Waders for hunting in Stuttgart, Arkansas

Will be flooded timber hunting in January in Stuttgart. This is probably a one time bucket list thing. I have light weight breathable waders for hunting in south Texas. I would rather not buy 1000 thinsulate waders for a one time hunt. Would doubling up on insulated/wool socks and thermal longjohns inside the Hodgeman breathable waders get me by or is it best to just shell out the dough for 1000 thinsulate ones. Any voices of experience or recommendations?

The weather was pretty moderate when I hunted there this past January, but it's usually going to be pretty cold. If you decide you don't to buy a 2nd pair of waders you might want to try some neoprene boot inserts. That'll add some insulation over your socks. I'd also recommend fleece pants to wear over your thermals. Just don't skimp on the layers or you'll end up shaking like a leaf in waist deep water.

When I went I had a $70 dollar pair of Academy neoprene wades. Weather was in mid 30s. I just wore long underwear underneath them.

Wear a capilene base layer and a solid fleece pant underneath and you will be fine. Wear a sock liner and a heavy smartwool sock and you'll be covered.

Go buy the good waders and go back at least once a year to validate purchase.

You're welcome.

I am going to be up there in that area between Christmas and New Year's, I am just going to layer up, unless the weather is going to be bitterly cold. That's what the whisky is for as well!

I grew up in that area. I started with hip boots and later went to waders. I don't remember ever getting too cold. I wouldn't buy new waders.

Here from a hunt with my dad up there.

I hunted Arkansas for 20 years. It's usually not THAT cold but I never owned a pair of breathables till I got to Texas.

You might spend more in "layers" and neoprene socks, etc...than you will buying a cheap pair of insulated waders. Plus, if you buy the waders, you always have them. Lastly, if you're walking into the timber or moving very much at all, the breathables wouldn't hold up to all the underwater debris IMO. Neoprenes are built for that.

Just my .02

I have never been in a situation yet from the 2nd split till seasons end where I thought I needed breathable waders. But I find ducks in timber and I'm always standing in water. I guess if I bank hunted it might be different. I like neoprene for my style. Underwear and long sleeve thin shirt for the warmer days to full bundle up for those cold mornings. Neoprene for me.

In my experience I've found just the opposite to be true. The highest quality, thickest fly fishing waders (Simms, Patagonia) are tough as nails (but don't come in camo!), and thorns and timber don't stick to or in them nearly like they do neoprene, which tends to "catch" and tear.


You'll be fine without neoprenes. Wear some long underwear and fleece pants and you won't have a problem.

Dont get to excited about Stuttgart being a bucket list hunt if your going in January. My family has land up there and we where the only ones killing birds... We let them rest more than other but if it freezes this year by december like it does every other year up there. you are goinng to have a TOUGH hunt. I would NO DOUBT re schedule for opening weekend... Or close to it.

By january 95% are so shy your shooting at the tree tops. It wont be the cupped in ducks like you see on the videos. If you go early it will defiantly be that, or at least where i hunt...