Frogg Togg Wader Review
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Introduction
When it comes to getting out there and fishing, if you are anything like me you like to do it as much as possible.
We all have our hot spots in fly fishing and really any fishing in general, and sometimes it takes wading through the water to get there, this is why a great pair of waders is so important.
For this reason you need to know about a great brand of waders and that is why I decided to do this full in depth Frogg Togg Wader Review for you.
A good set of waders will allow you to move, be breathable, but most importantly stay dry and let you enjoy your day out fishing.
For years now I have been looking for the perfect set of waders that meets all those requirements, and honestly I can say that the Frogg Togg waders are the ones that I feel check each one of those items off the list as mentioned above.
The goal at Angler Gear reviews is to help you find the absolute best gear possible for fishing, so I put together this review for you, and I hope it can help you make a buying decision on this great brand of waders.
Lets get to it
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Comparison Table
Quick Summary
- 100% Waterproof
- Front Zipper Pocket
- Adjustable X-back Suspenders
- 4-ply nylon uppers
- Easy Access Fly patch
- Oversized Fleece lined Handwarmer Pockets
- Double Reinforced Kneed
- 1-year warranty
Frogg Togg Wader Review: The areas of review
For this review we will primarily talk about the Frogg Togg Hellbender waders, this is the set up that I got and have absolutely loved them, so that’s what this review will focus on, since that’s what I have experience with.
Material
The Hellbenders are made of a 4-ply nylon upper, and some of the other Frogg Toggs are made of a 2 ply.
When it comes to the hellbenders, the 4 ply means they are completely waterproof, but not so thick that they aren’t breathable.
The nylon material is key because it allows it to be waterproof without being so thick like the neoprene can get that it doesn’t allow it to breathe. Neoprene is great for colder weather, but if you want breathability you need to look for nylon waders.
Construction
We will go from the top down and start with the suspenders
The suspenders are a synthetic nylon/cotton material that is strong and durable. The key with the suspenders is that they have a crossing pattern in the back. X pattern suspenders typically have more leverage than the non crossing ones and allow more weight without sagging to be in the waders.
Next is the chest area, which has fleece lined oversized pockets for your hands to keep warm and it has one large waterproof tru zipped, zipper pocket. Another great feature of this area is the Velcro spot that you can attach fly packs to and easily get to your gear.
As we keep going down we get to the knees, which are double reinforced as this is an area that wears out the quickest in waders.
Then at the feet they have double taped neoprene booties. This is to ensure waterproofing and durability.
One area of common concern is the amount of seams that these waders have. More seams typically means more chances for leaks, but I haven’t had any issues myself with it, and these will easily last a few years if you take care of them.
Build Quality
With build quality I worry about two things, comfort and waterproofing. These waders are super comfortable, as explained below.
When it comes to waterproofing the concern is typically around the seams.
While these waders do have more seams than a lot of the other high end waders have, the seams are completely taped and sealed. The concern with more seams is leaking, and I ahven’t had a problem with a few years of use.
These waders have extra material in all the places that matter. With all the extra stress that wading through water adds on material, the knees are double lined to add durability there as that is a common area of wear in waders.
Another area that Frogg Togg focused on was the feet. They have extra lining and switched the material to neoprene as opposed to nylon for the feet to help keep you warm and dry. Also, the waders have a great cinch to ensure a snug fit around your boots.
Overall, Frogg Togg payed attention to the details with the Hellbender waders and put the extra material in all the areas that it matters and left it out of the others to ensure breathability.
Comfortability
The shoulder straps are comfortable and won’t dig into your shoulders. Another key thing is to know that often times the water can be 30 degrees or more below what the ambient or air temperature is. These waders have kept me warm in those cold waters, but allowed my chest and shoulders to breath easy.
Nearly all the Frogg Togg waders will bend and flex fairly easily, that is the nice thing about nylon waders. You won’t have to fight with stiff waders when trying to move through the rivers and lakes.
Aesthetics
This is not really one of those things that you worry about too much when you are out there slaying it on the river right?
These waders really do look nice though. If you can get the appriopriate fit they don’t look half bad on.
There is one thing that’s for sure, these waders won’t leave you looking like your out on a crab boat or anything like that.
Sizing
This is one area of the Frogg Togg wader review that everyone wants to know about.
The reason the Frogg Toggs fit so well, is because they have so many sizing options, but it can be pretty confusing. So, between this section and the one below in the buying guide/FAQ section you should be able to pick the right size for you.
The Hellbender waders comes in these sizes:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- XL
- 2XL
- Medium Stout
- Large Stout
- X-Large Stout
- 2X-Large Stout
Extra Features
The hellbender waders have a waterproof chest zipper pocket, an internal pocket for keys or phone inside the waders, gravel guards on the feet, wading belt and a comfortable set of adjustable shoulder straps.
Chest Zipper Pocket: This is super helpful because it means with these waders you don’t absolutely have to have a chest pack. You can put a lot of your gear in that pocket and get to it easily.
Internal pocket: This is just convenient. It is a place away from all other things on this set of waders for keeping keys and or phone. It is out of the way and protected.
Gravel Guards: These are so key, and you usually only see them on the higher end waders. They wrap around your boot so the gravel, sand, and other little things like that don’t make it into your boot.
Wading Belt: This is so handy because it locks the air into your waders and provides some buoyancy should you get into very deep water and lose your footing.
Straps: Adjustable and have an x cross in the back. These are comfortable straps that don’t dig into your shoulder throughout the day.
Performance in the water
This is what really matters right?
When trying to choose the right waders for you, it is so important to consider how they are in the water. The Frogg Togg Hellbenders move so easily in the water, they are lightweight, flexible, and still completely waterproof. They don’t hinder your casts or get in the way of anything.
These waders are great.
One thing to keep in mind though, is avoiding heavy foliage in the water just because of all the seams in these pants. I have walked through some thick stuff in these, and haven’t had an issue, but theoretically keep in mind that with so many seams they could tear at one of them fairly easily and leak.
As mentioned, this is more of a theoretical risk, as I have pushed through some foliage in them and haven’t had any problems.
Warranty
On the Hellbender waders Frogg Togg will offer a 1 year warranty for any kind of malfunction or failure of the construction.
Unfortunately it does say on the website that the warranty doesn’t cover things like rips from trees or hooks or knives, which I understand, but it would be nice if the warranty extended to any damage.
The Frogg Togg Wader review Buying guide (and FAQ’s)
Do Frogg Togg Waders run big?
According to this page on the Frogg Togg site the waders do run large, and the majority of their exchanges are because the waders run too large. Check out the image below to help choose the right size for you, so you don’t have to spend time returning yours and you can spend more time fishing!
What size of Frogg Togg’s should I get?
This is such a common question. Take a look at the sizing images above (right above and a few sections up) to help out with this.
Buying waders can be tough when it comes to the size, but that is why Frogg Togg has made so many helpful tables to ensure you get the right size the first time around.
Are Frogg Toggs Waterproof?
Absolutely! The waders are 100% waterproof. The great thing about the waterproof material is that it is nylon and not neoprene.
The nylon allows it to be waterproof and still breathable and flexible, both of which are so important for fly fishing.
Do Frogg Toggs keep you warm?
There are certain waders that are built for better warmth, these are going to be the ones that have more neoprene in them.
The Hellbenders do a pretty good job. I have fished in 50-60 degree water in them, and didn’t have a complaint. The nice thing is that they come with fleece lined warming pockets for your hands, so while you are fishing or in between casts you can warm your hands up.
Are Frogg Toggs good for the snow?
This is something I have never personally used mine for, but according to other reviews and word of mouth in my circles they are a good layering option. Don’t rely only on these waders for in the snow, but they can be an effective laying choice.
Can Frogg Toggs go into the dryer?
No, don’t put them into the dryer. Air dry them only. With the seams and the way they are sealed you run the risk of breaking those. Also, drying at the high temperatures that dryers do runs the risk of changing the shape and contour of the wader material. Don’t put them into the dryer, just air dry them.
Can you wash Frogg Toggs?
Yes you can, it is recommended that you wash them by hand though. A washer with a delicate cycle could be used to wash these though, albeit the company recommends washing by hand and I would only wash by hand as well.
Are Frogg Toggs Breathable?
Absolutely, the waders are made of a nylon material that makes them breathable and still 100% waterproof, a rare combination in the wading space.
I have absolutely loved mine, and never felt like they weren’t breathable.
The final Verdict of this Frogg Togg Wader Review
The Frogg Togg Hellbender waders are a fantastic set of waders and have all the qualities of those high end super expensive waders, but come in at a very reasonable price.
Check them out by clicking the button below.
That was a big discussion just for some waders right? Fact of the matter is that when you are out on the river you want to know that you have a good pair of waders that will keep you dry and allow you to fish comfortably.
The Frogg Toggs are those waders.
I have loved my pair and hope to get 2-3 years of solid heavy use out of them.
I hope that this full Frogg Togg wader review has been helpful for you, if you have decided that these are the waders for you then be sure to click this link to pick yourself up a pair.
Good luck out there
Sean
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