The Best Lightweight Fishing Waders under $300

Waders are a must for every fly fisherman, but sometimes they can be heavy and really weigh you down in the water. To keep you agile and help you move around in the water, here’s a quick list of a few of our favorite lightweight fishing waders under $300.

 Frogg Toggs Hellbender Stockingfoot Chest Waders – $110 – 190

The Frogg Toggs Hellbenders have been around forever, but they’re reliable, durable, and lightweight. Throw in long-lasting, and you’ve got yourself a great value at this price. They are surprisingly breathable and come with reinforced knees and shins, built-in gravel guards and pockets, and double-taped booties.

Cabela’s Premium Breathable Stockingfoot Waders – $120-130

These new entry-level waders from Cabela’s offer everything a beginner or novice angler could want — great mobility, non-slip booties, taped seams, and rubberized gravel gaiters to help you stay put. They are basic waders, but rather lightweight, and offer an added bonus of neoprene suspenders.

Hodgman H3 Stockingfoot Fishing Waders – $100 – 110

With a lot of extra features like a roomy chest pocket, internal pocket, and anatomical neoprene booties, the Hodgman is still making great, budget-friendly waders after all these years. Hodgman gear is known to hold up well, and these waders in particular are durable, breathable, and lightweight.

Orvis Ultralight Convertible Wader – $298

The most expensive waders on our list, but also the lightest at just 56 oz., the Orvis Ultralight stays true to its name, but doesn’t skimp on quality either. The weight is shaved in the seams, using a stitch and seal system that makes them lighter. They still have their usual 4-layer waterproof breathable nylon shell, which will keep you comfortable, dry, and nimble in the water. The boots are also ultralight neoprene, making these the lightest waders you can find. If you’re looking to really get out and rip quick and fast, then you won’t mind the higher cost, as these waders perform just as well as the competition.

This list should help you get started on your quest for the best lightweight fishing waders. We do suggest focusing on features and performance first, but if weight is a high-priority, these waders should be toward the top of your list. Now get out there and reel them in!

Andy Husek

Andy has been a lifelong Outdoorsman and has hunted and fished all over the world but his home state of Michigan is near and dear to his heart. He grew up fishing the Great Lakes and mostly hunted waterfowl and small game until his teenage years when he quickly became an avid big game hunter and embraced the art of long range shooting. With the help of several long range courses he has become proficient at shooting out to 1,000 yards with his longest confirmed shots being in excess of 1,700 yards. He has hunted North America from the northernmost parts of Alaska to the southernmost parts of Florida and everywhere in between. He has even made the trip across the pond several times to hunt in Africa. When he is not hunting or fishing he is coaching travel softball and watching his two daughters play the sports they love. In between hunts and when they have a break from sports he and his family enjoy spending time outdoors in the beautiful state of Michigan skiing, boating and camping.