"Dave LaCourse" wrote in message
...

PS: I did think an improvement to waders would be an 'emergency release'.
Imagine that, instead of being sewn on in back, the shoulder straps
actually
run down inside the material of the waders where they are looped around a
strap that is inside a track, running parallel to the elastic cord. In an
emergency, you could reach inside the front of your waders, grab the end
of
this strap, and pull it out (like removing the string in the waist of a
pair
of sweat pants). Then shoulder straps would then be relased front and
back,
and you could get the waders off without having to delayer all that gear.



If you need to remove your waders, the best way (especially in an
emergency) is
to cut them off. That is what the guy that my friend saved in the middle
of
the Rapid last May.


I completely concur. I think first, however, I'd slice the legs WIDE open.
Probably just pull the waders forward down below my knees, stab through
them, then grab the hole with my hands and rip them open big.

Or just wear a wading belt! :-)

--riverman