Tackle Tuesday... Vass 700 Chest Waders

This entry was posted on 3rd November, 2015

Reviewed by Total Sea Fishing Magazine…

First off, I have to admit that I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with chest waders. I love their practicality in making keeping dry very simple indeed - but I hate their impracticality.

Now, the latter is usually down to bad organisation on my part, when I’ve left stuff in trouser pockets that I can’t easily get at - that sort of thing. I’m sure we’ve all been there.

Thats the crux of the matter for me really, with chesties.

They need a bit of forward planning that eludes me. However, the more I use them the better I get, it’s just that when in a bit of a rush - and I’m always in a rush to get fishing - I get forgetful.

I’ve had several pairs of chests over the years, covering all price points, and one thing has stood out; you do tend to get what you pay for.

It’s not so much in the waterproof department - although I have had some that didn’t last particularly well - its the fixtures and fittings that didn’t really earn their corn.

To me theres nothing worse than having shoulder straps that are difficult to secure and adjust, and that keep slipping off when you are fishing, or even walking about.



Anyone who has borrowed a pair of chesties where the owner has everything down to their own preferences will know what I mean. If they don’t fit properly you have an uncomfortable fidgety day in store.

So, while most people look at the boots, reinforcements and build quality first, I’m nerdy looking at the shoulder straps and buckles; if I’m not comfortable I’m not enjoying my days fishing.

This simple part of wader design is one where Vass excels. The straps are positive, easy to adjust and once set they don’t tend to slip and re-adjust themselves. Bliss!

A spinning session with repeated casting and retrieving gave them a good workout. Never once did I have to reach inside my jacket to drag the strap back onto my shoulder. Then I upped the ante and got the fly rod out. Much more arm waving involved with this - I’m not a pretty caster of the fly - and the straps again passed with flying colours.

I know the heavy embroidering of the Vass logo is a distinctive marketing device, but it also gives the straps more purchase, meaning they stay in place without having to tighten them to the point where your eyes start to water!

Obviously I was expecting waterproofing to a high standard, and thats what I got, perfectly dry throughout, and with the bonus that the chest area is cut generously enough to allow decent ventilation. I didn’t sweat up uncomfortably on what turned out to be pretty hot day.



These are heavy-duty waders but they aren’t over-heavy to wear. They feel substantial, yet they are pliable and easy to move around in. They are the first chest waders I’ve had in a long time where I actually forget that I was wearing them, and the says alot.

The heavily cleated soles give a good grip, and I went for the standard studded pattern to add a bit more. They performed superbly and I felt sure footed throughout.

The waders are really easy to walk in and the boot sizes are pretty accurate. I’d say they are on the generous side, especially width wise, but if you want to wear extra socks for winter sessions I’d still go up a size from your usual footwear.

I did exactly that and got a good fit with room for extra socks if needed, but without the waders slipping and chaffing in normal use due to them being oversized.

A bonus was the big cleated soles were a doddle to clean off. A good swill of water was easily able to get into the nooks and crannies, removing the glutinous mud and making the packing away of the waters a surprisingly clean task.

Remember that bit about being organised and leaving stiff in trouser pockets? There have a very handy chest pocket with a flap to stop things falling out, and D rings to attach bits and pieces to. Now, if only I remember to use them! Top marks all round.

Buy The Vass 700 Waders