Leaky Waders

[Kevin_VanDam]

I've had some breathable waders for two years and they just stared to leak recently. I filled them with water to try and locate the leak but can't find anything. I guess that water is slowly leaking through the seams. What can I use to repair them or will I just have to buy new waders every couple years? Thanks.

[flygoddess]

Aqua seal should work great, but I recommend getting the quick dry that works with the aqua seal.

As far as finding the leak. There is suppose to be a mixture of alcohol and water that is suppose to darken around the hole, or the old flashlight trick.

I have only had one leak and I turned the waders wrong side out, then filled with water. was an easy find for me.

Sorry, it is a long painful process to find those pesky leaks, but with Aqua Seal, I am betting you can get a few more years out of them.
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[nymph_pimp]

the alchol trick works absolutly have done it many times. aqua seal works good too. If you use clear shoe goo that will work wonders never fails. apply to the seam and wait till dry think you will be happy
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[sinergy]

You sure its not condensation ??? I gone through a similar situation were my legs were wet but could not find a leak.

Breathable waders are made from multi-layers of material that sandwich a breathable membrane. The outside layer has dwr treatments and over time the dwr breaks down. When it breaks down it creates wet out, wet out is when the outer material no longer resists water. basically your wet on the outside but dry on the inside. You can tell your waders have wet out if the material darkens when it gets wet.

When this happens the wet out it creates an impassable barrier and the breatherable membrane no longer can pass water vapor thus making legs and feet wet.

Try getting some Revive X or some other water proofer for waders & see if you still get wet. Im in the process of testing mine. Let you know how it goes.
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[flygoddess]

Heay Sin. On That REVIVE X. I know it is recommended for Gortex (SIMMS) but is it also recommended for NON GORTEX waders?

I have also read where people have gone too far in the rejuv direction, so I think that is cause for concern also.

I didn't even hear of rejuving waders till a few years ago, and yes it was the X and Simms.
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[sinergy]

You could be right no sure Im currently doing a unscientific testing my self. I sprayed my waders with 303. So far so good no wet legs, but Ive only been able to test them walking, no still water. As far as REVIVE X goes they claim "all types of breathable laminates and synthetic fabrics" but no real world testing done my self.

As far as Kevins issue goes if it is the seams no amount of dwr will fix leaky seams but even leaky seams will produce air and water when turned inside out and hosed.
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[flygoddess]

I know it is just me, but when I got my waders NEW, I turned them wrong side out and coated the seams with a thin coat of Aquaseal. ALL seams. I even called Orvis and told them what I was doing and asked if it would void my warranty.
They said NO on the void, in fact, they encourage you to try to fix the leaks.
Anyway, that was 3 years ago and still no leaks....Knock on wood, but like I said, I have several choices so my chest waders are not used all the time.

But, I did my Hubby's waders also and his are 5 years old.
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[fishing_4_fun]

sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the info.
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[Kevin_VanDam]

Hey thanks everybody for the great advice. I'll try both the aquaseal and waterproofing spray to see if that fixes things.

Is revive X better than a generic waterproofing spray? Where is it sold?

[sinergy]

You'll want to find a product that works with breathable material. Generic water proofer epically silicone based sprays (shoe & boot waterproofer) Is not breathable and can ruin the breatability of breathable wades.

Revive X is epically designed for breathable waders
I bought mine from REI.com and had it shipped free to there store.

In my opinion try the aquaseal first, Its always a good idea to keep a tube in your car just in case of stream side emergencies. If that doesn't work try the revive x, unless you have lots of item you want to waterproof then get both []
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[packfish]

[font "Tms Rmn"][size 3]Aqua seal is probably the best-- for this application though Marine Shoe Goo( very similiar ingrediants) works just fine and much cheaper. And know that both products in the state of California ( and only there) cause birth defects and reproductive harm. []
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[flygoddess]

Not familiar with the Shoe Goo, but cheaper has my attention.
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