Wader / Hiking question

[jamieof]

What's your limit of how far you hike with felt-soled wading boots on? I'm talking about walking on gravel woods roads and rocky paths.

Looking to do a kind of a circle Saturday morning, park the car close to the river, fish upstream for maybe 1/2 mile and then hike back to the car keeping to paths and roads away from the river, and would rather not have to pack anything else but what I have on my feed.

Thanks in advance.

Jamie

[MoscaPescador]

I have gone all day on felt soles without any issues. I know that I covered lots of miles.

Dennis

[jamieof]

Thanks Dennis. I'm new to wading boots and didn't have any idea on what damage I'd do the soles.

Jamie

[jpbfly]

Felt soles are more resistant than a few years ago(remember a pair whose felt sole were worn out after one week's fishing in Austria)....don't know how many miles but I usually walk a lot,everytime I have to walk on a road or a gravel path I try to walk on the side in the grass.I fish at least once a week and my shoes are worn out after two seasons.If they're studded they may last longer.

[Rip Tide]

The felt is made from nylon rather than wool as they once were. They hold up pretty well.

I like to walk until I get too hot. Then I go stand in the water
Funny how it works out that way.

[CutThroat Leaders]

Over the years, I have put more miles than I can remember on various pairs of felt wading boots. The new Felt used today is very durable, but is also pretty easy to replace if it comes to that at the end of the season. If you are willing and the legs are able, hike on.......

[Hardyreels]

Hi Jamie,

Usually anything over a couple miles I may consider an alternative. Last year Nancy and I did a 7 mile round trip in waders and boots, neither of us wanted to keep them on when we finally reached our camp. FOr a few miles you'll be happy, good luck with the fish. Are you after salmon? It's that time there

[BigCliff]

I think it depends on the boot. I've got a 10yr old pair of Simms boots that are still going very strong. I'm sure they've walked 100 paved miles, and 300 dry ones and I don't think I've worn halfway through any of the felt yet.

Originally Posted by Rip Tide

I like to walk until I get too hot. Then I go stand in the water
Funny how it works out that way.

I think you'd do alright down here bud. Our standard practice when it gets a bit hot fishing the river- wade deeper. Sometimes in August we just sit on the bottom and swing flies that way for a little while.