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I am in the market for some new waders this offseason. I had some LaCrosse 5mm fleece lined ones and they were nice on those cold morning but dang hot if we had some walking to do. Just wanted some opinions on the 3.5mm ones and there durability. Seems they might tear or snag a little easier. Just wanted some opinions.

I hunt timber almost 100% of the time and my Mack's PW 3.5's have lasted as long as every pair of 5's I've ever owned. If there is a durability difference, I haven't seen it yet. I hunt 30-45 days a year and I walk a long way (and do it pretty fast) and the lighter weight means I don't get hot walking in and out.

I won't ever buy 5's again, especially fleece-lined ones. That's my 2 cents.

I had a pair of the lacrosse 5mm this year and hated them. I took them back, got a gift card for them then sold the gift card to purchase what I use to wear. I think by far the best ones are the Mack prairie wings big ditch waders that are 3.5mm. Had a pair last yr and loved them. Got ride of them b/c I wanted a 5mm that was fleece lined and hated them after I purchased them.
So im back to the macks pw!

Notices the macks pw were more comfortablet also being in all day or walking around and everything. Never had my 3.5's tear or anything.

Macks big ditch 3.5! I love them! Had the Drake 5mm and hated them.

I had a pair of each (5MM and 3.5MM) at one time. I used the 5MM's a couple of times. Too hot!!.....even putting them on after you boat to the spot. I sweat in just about anything and have found that the key to comfort has to do with your 'layers' underneath. I tried a pair of those Lacrosse 5's on this year.......Good golly......they fit perfectly, but I would melt in those things with anything more than sleep pants on underneath. I will eventually end-up with a pair of canvas waders to compliment my 3.5's. I got the Drakes because I haven't had much luck buying anything I can't try-on, first. It was mid-season when I bought them and I didn't to drive to Mack's or return anything to Cabela's to end-up with the right 'fit'. I haven't really used the Drakes that much, but so far, they've held-up well (durability-wise) - No leaks.

I couldn't believe how many waders made nowadays that don't have 'D'-rings.......where's a guy suppose to hang a camoflaged 'man' purse or hand-warmer thingy?

Cabela's Warrior II breathables - without a doubt. Dress-up or down depending on the temps. Much easier to walk and maneuver and I don't sweat in them. Never Neoprene again for me.

I will not wear anything over 3.5mm.

I will never wear anything other than a 3.5mm ever again. The Mack's are great waders but am thinking about trying out a pair of the Drake 3.5's. Anybody had any experience with them?

3.5 is the way to go down here in the souf

chattahoochee wrote:I will never wear anything other than a 3.5mm ever again. The Mack's are great waders but am thinking about trying out a pair of the Drake 3.5's. Anybody had any experience with them?

Like I said - I haven't had them long enough to offer anything other than "they've kept me dry, so far." They are noticeably heavier than other 3.5's we've had....Red Ball/Lacrosse, Hodgman, and Mack's (women's - my wife's waders).....and are a little stiff (somewhat restrictive). But that might be a trade-off to get durability. I like some of the features not offered on other waders. They probably wouldn't have been my first choice had I been able to physically try-on other brands, but overall, I'm pleased with them, so far. I have narrow ankles and the Drakes boot stays on my foot better than some others I tried.

3.5 if it gets cold just put on more clothes under them

I like the 3.5 for the walks, but when we are just have short walk in standing in waist deep water I like the 5mm. Plus if you have to walk very far in those drakes you'll give out first.

I dunno why, but the seams seem to blow out of 5mm's for me. Maybe b/c the neoprene is thicker and the stitches have to hold more? Oh, for a NIB pair of the old Rocky kevlar knee waders....

I have both; 3.5 in the Cabelas and 5 mm in the Mad Dog. Wear the 3.5mm in the early season and the 5's on those super cold mornings.

i'm wearing 5mm now but i won't ever buy another pair. they're too hard to walk in.