Wet Wading

[scel]

Yo, mountain stream aficionados!

 

So, I have always been someone who has just used their waders. I had a 4km walk and I decided that I would just pack a pair of Chaco sandals. Coupled with some quick dry pants, I found traipsing through the freestone stream refreshing and comfortable.

 

Of course, with sandals, there are some issues, like rock extraction and toe-smashing, but they are, for the most part comfortable. If I had to stand in the water, they might be a little chilly, but I only used them to cross over the river.

 

What do you use for wet wading?

[sallinger]

I use my Simms boots with neoprene socks. Works pretty well in my opinion

[BurningChrome]

Simms Vapor boots. I started out wet wading in sandals as well but after slicing my foot open on something decided I needed something that would offer better protection.

 

I've also heard that Five Ten Canyoneer shoes are supposed to be a good wet wading option but haven't tried them myself.

[Tibore]

Whatever the case I would suggest if you're using neo socks and wader boots, get gravel guards. I was using MEC neo booties up until last year before switching to Simms socks with built in gravel guards. With the MEC pair I was having to on a regular basis remove my boots to dislodge pebbles and such. Not a problem now with the gravel guards.

[ÜberFly]

Yup! wading boots with neoprene socks!

 

 

I use my Simms boots with neoprene socks. Works pretty well in my opinion

[bcubed]

I wear the simms sandal, and they're great. Get the occasional rock, but other then that. Really, fished all day on saturday with them and only had to stop once for a big rock that got in. Small pebbles will self-extract.

 

They're pretty blatantly ripping off the Keen sandal, but thats not a bad thing for fit and function. or go to the riprap shoe (sandal that has all the holes meshed out), but i feel this may have more gravel issues

[scel]

I wear the simms sandal, and they're great. Get the occasional rock, but other then that. Really, fished all day on saturday with them and only had to stop once for a big rock that got in. Small pebbles will self-extract.

 

They're pretty blatantly ripping off the Keen sandal, but thats not a bad thing for fit and function. or go to the riprap shoe (sandal that has all the holes meshed out), but i feel this may have more gravel issues

 

Cool. I looked at my Keens and my Chacos. I went with the Chacos based on backpack space and regretted the decision when I jammed something under my big toenail. I like the Simms Vibram. I find Vibram really makes a big difference.

[jasonvilly]

I have had 0 issues with gravel or ricks wearing the Simms rip rap. They fit tightly to your ankle preventing this.

 

Good grip on mountain streams.

 

Won't go back to anything else. Boots are way to heavy for summer.