cost to send it back to the factory) without making me feel like I am being a bad customer.
I think based on the premise that every wader leaks soon or later, it is a better to go with ones with a good warranty, so when the wader fails, I get a replacement. Of course, if people make their waders to last, I don't need to get a new pair every year which is clearly better for the planet.
The current model of Watermaster wader has these buckles which can be used to adjust the length of the shoulder belts easily without taking them off. It is a handy option for dealing with the nature's call without taking the wader off (provided you are men).
The only problem with these buckles is that one on the back digs into my spine when I sit on a bench, chair or car seat while I am wearing my wader. It is very annoying and it would have been better if they didn't put these things on the back (use Velcro or something instead).
Other than the problem of their leaky seam tapes, the fabric is very tough. When I was using other waders from different companies, I was getting pin holes all the time. With Patagonia's wader, I rarely get pin holes (apart from getting punctured from barb wire, with those annoying thistles in NZ, and of course barnacles).
As I said, the wader is quite well made and comfortable to wear (apart from the belt buckle). It will be an excellent wader, only if it lasts longer (say 3 seasons).
They use their own breathable material called "H2NO"
Socks are thick and comfortable
A stainless steel hook on the gravel guard. It can catch fly line though.
Speaking of catch, here is my catch on the week end.
It is a interesting book to read about the company's philosophy
