Although not counted as typical UL gear, I consider my lightweight breathable chest waders to be essencial equipment on trips around water. Multiple uses are:
1-As waders for fishing/float tubing.
2-As lower part of rain gear.
3-As bivouac outerwear (insulated inside).
4-To wade to fresh campsites seldom used by land based hikers.
5-For hiking in rainy, bogy, puddled trails and fording streams.
6-Hiking down streams/canyoneering.
7-Rolled into a bag and used as a pillow
8-Wade right into the stream to wash dishes or filter water
9-Sit in shallow water to cool down on hot day without getting soaked.
10-Adds 15 deg. f. warmpth and waterproofness to clothing.
11-For getting into or out of watercraft easily, without worrying about getting wet.
Sage and Dan Bailey’s etc. have waterproof/breathable waders that weigh under 1 pound. Wear with old hiking shoes or water shoes on feet.
Anyone else use waders as part of their UL gear? Any other uses?
