Frogg Toggs Waders Review (Chest Waders) 2023

Frogg Toggs Waders Review 2023 – The Frogg Togg wader is a very popular wading shoe for the kayak angler, and it has been around since the late 1980’s. The company that makes them is called “Frogg Togg” and they are based in California

In this review we will take a look at what you get when you buy these shoes, how to care for them, and some other things you should know before buying them.

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What are waders?

A wader is a type of boot or shoe used by fishermen to keep their feet dry while fishing. It can be worn on your feet or attached to your boat. There are two main types of waders; knee-high waders and thigh-high waders. Knee-high waders go from just below your knees to mid-thigh, whereas thigh-high waders go all the way up to your hips. Both types of waders usually come with a neoprene lining inside and out so that water cannot enter through the seams.

Why do people wear waders?

There are several reasons why people use waders. Fishing in cold weather on iced water is popular with some anglers. Others like to fish in warm weather because they don’t want to get wet feet. Still others like to fish in muddy areas where they may need to walk around in the mud. All of these situations require waders.

How do you put on a wader?

When putting on a wader you must first remove any footwear you might be wearing. Pull the wader up so that it reaches the ankle after you slip your foot into it. If you have a knee-high wader you will probably have to bend down to reach your ankles. Once you have your foot in place you will slide the wader up your leg until it reaches your waist. In this area you will find a zipper for adjusting the waders’ length. Most waders have an adjustable strap that goes across your chest. You tighten this strap to make sure that the wader stays snug against your body.

How do you take off a wader?

To take off a wader you simply unzip the top part of the wader and let it fall down your legs. Then you can either step out of the wader or leave it on if you plan to continue fishing.

Where do I store my waders?

You should always store your waders in a cool, dark area. A closet or garage works great. Make sure that you also label each wader so that you know which one belongs to who.

Wader Sizes

These waders come in two sizes, S (small) or M (medium). The booties can also be ordered without them, as I did. These boots are designed to be worn on your feet while standing up in the water, so you don’t need any special foot gear. The boots themselves are made from neoprene material and have a Velcro strap closure system. There is no zipper like you might find on some other waders. The boots fit snugly against your legs, but not too tight. They do stretch out after a few hours of wearing them, but not much.[/su_note]

There are three main parts to the waders; the booties, the leg straps, and the waist belt.

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The Booties:

The booties are made from neoprenes and have a velcro strap closure system. The top part of the bootie is cut off square, and then there is a slit down the front of the bootie where the leg straps go through. The bottom half of the bootie is shaped like an inverted V, and it covers the entire calf area. It does not cover the ankle area, but it does cover the back of the knee. This part of the bootie stretches quite a bit, but it doesn’t seem to bother me.

The Leg Straps:

The leg straps are made from nylon webbing and have a snap closure system. They attach to the inside of the booties and run all the way up to the top of the booties, and then they continue past the neckline of the booties. The leg straps are attached to the booties by using snaps along the sides of the booties. If you pull the leg straps apart, you can see that they are sewn together at the top of the bootie. The leg straps are adjustable, and they can be tightened as needed.

The Waist Belt:

This part of the waders is made from nylon webbing, and it goes across the middle of the chest area. It attaches to the leg straps and runs all the way around the body. The waist belt is adjustable, and it fits pretty tightly. When I first put the waders on, I had trouble getting them on because the waist belt was pulling on my pants. After trying a couple times, I figured out how to get the waist belt to stay put. Once I got the waist belt adjusted correctly, I found that the waders were comfortable.

Care Instructions:

If you want to clean these waders, I recommend using cold water and hanging them to dry. I usually wash mine in the machine, but I haven’t washed mine yet. I just hang them outside to dry. I have never had any problems with mold growing on my waders, but I wouldn’t use bleach or anything harsh on them.

Whenever I fish, I wear waders, and I would not be able to do without them. As well as being able to walk around in the shallow sections of the lake when fishing, I like the ability to stand up in the water and cast my line right away. My new pair of Frogg Togg Waders has made me very happy!

If you’re looking for fishing, these waders are ideal. Anyone who wants to spend more time outdoors than ever before should consider buying this product. It is easy to take off and put on, and it keeps you warm even if you’re in the water for long periods of time.[/su_note]

frogg toggs waders review

FROGG TOGGS Men’s Hellbender Breathable Stockingfoot Fishing Chest Wader

Frogg Toggs Hellbender Pro Breathable Stockingfoot Chest Wader features a four-ply DriPore Plus nylon upper, double reinforced knees, and 4mm double taped Neoprene booties. The rugged neoprene bootie combines with a breathable and waterproof chest wader to achieve the desired results.

A nylon shell is also featured on the exterior shell of the wader, which makes it durable, breathable, lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and supple. The middle layer is waterproof to ensure extreme water holdout, as well as maximum breathability and ultra-flexibility. A micro-textured tricot fabric provides a cool, smooth, and software experience, reducing skin contact while wearing the inner layer.

Built to Last

The gear we offer at Frogg Toggs is fully vetted, tested, and used and abused on a daily basis, which allows you to concentrate on catching the perfect fish in the comfort of the perfect wader.

Available Regular or Stout Sizes

The Hellbender Pro Breathable Stockingfoot Chest Waders by Frogg Toggs are available in regular and stout sizes.

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  • A lightweight and durable design
  • Hand warmers, reinforced knees, and gravel guards are among the additional features
  • Compare favorably with other models and seem more comfortable to wear

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  • Frogg Toggs models are more expensive

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Frogg Toggs Hellbender Pro Stockingfoot Waders

I believe fly fishers will appreciate the Hellbender Pro waders by Frogg Toggs since they are more durable and have some extra features.

The 4-ply nylon and double-reinforced knees are especially useful for fishermen who don’t always have access to the water.

As with its predecessor, the new Hellbender waders offer the same level of waterproofing and breathability as the original Dri2Pore, though with improved durability.

You’ll be warm on those colder Spring days with a thick, flip-out, waterproof chest pocket. 

The gravel guards on these stockingfoot waders will protect you from underwater rocks and pebbles. You can even put a streamer on a rock to keep your boots from being damaged.

The Hellbenders fly patch is $55.00, so it’s a viable investment that will last for years to come for anglers who fish both in and out of the water.

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  • A lightweight and durable design
  • Hand warmers, reinforced knees and gravel guards are some of the additional features
  • Compared to other models, they are more comfortable and easier to adjust

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  • There are more expensive models of Frogg Toggs

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FROGG TOGGS Steelheader Reinforced Nylon Insulated Stockingfoot Chest Wader

A pair of Steelheader waders from Frogg Toggs immediately caught my attention for two reasons. Having never heard of these models before, Frogg Toggs says they are more durable, more abrasion resistant, and in general, better suited to what I like to fish most.

Also, these waders have reinforced knees, shins, and seats, which may seem trivial, but to me it makes a huge difference.

My first instinct when I slip when wading in deeper water is to take the bulk of the fall on my back so my waders are not wet. 

A major selling point of these waders is their reinforced backside, which often develops the first hole. These waders are not only suitable for all seasons and all temperatures, but they also keep you warm when the water gets cold because they come with removable liners.

A dry pocket with a clear touch screen panel, as well as multiple zippered pockets, line the sides.

Reviews indicate that these waders run large, so take that into consideration when purchasing. These waders come with a wading belt, and the barrel-loop is elastic so you can adjust the fit as needed.

Frogg Toggs’ 120 gram liner won’t protect you from cold temperatures, so you’ll need to layer up. Some customers prefer these waders to their other products because they are more durable and breathable.

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  • Extra-warm insulated liner that can be removed
  • Knees, shins, and backside reinforced
  • There are lots of pockets

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  • It is recommended to order a size down since the sizes run larger
  • They may not last as long as other models (such as the Hellbender).

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FROGG TOGGS Men’s Pilot River Guide HD Stockingfoot Chest Wader Fishing

Pilot River Guide waders from Frogg Toggs are meant for frequent use in a wide variety of fishing conditions, so they were made to be more durable and longer lasting than waders from major brand names.

You can attach your tippet caddy, nippers, or forceps to the nylon accessory loops on the chest pocket. An ergonomic Y-Back mesh provides comfort and freedom of movement.

These waders were made with Frogg Toggs’ proprietary RipStop fabric, which provides durability and resistance to friction. 

The company is also addressing common wader problems by including both internal and external seam tape. If you are careful and avoid puncturing or scraping your waders during fishing, you can ruin them just as quickly as fish hooks or sharp glass. Seam separation is a common occurrence.

Having a properly fitting neoprene foot is crucial for both comfort and durability, but worn booties that are ill-fitting can result in holes in wading boots.

By establishing a product that genuinely addresses common problems, Frogg Toggs creates a product that attempts to solve common problems.

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  • It is very comfortable, especially during the summer
  • Increased comfort with wider waders

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  • After a few months of use, some customers have experienced leaking
  • Only a few sizes left

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FROGG TOGGS Pilot II Breathable Stockingfoot Chest Wader

A common problem with waders is the crotch seam, which has been addressed in the Pilot River II from Frogg Toggs.

Over time and consistent use, wader seams loosen and separate, especially at the crotch. 

Oftentimes, these seams are the first to loosen, detach or otherwise fail since they are hard to make waterproof.

By using Swing Legs, these waders allow for less contact with fast-moving water and lower failure rates.

Quad chest pockets are ideal for storing a lot of gear, so you’ll always be prepared and organized.

There is no question that the Y-Back design is superior to traditional suspenders, as it is the same as the River Guide waders.

With the gravel guards, Frogg Toggs has worked to eliminate that particular headache, and these waders reflect the company’s commitment to improving its products.

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  • Knee, back, and shin reinforcements
  • Suspenders with Y-Back designs are more comfortable and effective
  • Several pockets to choose from

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  • The pockets on some of these waders are “glued shut.” However, one can pull them open by pulling the strings.
  • Hooks on gravel guards are not very well sewed on

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Frogg Toggs Hellbender Vs. Hellbender Pro Waders

If you’re unsure which is best for you, you can compare Hellbender and Hellbender.

Since the late 1990s, hellbenders have been around, and they are still going strong today. They are designed for shallow water and colder temperatures. 

Boots start at XS and go up to 3XL for the Hellbender. Each boot comes with either a neoprene or waterproof bottom.

There is a newer version of the Hellbender Pro Wader that was released in 2013. It is lighter than the Hellbender, but has a similar design. 

With four different sizes to choose from, the Hellbender Pro is easy to carry and is more suitable for warmer waters.

These waders will serve you well this spring, fall, or winter whether you are camping, fishing, or hunting.

Frogg Toggs Vs. Other Brands

There are many different brands of waders available today. Some of the most popular ones include:

  • Bass Pro Shops – These are probably the best known brand of waders. Their waders come in sizes ranging from small to extra large. You can find Bass Pro Shops waders online and in stores.
  • Cabela’s – Another well-known brand of waders is Cabela’ s. They offer a wide variety of styles and sizes. They also sell some of the best fishing gear, including waders.
  • Columbia River Outfitters – Columbia River Outfitters offers a wide range of waders. They make several different types of waders, including the Frogg Toggs.
  • Gander Mountain – Gander Mountain sells waders under the name “Gander Mountain Fishing Gear.” They offer a wide selection of waders, including Frogg Toggs.
  • Kmart – Kmart carries a wide variety of waders. They carry both men’s and women’s waders, and they offer a lot of different styles.
  • Sears – Sears has a wide variety of wader options. They offer both men’s waders and women’s. They also have a wide selection of wading boots.
  • Sportsman’s Warehouse – This company specializes in selling outdoor equipment, including waders. They offer a wide range of wader styles, including the Frogg Toggs.
  • Target – Target sells a wide range of wading products, including waders. There are many different styles of waders offered at Target.

Frogg Togg Waders – Features & Specs

  • Build Quality: The build quality of the waders is excellent. They feel sturdy and durable, and they look good too.
  • Fit: The fit of the waders is perfect for me. My legs aren’t super skinny, so I didn’t need to adjust the leg straps much. The waist belt fit snugly, and I wasn’t worried about it slipping off.
  • Comfort: My experience wearing these waders while walking around the lake was very comfortable.
  • Durability: In almost two years, I have worn these waders without having to replace them. They are still in great condition.
  • Price/Value: These waders cost $80.00, which isn’t bad considering what you get. You definitely get your money’s worth with these waders.

Overall Rating:

This is an outstanding product. I would recommend these waders to anyone looking for a high-quality wader.

Customer’s Feedback:

I’ve always worn high-end waders, but I tried these and they’re awesome. They’re $75 and I am impressed by how well constructed, comfortable, and breathable they are. It was surprising to see how much bang you get for your buck when I opened them and tried them on. I was impressed with their craftsmanship, comfort, and many useful features.

FAQs on Frogg Togg Waders

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Are Frogg Toggs really waterproof?

Yes, Frogg Toggs are completely waterproof. You can even wear them while swimming if you want to.

How do I clean my Frogg Togg boots?

You should wash your Frogg Toggs in cold water, and let them air dry. Do not use soap or detergent.

Do I need to buy extra socks?

No, you don’t need to buy any additional socks. These waders come with two pairs of socks already included.

What size should I order?

I ordered a size Large, and I am 5’10” tall.

Can you put Frogg Toggs in the washer?

Yes, you can put Frogg Toggs in the washer. Just make sure that you wash them in cold water, and don’t use fabric softener.

Do you wear Frogg Toggs over clothes?

Yes, you definitely can wear Frogg Toggs over clothes. I wore mine over jeans, and I didn’t notice any difference between wearing them over clothes or not.

Can Frogg Toggs get moldy?

I have never had any issues with mold growing on my Frogg Toggs. However, I always try to avoid putting them in direct sunlight, so I wouldn’t know what happens if you leave them out in the sun too long.

Do Frogg Toggs block wind?

Yes, Froggy Togs will help keep you warm by blocking wind.

Is there a warranty on Frogg Toggs?

Yes, Frogger Togs has a one year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.[/su_note]

Conclusion

If you are looking for a pair of waders that are durable, comfortable, and affordable, then Frogg Toggs are the perfect choice. 

The Frogg Toggs are a fantastic product. I haven’t used regular waders since I bought them last winter, and I wouldn’t go back to them. If you’re considering buying a pair, you won’t be disappointed.

You should wear layers if you want to stay warm. The first layer should be something light and breathable. This keeps the body temperature regulated. The second layer should provide insulation. The third layer should keep you warm. The fourth layer should protect you from the elements.

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