Wader bags are great additions to your fishing gear. However, they come in different shapes and sizes, so it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
In this article, we look at some of the wader bags out there to help you pick the best one for you.
Why Use a Wader Bag or Boot Bag?
Using waders when out fishing makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. You can stand in the water up to your hips and still be dry and reasonably warm.
Actually, entering the domain of the fish you catch like this may enhance your experience and bring you more success, but it does cause issues when traveling back home.
If you put wet, muddy waders or wading boots loose in your car, by the time you make it home – you will have a very damp, smelly, and overall not very pleasant car interior.
A wader bag solves this issue by giving you somewhere to store your wet waders while you travel. These bags help your waders, and boots dry out while keeping your car dry, fresh-smelling, and clean.
They also allow you to carry your waders with you in a simple and comfortable way which helps keep your fishing trip comfortable and as enjoyable as possible.
What to Look For in Wader Bag?
When choosing a wader bag, you will want a separate section for your wet gear. This will let you keep your wet gear away from any extra gear you are carrying. This section should also have a good level of waterproofing and be quick-drying to prevent any bad smells from developing.
Another feature to look out for is ventilation. Having a vented bag helps with the drying process and is another way of preventing mold, dampness, and bad smells.
Having a separate section in your wader bag for boots is also very useful. Having to cram your boots in with other gear can cause damage. Not to mention your boots will likely be muddy and wet too so you don’t want them close to other dry kit.
Don’t overlook the usefulness of a carry strap for your wader bag. Experienced anglers will tell you never to underestimate the weight of wet gear. It can be surprising how much weight is added to your gear once it gets wet, so you will want to be able to carry it in a comfortable way to avoid injury. A carry strap makes carrying your bag full of wet gear much easier so it is an added bonus if your chosen bag has one.
It is common to dive into your research about which is the best wader bag for you and end up choosing the one with the most features at the highest price. When it comes to wader bags it is best to keep things simple. There are basic things you want your bag to do, so find one that meets your criteria and don’t get drawn in by additional features that you know you won’t need but will increase the price of your bag.
Three Types of Wader Bags
There are three types of wader bags for you to choose from. They are:
- True ventilated wader bags. These are designed purely to carry your wet gear.
- Duffel bags are used for carrying your dry fishing gear.
- Combination bags have sections for wet gear and sections for dry gear.
Best Wader Bags: Our 8 Top Picks
Split into an upper section for dry gear and a lower section for wet gear, the Fishpond Flattops Wader Bag is a very versatile duffel. It's a good choice for an all-in-one wader bag and won't break the bank either.
Taco Bag is powered by PU-coated 600-denier ballistic nylon-shell fabric. Ingredients include a large circular design that opens completely to form a handy changing mat and, after fishing, swallows two pairs of dripping waders and their muddy boot companions. Mesh vents prevent mold and mildew. A YKK® zipper comes standard.
The Fishpond Burrito Wader Bag lets you put all of your wet gear inside it before rolling it up like a burrito - simple! With a shoulder strap and a roll-out changing mat, you get very cool and useful features for your money with this one.
Best Wader Bags: Full Reviews
The Simms Taco Wader Bag lives up to its name as it is in the shape of a taco. It's made from 600 denier ballistic nylon and the bag actually unzips into a round changing mat for you to sit on while putting on your waders.
It has mesh vents to keep mold and mildew at bay and it only weighs 14 ounces.
The Simms Taco is a spacious bag big enough to hold two pairs of waders and two pairs of boots.
- Simple design
- Spacious and lightweight
- Turns into a floor mat for convenient changing
Another food-inspired wader bag, the Fishpond Burrito Wader Bag can be rolled out flat and used as a changing mat.
It has a webbing shoulder strap as well as haul handles on either side to help you carry your bag in the way most comfortable for you.
Designed to carry your wet waders and boots with its simple design. You just place your gear in the bag, roll it up, tighten the drawstring to keep everything secure, and you are good to go.
- Simple design
- Drawstring closure to keep everything safe and secure
- Shoulder strap and haul handles
The Orvis Wader Mud Room is a very spacious wader bag.
Mesh ventilation is used to let air pass through the bag to help dry out your gear while keeping any dirt, mud, or debris in the bag and out of your car. As it is a spacious wader bag, when it is used as a floor mat, you will have plenty of floor space to get your waders on and off.
Another simply designed wader bag that delivers practicality in high quantities.
- Made from 100% recycled cordura
- Mesh ventilation to aid the drying process
- Large changing area provided when used as a floor mat
The Umpqua ZS2 Wader and Boot Tote is one of the largest wader bags on this list.
Like other wader bags, it can be used as a floor mat. However, this is a full-size, padded mat that adds an extra level of comfort to its practicality.
It also has a MOLLE panel that lets you add accessories of your choice.
- Large and padded floor mat
- MOLLE panel for customization
- 3 internal pockets with a combined capacity of 2800 cubic inches.
This has multiple compartments to separate out and organize your gear. It has an area for wet kit and an area for dry kit to keep used kit away from the fresh.
The Korkers Mack's Canyon Wader Bag has ventilation in the wet area to help dry out your waders and boots. This is separated from the rest of the bag by a hydrophobic material preventing any water from making it onto your dry clothes.
- Comes with a fold-out changing mat that can be tucked away when not in use
- Shoulder straps for comfort
- Can be turned into a backpack
The Fishpond Flattops Wader Duffel features two main compartments. The lower compartment is for your wet waders and boots while the upper compartment is for your dry gear.
It is a spacious bag with 2 additional zipped pockets on the underside of the lid.
The backside of the bag even has a rod tube attachment for added convenience.
- Molded base for increased stability
- Rod attachment
- Spacious and keeps wet and dry gear separate
The Simms Dry Creek Duffel is completely waterproof.
It is also padded to help keep your gear protected while out on your travels. It is simply designed and has multiple access points for convenience.
This is a comfortable bag to carry and can hold more than enough gear for most outdoor adventures.
- Fully waterproof
- Multiple access points
- Stands upright without support
Made from recycled material, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is kind to the planet as well as your gear.
It comes in a range of sizes and is one tough bag. A shoulder strap and haul handles make carrying easy too.
Webbed pockets on the lid provide extra storage space for accessories.
- Range of sizes available
- Environmentally friendly
- Easy and comfortable to carry
Final Thoughts on Best Wader Bags
Wader bags make sure your fishing adventures end on a high without the stress of dealing with a wet and muddy car.
If you want your waders and boots to be protected while keeping your car clean and dry, the wader bags on this list are good options for you.
