When I last fished ( well over 30 years ago) we used to use mostly thigh waders (rather than chest) and the whole boot and leg was made from rubber.
Do they still make them like that or is it now only 'Neoprene' from the boot up and are there any benefits from the use of these new materials in their construction over the old style ?

The old ones, if good quality would last quite a few years if looked after ( and not being brought into contact with barbed wire) and it was always preferable to buy them with steel-studded soles as the boot soles would otherwise wear smooth and you'd end up on your a**e in the water when you stepped on the slippery rocks and smooth bedrock that formed many of the beds of the Northern rivers we fished.

I need to buy a new pair with studded boots which will last rather than start leaking or fall apart within a season or two...any suggestions?

While we're at it, I went out yesterday wearing my trusty old Barbour Bedale which I don't very often wear these days unless out and about but, the rain showers were so heavy that water was beginning to penetrate so it obviously needs re-proofing, especially as it will be my dress-code of choice for fly fishing now that I have taken it back up.... I also have the hood for it it and it's absolutely brilliant.
So, have any of you guys any tips, tricks or suggestions when applying the re-proofing so that it looks good and even? Most of the home-done re-proofing I've seen looks rather uneven and messy but there must be a way of applying it evenly so that it maintains both its water proofing and looks.

Tony

Thigh waders are still available from most wader sellers. Without going into 'wader world' which has been often covered on here there's nothing wrong with rubber thigh waders if they suit your purpose. Studs, felt or a combination are all available.

As for the Barbour jacket contact Barbour and ask them what they charge for re-proofing. I know they do it and believe the cost to be reasonable. I'd sooner pay 30-40 quid for a proper job that's going to last than risk a patchy. Apparantly, they fix/repair any bits and pieces that need doing in the price and the jacket comes back looking like new. Hth.

Chris.

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To get an even look on a reproofed barbor put it on a large clothes hanger 12 to 24 hours after you've proofed it then use a hair dryer on medium heat. This will melt the waterproofing and give it a more even look as well as making it penetrate more deeply into the material and render it more waterproof. You can then use the 30 to 40 quid to either go fishing or buy a good bottle of whiskey!

Take care

Terry

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"He either fears his fate too much,
Or his desserts are small,
Who dares not put it to the touch,
To win or lose it all!"

When applying the re-proofing stuff, pop the tin into a bowl of hot water which softens/liquifies the wax and makes it easier to apply. Keep topping up with hot water as you go. Use a soft cloth to apply wax to the jacket, working in small overlapping squares of 10 cm or 4". It's fiddly and tedious but does a good job.

My Northumbria jacket is 20 years old, stands up by itself and is totally waterproof. It's been back to the factory twice, once for a new zip and once for a replacement panel where I fell through a hedge when duck shooting and ripped a large hole in the back. Each time it came back re-proofed, at no extra cost.

I know waxed cotton is old technology in these breathable, Gore-Tex days but I just can't bring myself to dump it

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Game fish are too valuable to be caught only once - Lee Wulff

Do yourself a favour Tony......burn the Barbour or give it to a farmer, buy a nice new modern lightweight,waterproof jacket...you wont regret it...

WHAT! Burn my Barbour? If I do that then I'll have nothing to go with my green wellies and one simply can't have that

I'm sure you're right about modern jackets but I do like my Barbour...it's even been with me as far as Siberia when I've visited Russia several times and apart from needing a re-wax, it's in perfect condition and it still has the gold barbour badge in the collar.

Tony

Wee Jimmy has a point,I lived in Waxed Northumberlands,Solway zippers ect then found breatables ,had a grenfell breathable coat that went on and on the membrane went after 20 years but it still does for a quick trip to the corner shop .
Modern breathables with sensible layers keeps me warmer and drier than I ever was back in the 60s and 70s.

as to thigh waders cant see the point ,trouser or chest waders keep my bottom dry and my back draught free.big help when you are no longer a spring chicken .

No hastle with that waxing ,waterproof wind proof,lightweight ,comfortable ,smell free,even washable.

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Andy Wren
Winter grayling taking a year off !
Claret not just a great dubbing colour!

I was in Burns tackle shop in York ( again ) the other day he had just had a delivery of ocean thigh waders. Last pair I bought lasted 15 years ....

Andy

Got to admit it, you have a good point there Andy. Don't know why I bought it...

Chris.