Orvis Encounter Waders

The Orvis Encounter Waders come in at an entry-level price point, covering all the essentials without tacking on many bells and whistles. Four-layer nylon fabric, stockingfoot design, a wading belt and elastic shoulder straps (that double as a wading belt) round out a sturdy but lightweight design that fit our 6’2”, 165lb tester well in size Medium Long. There are two simple pockets: a combination handwarmer/mesh zip chest pocket and an inner nylon pocket, also on the chest. The mesh pocket was useful for small fly boxes, and we used the inner pocket for a point-and-shoot camera.

Over a few months of testing, it’s clear that good waders don’t have to come at prohibitive cost. Orvis used their unparalleled wader-building knowhow and made the perfect wader for those on a budget, utilizing the same fit as their top-of-the-line Silver Sonic Waders. 

In warmer conditions, a pair of shorts underneath the waders sufficed and we had no issues with sweating. In colder conditions and at night, long underwear kept our tester comfortable while tossing mouse patterns across the river. We trudged through mud, brush and countless rivers, and have been thoroughly impressed with the durability. At $169, it doesn’t get better