What To Wear Under Duck Hunting Waders?

Once you pick out your new waders, it's time to figure out What To Wear Under Under Duck Hunting Waders! Of course, many of the top insulated waders out there are rather warm, but sometimes you need a little more protection. 

Most people might just add additional layers under their waders, but you might run into a few issues. First, there's not a ton of room under today's high performance waders as they're designed with an athletic fit. Additionally, adding layers in the wrong material might actually backfire on you - creating more harm than good. 

Take some time to review our top picks when it comes to under wader pants, and remember to review our FAQs as you might have similar concerns. As you might have already guessed, this blog article focuses on under wader choices designed to keep you warm during cold weather conditions while waterfowl hunting.  

In case you missed it, take a look out our other blog summarizing the Best Duck Hunting Waders!

Best Under Wader Pants Options (Cold Weather)

1. Sitka Gradient Pants

As we've mentioned several times, Sitka continues to bring forth new and innovative gear for waterfowl hunters. This time, we're taking a look at their Gradient Pants and how they can assist you this upcoming season. 

Sitka's duck hunting waders are second to none, but sometimes the weather just gets too tough. When that happens, you're going to want to have something else protecting you from the cold weather. Sitka took this into consideration and whipped up the Gradient Pants. 

Pro Tip: Avoid cotton when trying to stay warm as it is extremely hydrophilic.

The Sitka Gradient Pants are meant to be worn under your standard duck hunting waders, and do so in an impressive fashion. The sleek, athletic fit (including a tapered leg design) prevent any excessive bunching. This is also assisted by Sitka's patterning and crotch construction. 

As far as how it keeps you warm - the Gradient Pants contain a high-gauge polyester knit face fabric bonded to a high-loft fleece backer. This is surrounded by a DWR finish to repel moisture without wetting-out the face fabric. A combination like this is sure to battle any cold weather!

 For latest prices, and more information click here!

2. Drake Waterfowl Under-Wader Jean Cut Pants

The Drake Waterfowl Under-Water Pants are built for someone looking for a more standard fit with an easier entry price. Aside from this, you know that since it's made from Drake you're getting a sturdy, reliable piece of duck hunting gear - no matter what!

The jean cut style is a a bit different than the previously mentioned under wader style pant form Sitka. For some, this might provide more comfort, especially if you're not a fan of the athletic fit. On the other side, you're more likely to have bunching while you move in and out of the duck blind. The good news is that Drake paired these pants with foot stirrups to help minimize this potential issue. 

Taking a look at the engineering of these pants, Drake used 280g MicroFleece which is 100% polyester. This combination produces increased warmth with the ability to wick away sweat if temperatures increase. As a result, these particular under wader pants might be best for mid to early-late season.

Drake also paired these with reinforced knee and seat patches to increase durability. We're sure that these particular pants with stand up to years of abuse while duck hunting!

 For latest prices, and more information click here!

3. Orvis PRO Underwader Pants

While Orvis specializes in fishing gear, it's important to note that they've been manufacturing high-quality outdoor gear for decades. Their Pro Underwader Pants incorporate a few new features that might surprise many duck hunters. 

Similar to the Sitka model, the PRO version is a very active fit with tapered legs. Again, this is key as it prevents bunching and can be worn with many different styles of duck hunting waders. Lastly, the four-way fabric aids in comfort as some hunters might not be accustomed an athletic fit under. 

Pro Tip: Remember to turn your waders inside-out when drying to make sure all water or moisture evaporates.

Taking a look a the build of the under wader pants, Orvis used a high-pile, moisture-wicking fleece interior for a strong balance of warmth, breathability, and durability. It also allows the pants to be warn in slightly less cold environments. From the outside, a durable water repellent finish wraps around the pants just in case. 

A few additional features include a security pocket in the rear and two hand warm pockets in the front. Furthermore, Orvis incorporated two mesh side zip vents in case body temperatures begin to increase and you need to cool off. 

Last note - Orvis offers 100% customer satisfaction for all of their products, and it's easy to see why with this particular item. Orvis also offers the LT version, which combines many of the top features of the Pro with a lighter construction. 

 For latest prices, and more information click here!

4. Cabela's Wader Pants

The last option on our list is the Cabela's Wader Pants. For those looking for the most cost-effective solution, and are willing to sacrifice a bit of quality here's the perfect option.

The Cabela's Wader Pants is a 100% polyester, heavy weight fleece under garment with a relatively snug fit. While it doesn't have as much technology or additional features as the Sitka or Orvis pant, it provides about the same reliability as a traditional pair of johns with a few benefits. 

Unlike many old-school hunters that rely on a pair of jeans or sweatpants, this particular option is going to provide more moisture wicking as it's not cotton. It's also a step up when it comes to comfort as the polyester incorporates some "give" into the construction of the pants. 

Again, this definitely isn't the best option when it comes to fending off cold weather completely, but it will provide some protection at a reasonable price.

 For latest prices, and more information click here!

FAQs About Duck Hunting Waders

What Do You Wear Under Summer Waders? 

While it doesn't directly answer the question, our blog summarizing How To Stay Warm While Hunting provides a hint to the solution - Base Layers. 

No matter if you hunting in warm or cold weather, it's important to have a solid base layer present as its main purpose is wicking away sweat. By doing this, especially during warm weather, your body can more easily cool off. Having sweat sitting on your skin prevents just such thing from happening. 

As many already know, try going with fabrics such as merino wool, polyester, or silk to help move sweat to the surface so it can eventually evaporate. Materials like this also provide a barrier between harder, less forgiving mid-layer materials; thus preventing chaffing and rubbing from occurring.

Pro Tip: Use a walking stick to assist yourself while walking in muddy/marsh terrain in waders.

Do You Wear Shoes With Duck Hunting Waders?

Some hunters do prefer to wear boots with stockingfoot waders as they don't come with an attached boot. However, many of today's top duck hunting waders come with attached wader boots to improve warmth and increase durability. 

Should I Wear Jeans Under Waders?

It is not recommended that you wear jeans under duck hunting waders as denim is made out of cotton, and cotton is terrible in cold temperatures. Cotton traps and hold moisture, preventing it from evaporating. Also, if any water gets inside your waters it's going to take hours for that to dry out. 

What Are The Best Socks To Wear Under Duck Hunting Waders?

The best thing to remember when purchasing socks for duck hunting is two things: Avoid Cotton and User Sock Liners. Sock liners, preferably those made of a synthetic material, help bring sweat to the surface. Add another additional layer of thick merino wool for insulation and you have the perfect combination. 

But, as always, avoid cotton when it comes to hunting in cold weather!

For our blog about the Best Duck Hunting States click here!