The top of the wader and a 5-layer Cordura fabric cover on the underside of the legs add durability, and removable knee pads add durability to a commonly vulnerable area of the wader. Plus, these waders have some of the toughest built-in gravel guards we’ve found. Oh, and one of the most important aspects of staying warm and comfortable has not been overlooked: ankle boots fit well, no excess material and an anatomical fit. These are ideal for active anglers.
But besides durability and fit, there are a few other things that make these waders great. A puffy chest area with open pockets is perhaps the most annoying thing in the world for fishermen rowing boats or dropping spy rods. Orvis has equipped these boots with a flat trunk and provided all breast pockets with zippers.
The pillows are made of Ortholite X-25 foam and the foam in particular does not compress over time. The other great design innovation for the Waders Orvis PRO boots are the removable knee-pads.
Knee pads certainly make this experience more enjoyable, but that’s not all. For walking and hiking guides, and even those with a drifting boat, the extra knee brace is useful when kneeling to remove flies from a trout’s mouth, get a good angle on a picture, or even kneel down by the fire or grill while preparing lunch.
The wader PRO has a large, fleece-lined pocket on the front of the wader to warm up your hands, as well as a waterproof zip pocket. Inside there is an elastic mesh pocket with a subdivided, detachable equipment pocket. The elastic mesh pocket is ideal for cell phones, wallets and keys, while the detachable pocket offers plenty of space for additional fly boxes, leaders, clips, floats and other accessories that fit in waders.
The PRO waders are not as comfortable as the Orvis Ultralight waders, but they are close. They’re reassuringly strong so you won’t have to think twice about breaking through the undergrowth. The new design of the women’s professional leg reduces the number of seams and reinforces existing ones. You won’t forget that you are wearing long boots, but they don’t look chunky or restrictive.
Finally, the internal retractable accessory package in the wader is a great way to keep the leader, guide, and tools handy and organized.
