Gear Review: Kokatat Hydrus 3L Tempest Pants with socks

All anglers know that great fishing in the midwest is available during the spring, fall, and sometimes winter months.  The weather during those months are very unpredictable, but one thing is always constant....cold water. The need for clothing to keep warm and dry is one of the most important things a kayak angler needs in cold water months.  After a couple years of using the Kokatat Pants with socks I wanted to write a review.

Here is the product description/details off of the manufacturer's website:
"Hydrus 3L (3-layer) is a waterproof breathable three-layer fabric designed to keep paddlers completely dry in extreme conditions. The super tough nylon woven outer layer provides long lasting abrasion protection and features a durable water repellent (DWR) coating wh

ich repels water. The mid-layer utilizes a proprietary polyurethane micro-porous coating, allowing water vapor to transfer from the inner layer to the outer. The soft, knit polyester inner layer is engineered to help manage moisture, moving it from the inside out. The result is an exceptionally waterproof, breathable alternative that stays dry and comfortable. Kokatat Hydrus 3L garments are backed by a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship."

Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL
Technical Info
Hydrus 3L fabric
Hydrus 3L socks with gravel guard
Re-sized (2" larger) XXL waistband
Neoprene waistband with adjustable “hook & loop” tabs
Factory sealed seams







When looking for waders/dry pants I was a bit picky.  I was looking for something that didn't have shoes and only socks.  After fishing for a number of years I have not only accumulated a lot of tackle and gear, but quite a few wading shoes.  What once was old tennis shoes slowly turned into a collection of different wading shoes and boots.  I wanted to be able to wear my neoprene shoes or my canvas wading boots or anything in between.  I also wanted something that was breathable and somewhat light so that the weather could dictate what I layer underneath.
When out kayak fishing rivers I often hop out and wade to hit certain spots, so something lightweight that I could layer according to the water temperatures was a must.

After looking at a lot of waders designed specifically for anglers I started to look at kayaking apparel. When I first saw the Kokatat pants I initially thought the price tag was a bit high (~$180), but not out of the range of the high end waders/neoprene's designed for anglers.  After dropping many hints on size, location, etc I was given the pants as a Christmas gift.

Once I received the pants I noticed that they seemed really rugged and durable.  It looked as if they could easily last years and hold up against the abuse I was sure to put them through.  The socks offer plenty of room to wear thick wool socks inside them and the velcro gravel gaurds not only keep out gravel but tighten the bottom of the pants so that it is easier to wade in moving water.  The pants go all the way to mid chest if pulled all the way up and have velcro straps that tighten on both sides (although I often just fold down the top to my waist where it holds once the velcro is tightened).  Since the pants are lightweight, roomy, and waterproof the downside is that they also fill up with air (they are also breathable).  This pitfall is no deal breaker and just takes a minute to squeeze all of the air out of them.

I have worn these pants in 20 degree temperatures and one time where the wind chill put the temp's below zero.  Temperatures that cold obviously require a layer or two underneath, but I was warm and dry while wading in knee deep water while stalking trout.
On the opposite side of the spectrum when the water is cool and the air temperature is warm they perform really well.  They are breathable, so they don't seem to get too hot.  I have worn them comfortably in 60-70 degree temperatures.

I have now owned the pants for just shy of 2 years and have worn them for at least 50 outings.  They have held up really well and look practically brand new.

Do you fish in cold, rainy, or snowy conditions?  If so, these pants are your ticket to staying warm and dry.  I wouldn't hesitate in buying them again.

Be sure to check in with Buckeye Kayak Fishing Trail sponsor Whitewater Warehouse on pricing and ordering these pants.  You don't want to be unprepared this winter!

-Neil

PS: Fish slime not included.....