Monday, April 28, 2008

Reduce your felt footprint...


I recently learned about Recycledwaders.com, a site that allows you to recycle your old worn out and/or leaky waders into useful new products while keeping them out of our already crowded landfills or more importantly from mouldering in your garage.
I couldn't bear the thought of throwing away my very first pair of breathable waders - especially since they were pretty pricey to begin with! After a long drive back to Fairbanks, I sat down and sketched out a pack I could wear that would simplify my king salmon fishing. Then I enlisted my mom's sewing skills. A few weeks later, I had the prototype - and it was perfect! It held 2 large fly boxes, nippers, leader, fishing license, bug spray, hook file, and pliers. To this day I use the prototype on every salmon and steelhead adventure I make.
You have the option of simply donating your waders or re purposing them (sending them in and having them made into the product of your choice). The "Messenger Creel" pictured above sells for $85. They also sell breathable wallets, nook sacks, and fanny packs.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

will they take my old neoprenes? What about my dead felt sole boots?

Murdock said...

looks like they only do breathables but maybe we could get them to stitch us up some nice neoprene hats from an old pair. I don't know though, the thought of wearing part of a fishing buddies waders on my head just isn't appealing.

Maybe a nice planter from some old boots?

Anonymous said...

Heck, old neoprenes got lot's of uses. If you have a canoe or raft, you can line the bottom (using velcro on the canoe) or the tubes so the Lab dog has a good grip for jumping in and out of the boat; use it for pads in the back the truck (use some Aqua Seal to glue it edge to edge); cut them in 2" strips and sew some velcro strips on and use them to keep your pants in place under your new breathables. I also make glasses cases out of neoprene too - after 50 these become even more important. Cheers...Taku

Anonymous said...

Wow, I've been collecting all kinds of mold on my waders, not knowing what to do with them. Did you see the cool products you can get?? Love the creel and who doesn't want something called a Nook Sack when you are a guy!

Murdock said...

Taku's comment makes me wonder what else those creative anlgers among us are creating with their left over gear. Excellent ideas for sure.

Nook Sack sounds like the best name for fishing gear ever...maybe..