ONE YEAR WITH LOC WADERS

It’s time for a post about the LOC waders. I’ve received quite a few questions about these waders. The most common questions are about durability and quality. Is it worth the money is definitely the question I’ve received the most.

Now that I’ve tested these waders for a year, I want to share my thoughts.

I’m known for fishing a bit more than the average person, which means these waders have been on numerous trips since I received them. I was one of the first to start using these waders in Norway, and without a doubt. I’ve used them in all kinds of weather conditions and temperatures.

They have been tested quite rigorously, to say the least. Durability in waders isn’t measured in the number of years you own them, but in the number of trips they endure.

Those who know me are aware that I have strict requirements for the equipment I choose for my fishing. Additionally, I’ve always been completely honest in my feedback on the equipment I’ve tested. I only recommend products that I would use in my own fishing.

I’ve tested many different waders over the years. In this post, I choose not to make comparisons or delve into anything else.

Instead, I’d rather get straight to the point about these waders. LOC is exceptional. Let me explain.

When I first saw and felt the LOC waders at Nordisk Fiskeutstyr in Oslo a year ago, I was skeptical. They felt heavy, and I had concerns, especially considering how much I move during my fishing. How would it perform without breathability?

An active sea trout angler covers long distances, jumps and climbs on rocky terrain. You want to keep moisture and condensation away from your body as much as possible. Additionally, you want a durable pair of waders.

Nevertheless, I chose to give LOC a go. After just a few trips, I concluded that these waders were perfect for my kind of fishing.

The feeling when you put them on and the fit is excellent. The pockets and features works fine. I wish there was a small waterproof pocket on the inside, but it’s not a must, just a bit of a nerdy request if I could choose.

The first trip in cold water was a breeze. You didn’t even notice the water. These waders turned out to be fantastic for wading in the winter season. It’s a new experience when you don’t feel the cold water. But, not everything is perfect. LOC has chosen to compress the neoprene on the feet to around 3mm. I understand it’s for increased durability. The downside is that you loose a bit of insulation. This means it’s more important than ever to wear wading boots that aren’t too tight. Boots with a bit of «breathing room» for your feet (note: important is that you maintain a good heel grip so that your feet stays put). Good socks are also crucial.

LOC has introduced its own Merino wool socks that work well. Of course, there are many other good options. The most important thing here is to wear the right socks.

Moving around in these waders is effortless, and the feeling of heaviness disappears with use, I would say.

The Dupont Kevlar panels on the knees and shins get a thumbs up from me. As mentioned earlier, I’ve tested these waders quite rigorously, more than you should expose a pair of waders to. I’ve slipped on rocks, spent a lot of time on my knees, gone through thorny bushes, and given them a really rough treatment. My conclusion is that the waders are still intact. You shouldn’t treat waders this way, and LOC is by no means invincible. Nonetheless, it’s been interesting to see how much they can withstand.

There’s an elastic wading belt, a must for me. The two large chest pockets work well with good placement. Adjustable shoulder straps with padding.

Two small loops to hang various items on are a plus. I wish the gravel guards were a bit longer.

Summer fishing with LOC has worked well. I was concerned about the warmer days and increased movement but I was quite impressed that these waders didn’t cause me to overheat. On the hottest days in summer, I did switch to a different pair of waders. It was sooo hot that even with the other waders, I felt tempted to fish in a “naturist” style.

The system with the patented, detachable, hydrophobic 3-D mesh lining works.

Is the wader worth the price, as I mentioned at the beginning of the post, is a recurring question. I can’t disagree that these are expensive waders. But if you look at other brands with their top models, they are also relatively pricey. So, are LOC waders worth their price?

That’s up to each individual to decide. What I can say is that LOC waders meet all my requirements for my fishing. I often choose what I consider the best products from different brands. It doesn’t always mean the most expensive from each brand, but what I believe is the best for my fishing and my needs.

Can I recommend LOC? Absolutely. If you fish a lot and need waders you can rely on, it’s worth checking out LOC waders.

Regardless of the brand, whether it’s expensive or more affordable, taking care of your wading gear is important. Rinse it in fresh water after using it in saltwater, and, most importantly, let it dry. Maintaining your fishing equipment is crucial.

Read more about LOC waders on their website WWW.LOCWADING.COM

Finally, I want to mention that this post is in collaboration with Fiskejegeren and is a personal equipment test. Just like I’ve shared thoughts on other equipment over the years.

In other words, this is not a pair of waders I received from LOC, nor is it a promotional arrangement. It’s unfortunate that I have to mention this due to cases of false information spreading. /Ole Martin