Gavin Hicks on his favourite Mersey River
Patagonia Rio Gallegos Waders review by Gavin Hicks
It was a sad day, but the time had finally come. My old favourite breathable waders were on their last legs and I needed a new pair fast. So the logical thing to do these days would be to jump on the internet and order a pair of big name waders straight from the USA, right?
Wrong.
I did some initial research and talked to a few of my fishing mates and everything seemed to point to one brand, Simms. Then I heard a rumour that Daniel Hackett at FlyShop 1864 was bringing Patagonia waders into the country for the first time. I checked them out on the internet, and got some honest face-to-face advice from Dan and decided to order a pair. I sized up and got a pair of the top of the line Rio Gallegos waders on the way.
I am not going to go into the details of what the waders are made of, to be honest I am not really into all the tech-talk side of things, but I have learned after a solid season of work that they are built tough, and are extremely comfortable in either warm or cold conditions. One feature that I have grown to love is the wool-lined neoprene booties that these waders have. They are warm in the winter, but nice and cool when things get hot polaroiding Tasmania’s Western Lakes in the height of summer.
Over the past season these waders have done it all: the harsh environment of Tasmania’s Central Plateau, many rivers around the state, and the scrub bashing that is small twig water fishing. My waders are still as good as the day we first fished together, and I am happy to say that my old favourite waders have been long forgotten and I am in love with my Patagonia’s.
So do yourself a favour and check out FlyShop 1864’s Patagonia range when next in the market for some new waders. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. And the friendly local service is second to none!