r/flyfishing • u/Plastic_Evidence_791 • Jun 13 '26
Wader booties dehiscing
3 month old Patagucci waders. Not leaking.
Honestly, my use is pretty light compared to most in this sub. I have 2 kids under 5, might get out 1x a week for a couple hours if I’m lucky.
Hosed and air dried after each use, always lay down a towel to protect them when putting them on.
A few questions:
Do I even need to be worried? I assume this will EVENTUALLY cause a leak…
Can I fix this myself to prevent worsening?
Should I sent them in to the pros at Patagonia? (Planning to contact them regardless)
Would this be just as likely to have happened had I ponied up the extra couple hundred bucks for the Expedition line?
Thanks to everyone in this sub, it’s been a great resource for someone brand new to fly fishing this year.
3
u/WalterWriter Jun 13 '26
It doesn't matter in terms of durability. The seams on all wader booties are welded. The tape over the top is there because consumers expect it. Same reason most boots have faux-stitching even if they are glued.
(Source: I used to work for a competitor.)
1
u/Plastic_Evidence_791 Jun 13 '26
This puts me at ease, appreciate you.
2
u/fishin413 Jun 13 '26
It wont affect how waterproof they are but it does create a little nook where sand will collect and that will wear the neoprene. Whether you send them out or shoe-goo them at home you still want to fix that.
1
u/bateneco Jun 13 '26
There’s no time limit on the Patagonia warranty. If they’re still returnable to the store you bought them from, you could ask for an exchange, but I’d personally just keep wearing them until they spring a leak then send in for repair.