Are you looking for a convenient way to store and transport your waders? Read on for our list of the 7 best wader bags for fishing and hunting.
If you spend a good amount of time on the water, whether hunting or fishing, you’re going to need a good pair of waders. With that in mind, you’re also going to need a good place to store them.
Since waders tend to get really wet and muddy, it can be tempting to just toss them in the back of your truck. But if you want them to last, it’s important to store them in a container that will both protect them from damage and allow them to dry.
That’s where a wader bag comes in handy.
Made of quick drying materials and vented to allow your waders and boots to air out, these bags offer the perfect solution for anglers and hunters that want to keep their waders in tip top shape.
But what, exactly, makes a good wader bag?
And which one should you buy?
Well, for the rest of this article I’m going to reveal our 7 favorite wader bags on the market today.
Let’s wade in!
Simms Taco Wader Bag
The Simms Taco wader bag gets its name from its taco-shaped design.
The bag is made of a 600 denier ballistic nylon shell fabric that opens up (from its zippered taco shape) to make a circular floor mat that allows you to put on and take off your waders.
It features mesh vents that will allow the waders to dry and avoid mold and mildew.
It is big enough to hold two pairs of waders and two pairs of wading boots, all while only weighing in at 14 ounces. Not only is the Simms Taco wader bag a great option for anglers and hunters who want to keep things as simple as possible, but it is extremely affordable as well.
Simms is very well known for all of their quality fishing gear that they make, and the Taco wader bag is no exception.
Pros:
- Unique and simplistic design
- Great price point
- Plenty of room to pack extra gear
Cons:
- Ventilation is only on one side instead of both
Simms Dry Creek Duffel – Large
Another product from Simms, the Dry Creek Duffel was specifically designed for traveling anglers.
This high-capacity bag has a waterproof, roll-top design that will keep any of your fishing gear, including your waders, protected.
Additionally, the bag is padded to help protect the gear during rough travels, and, of course, is completely waterproof to ensure any wet gear items don’t get water anywhere it isn’t supposed to be.
The bag has a good capacity and is comfortable to carry, allowing you to bring it just about anywhere your fishing adventures might take you.
And again, being made by Simms, you know that this bag is designed and made by anglers, for anglers.
Pros:
- Completely waterproof
- Multiple access points in the bag
- Structured base allows bag to stand upright on its own
Cons:
- More costly when compared to other bags
Korkers Mack’s Canyon Wader Bag
If you are looking to step up into a very high quality wader bag, look no further than the Mack’s Canyon wader bag from Korkers.
This amazing bag has multiple compartments, including separate wet and dry areas.
The main compartment has a hydrophobic material that separates the ventilated wet storage area that is intended for your waders and boots.
It even comes equipped with a fold out changing mat that can be tucked away when not needed.
Additionally, the bag offers comfortable shoulder straps to allow you to carry anywhere or even turn it into a backpack for long periods of travel/hiking.
Seriously, if you plan to carry your waders on long hikes, then this is one of the best wader bags you can buy.
Pros:
- Different accessories that you won’t see on other bags
- Opens up wide, allowing easy access to gear
- Changing mat is detachable, allowing for more versatility
Cons:
- Only available in one size and color
Fishpond Flattops Wader Duffel
The Fishpond Flattops Wader Duffel is divided into two main compartments, a lower storage area for your wet waders and boots that is ventilated and an upper storage compartment that is the perfect place for your extra clothes, vests, fishing equipment, and even snacks.
The Flattops Wader Duffel has a lot of capacity when compared to other wader bags, and even has two interior zippered pockets underneath the lid.
There is also a rod tube attachment on the back side of the bag, which is particularly nice for all you anglers out there!
If you need an all in one wader bag that is very versatile and comes in at a decent price point, then you might want to take a look into the Fishpond Flattops Wader Duffel.
Pros:
- Molded bottom for stability
- Works well with fishing rod holders and other attachments
- U-shaped zipper helps with easier access
Cons:
- Might actually be too big for some anglers and hunters
Fishpond Burrito Wader Bag
First a taco, now a burrito?
The Fishpond Burrito wader bag, like the taco, gets its name from its unique design. This bag has a roll-out changing mat that is made for all of your dirty and wet fishing gear.
After putting your wet waders and other gear inside the bag, simply roll it up like a burrito and secure it all with a pull of a cord.
This keeps everything organized and your wet waders away from all of your other fishing gear.
The bag also has a webbing shoulder strap for a more comfortable carry, as well as haul handles on each side.
A great option for the traveling angler, the ability to roll out a changing mat on the fly is exactly why this burrito made it onto our list of the best wader bags.
Pros:
- Simple design is easy to use
- Drawstring closure keeps everything secure
Cons:
- Smaller capacity when compared to other bags
Orvis Wader Mud Room
With a very simple design, the Orvis wader mud room gives you some of the most “floor space” of any other wader bag on the market.
The compartment to store your wet gear has a mesh that allows air to pass and dry out your waders while still keeping all of the mud, sand, and water inside of the bag itself.
One of the cool things about this bag is that it is made of 100% recycled cordura material.
At around $70, this bag is also very budget-friendly, which leaves you with more money to spend on other, more exciting pieces of gear.
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly
- Extremely large floor mat for changing
Cons:
- May not last you as long as some of the more expensive options
Umpqua ZS2 Wader And Boot Tote
Last but certainly not least is the Umpqua ZS2 Wader and Boot tote.
This bag is one of the biggest here on our list, and can handle everything from gearing up to go fishing or hunting, to undressing all of your gear and storing your boots and waders.
Like many of the other bags on our list, this one also has a stand station to help you get changed, and it is a full sized 22 by 16 inch mat that is even padded. (Comfort and functionality? Yes please!)
With a molle panel for adding additional accessories, you have the ability to customize it even more.
With three internal pockets to store extra gear and over 2800 cubic inches of volume, you can pretty much guarantee that this bag will be big enough to carry not only your waders and boots, but any other fishing gear that you want to throw into it.
Pros:
- Great capacity
- Padded changing mat
- Plenty of pockets for organization
Cons:
- Upright design may not be right for everybody
Want to learn more about fly fishing gear? Check out these other posts:
- What Is The Best All-Around Fly Rod Weight?
- Buying A Fly Rod: 5 Key Considerations
- Winter Fly Fishing Gear: 17 Items To Conquer The Cold
- 25 Best Fly Fishing Gifts: A Legit Gift Guide For Anglers
- 10 Best Places To Buy Fly Fishing Gear Online
- Buying A Fly Rod: 5 Key Considerations
Bottom Line
For anglers and hunters alike, a good wader bag can be the difference between the perfect ending to a successful trip, and a giant headache dealing with wet and dirty gear.
Fortunately, you can rest assured that any one of the wader bags from this list will keep your waders protected and dry.
The only question left is, which wader bag will you choose? Be sure to drop your answer in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we will receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase.
