Hip boots or waders ?

[Buckfever]

I know I need to get one of them for the hunt in wet areas.  Seven mile boat ride, 9.9 hp, to hunting area then walking and calling.  What should I get?  What material, brand and so forth.  This is a very important decision because I could be pretty uncomfortable with the wrong choice.  Thanks for the help.  Buckfever

[379 Peterbilt]

Buck,

I've asked that question to myself so many times it's unreal. So, now I just take along both hippers and knee boots on moose hunts. If you want a recomendation for the knee boots, - I have the LaCrosse Alpha Burleys w/1000 gr thinsulate. I could not be happier with these boots. I have worn them in Alaska glacial streams, they banks of the Yukon river, and countless days hunting here in Wisconsin for deer, turkey and hogs. They keep my feet warm too. They are more comfortable than street shoes to me. In the last two years I would estimate I have worn these boot at least 75 days, probaby more, and they still fit like a glove. If I were to loose them somehow, I'd go right out and buy another pair.

As for the hippers, I bought the Cabelas Ultimate hip boots w/armor flex 1,000-gram Thinsulate. I have only a limited amount of time in them, but so far I like them. They are going to Alaska with me in 4 months.

If I were forced to take only one pair, I would opt for the hippers, as I feel they are equal the the Alpha Burleys, but obviouslt they will allow ya to get through deeper water.

[DakotaMike]

I've hunted moose four times at Cumberland House, Saskatchewan which is a series of islands and the best for me was the hip waders. I use two pair one neoprene and the other the duofold material from Cabellas depending on the weather. I prefer the stocking foot design due to the rough terrain.
dakotamike

[Sourdough]

The last three years I have used the Cabela's Neophrene hip boot with the nylon strap across the foot to tighten it and hold it in place.  Cheap shoddy fitting hip boots can get you hurt in the rough country, plus they will make your feet sore.  I put a set of orthidics inside since I do so much walking in them.  Also a couple of good pairs of wool socks are a neccessity, since walking sill get the inside wet from sweat.  You will be wearing them each day and they won't have time to dry completely at night.  Keep dry socks stuffed inside your shirt and change them mid day.  Make sure to take (the orthodics if you use them) the socks you intend to wear with you when you try on the waders.