Gear Guide: Five Months In DRYFT’s S14 Waders
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Fly fishing the many and diverse waters of the Great Lakes takes a major toll on equipment. Those taking advantage of year-round angling opportunities will endure intense heat, bitter cold, and everything in-between, and their gear must be up to the task. Waders probably bear the heaviest burden, being the first layer of defense against extreme temperatures, heavy precipitation, and a huge amount of walking.
Historically, my waders have not lasted long before repeated leaks render them essentially useless, and over the last several years I’ve made a concerted effort to experiment with new brands and find better quality products. In June of 2026 I got into a pair of DRYFT S14 waders, and I’ve used them extensively since that time.
Fit
The first thing I noticed about my S14s was the fit. I stand at 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weigh around 210 pounds, which inevitably requires a size XL pair of waders regardless of the brand. I need the length, leg, and hip width that an extra large provides, but I am often left with too much material in the mid section. I also have difficulty with crotches being cut too low or too high, which limit the ability to crouch down or kneel. The size XL S14s provide ample length, a very comfortable fit that permits excellent range of motion, and an upper body section with enough room to layer clothing without excessive width or material. They are a very comfortable pair of waders to walk around in all day. The only issue I have had regarding fit involves the gravel guards. These are thick and durable, but I find them to be too tight to easily slide over my boots. They can certainly be made to fit, but I usually don’t make the effort to pull them down.
Feel
I’ve bought and used waders at every point on the price spectrum, and the DRYFT S14s feel like premium waders. They’re made of thick, yet light material, they have fat, strong shoulder straps that don’t stretch or loosen when I stuff way too much gear into the pockets, and really thick lower legs and gravel guards that are as beefy as I’ve seen. The pockets are deep and closed with zippers that don’t bind up and the belt, which matches the shoulder straps, is thick and resistant to stretch. They breathe well, too, making them comfortable across a wide range of temperatures.
Durability
My fishing routinely involves crawling up and sliding down banks, scrambling over (or under) fallen trees and rocks, kneeling down to unhook and release fish, and a fair amount of bushwhacking. The S14 waders from DRYFT have proven more than up to the task, largely as a result of the excellent range of motion they permit. Lifting my legs and crouching down will normally put a lot of strain on the seams of my waders, but not for the S14s. This, paired with their durable exterior that has avoided puncture after repeated treks through thorn bushes, makes them as durable as any waders I’ve used. As for all the walking - The booties are snug, which reduces the amount of bunched up material in my boots. I suspect this will elongate the lifespan substantially over booties that incur undue wear from improper fit.
Overall Assessment
Coming in at $429 the DRYFT S14 waders fall squarely into the mid-range price category, costing substantially more than budget products, but falling dramatically short of flagship models. It has been my experience, however, that the build quality, durability, and fit of these waders outperform expectations for mid-range products, offering a great deal of value to anglers. At this price point I would like to see a waterproof pouch included with the waders (DRYFT sells it separately), but I feel that is a small issue given the positives discussed. I would highly recommend the S14 waders for anyone looking for maximal value in the mid-range price category. After five months of extensive use across the Great Lakes region, the S14s have proven to be comfortable, durable, and exceptionally well suited for anglers who spend as much time walking to fish as they do standing in the water.
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