Wader Repair

[lar42]

Does anyone have any tips on wader repair they might like to share? I have about a 2 inch vertical rip on the backend of my waders. Yes, I was climbing over a rock, slipped and busted my ... :oops: It happens! :)

The instructions look relatively simple but I know there is always a hitch. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

These are Orvis waders.

Thanks!

[Redwings1]

Cheaper is not better when sealing a tear...
I use Aquaseal and pretreat using Cotol-240. Create a temporary seal on the outside of the waders using a strip of duck tape, don't worry...you will remove it later. I line up the tear on the duck tape and then turn the waders inside out. Generously pre-treat the area out to a full inch around the tear with the Cotol-240 and then spread on the Aquaseal overlapping the tear 1/4" to 1/2" and let dry for a day and remocve the tape. On a tear the size of yours it would not hurt to then do the same on the outside. The reslut should keep you dry and happy at a much cheaper price than a new set of waders... :lol:

[lar42]

Redwings1,

Thanks for the advice. I take it by your response that the patch kit that comes with the waders just don't get the job done, as the saying goes. :) That's ok, I'm a believer in going with the experience rather than the straight instructions. Plus, I'd rather do it right the first time and not have to find out the hard way it didn't work. :wink: Nothing like standing in the middle of the river catching and getting that 'ole wet feeling! :(

This method you talking about works on the inside layers as well? Let me know. Thanks again for the advice!

[Redwings1]

To be honest I have never used the kit that comes with the waders, I tend to lose it... For about $15 you can by the stuff I mntioned and it is enough to do a lot of repairs.

Not sure what you mean by inside layers? I have Orvis breathables and the method works both on the breathable portion as well as the neoprene boot, but tends to not last too long on boot gashes.