Disclaimer: TideWe gave me these waders to do this review, and they have given me other gear. I earn from qualifying purchases using their links and code, thanks to them for their support.
When I first started duck hunting, I really wish that I could have found a set of breathable waders just like these; solid and durable with good boots and helpful features. These are the TideWe AquaWade Breathable Waders.
I think these are the least expensive breathable chest waders that TideWe makes, and they are one of the cheaper breathable waders on the market. When I took them out into the woods, I wanted to see:
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How do they stack up against more expensive waders?
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What is the quality like?
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How does the fit and comfort compare against the price point?
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Are these worth getting for new hunters or experienced hunters?
After hunting in these things, I must say that I am impressed. I am impressed with the quality, the construction, the fit, and the value.
TideWe also gave me this 18% off discount code. GK18, that you can use at checkout for the AquaWade Breathable Waders. This discount applies to most things on TideWe’s website and stacks on top of most sale prices.
Price and Build Quality
Right before writing this, I checked the price—with my 18% off discount code, these waders are about $156 before tax… for breathable waders. Not neoprene waders, not cheap vinyl waders, but good breathable waders. I think that is quite noteworthy.
So, what is the quality like? I think they are very good. The stitching, the seams, the boots, all of the features that these waders have, the comfort, and the mobility—all are very nice. Honestly, I’m not sure what I would get if I paid more money for some more expensive waders.
Yes, they do have zippable waders out there. The zipper is nice, but you pay extra money for it. If you’re thinking about non-zippable, breathable waders, these are really nice. I’ve done multiple hunts in them, covered some ground, pushed through brush, and they have not taken any noticeable damage or wear. I really think they’re a great pair of waders.
Check out my short video review to see more of them:
Performance, Fit, and Warmth
Now, one of the big questions is: Do they keep you dry?
Well, yes. They have kept me very dry, and I’m extremely happy with how these waders performed. They are completely waterproof.
Do they keep you warm? Not any more than any other breathable waders that I’ve used, but that’s not really what I’m going for. I like using breathable waders if I’ve got to cover some distance, if it’s warm outside, or if I just need something lighter weight that I can stuff into a backpack, carry with me, and have some versatility.
They do make another set of waders—the AquaWade Pro—which is insulated in the body and even more in the boots. This uninsulated version that I tested does have insulation in the boots, but the body is uninsulated. So, if you’re looking for something warmer, the Pro version is an option. But I personally would make do wearing more layers underneath the uninsulated one if it was colder out.
Overall, the fit on these is nice. The way they sit on me feels good when I’m standing, sitting, and walking. They have plenty of room, but not so much that I’ve felt the need to wear a wader belt.
Boot Comfort & Sizing
The boots on these have been really nice. When I first got them and put my feet in while standing in my living room, the top end of the boots seemed to pinch around my calves a little bit. I thought, “Well, I guess this is the price you pay for getting cheaper waders.”
However, a little bit into my first hunt, that completely went away. I have no problem with them whatsoever. Maybe they needed to be broken in a bit, or maybe after warming up to my body, they adjusted their shape. They are very comfortable now. I’ve worn these waders while dragging a sled with decoys and other gear through brush, and the boots have performed well.
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Sizing Note: I wear a size 11 boot in just about all my hunting boots. I got these in a size 11, and they fit me very nicely with enough room to wear a nice, big pair of wool socks.
I think the boots are nice and warm and come insulated with 1000 gsm of Thinsulate insulation. They also have good tread and good grip.
Key Features & Storage
These waders come with at least four pockets that I’ve found:
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Fleece-Lined Kangaroo Pocket: This one surprised me the most. It works good for keeping your hands warm, and the fleece lining has some grip—I’ve stuck my duck call in there and didn’t feel like it would slip out and get lost.
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Internal Flip-Out Zipper Pocket: Great for throwing your phone or small valuables into.
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External Velcro Pocket: Handy if you want to throw a few shells in.
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External Zipper Pocket: Adds even more storage options.
It probably has more pockets than I really need, but it’s nice to have options. I’ve also come to like the external shell loops on the front. I didn’t plan on using them, but I found myself sticking shells in there, and it’s very convenient.
Additionally, the waders come with a belt, extra shell loops, and a patch kit.
Durable Construction & Suspender Comfort
They feature reinforced shins and a reinforced seat, which are high-wear areas that I very much appreciate. The legs have mesh drains so water can easily escape from between the reinforced layer and the waterproof material.
I also really like the elasticity in the suspenders. They’re nice and wide and feel very comfortable. There’s plenty of room in these—I could easily wear multiple layers underneath if I wanted to, and they still feel good and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the AquaWade Breathable Waders are some of the best breathable waders I could hope for, for the price. You’re getting really nice quality for the money, and I would absolutely recommend them to both new hunters and experienced hunters.
I wish I would have found these when I was new to waterfowl hunting, they would have been some great first waders. But really, I also wouldn’t hesitate to buy them now for myself if I needed more waders or as a gift to someone else. Nothing about them limits them to new hunters. They are just a really good value in my opinion.
Be sure to listen to The New Hunters Guide Podcast and check us out on YouTube.
Till next time. God bless you, and go get em in the woods!
George Konetes Ph.D. – Founder and Host of the New Hunters Guide.
The New Hunters Guide is simply what George wishes he would have had when learning how to hunt; a single place to get practical hands on knowledge about different kinds of hunting, gear, strategy, and tips that can improve your comfort and fun factor in the woods.
As a note, TideWe gave me these waders to do this review, thanks to them for their support.