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Let’s face it—no waders are completely leak-proof forever. It’s just a fact of life. If you expect perfection out of the gate, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. That’s the challenge SITKA is taking on with their Delta Pro Zip GTX waders.
SITKA has been chasing the “perfect wader” for years. Their website claims the Delta wader is “the last wader you’ll ever own.” That doesn’t mean they’re indestructible—it’s more about their durability and the excellent repair program that backs them up.
This spring, SITKA released the updated Delta Pro Zip GTX, taking another step toward that ideal. I got a chance to handle a pair before release, so here are my initial impressions. Full disclosure: this isn’t a comprehensive review. I haven’t hunted in them yet, and living in Tennessee, I haven’t had much reason to wear waders since I received them in May.
So for now, I’ll focus on fit and features. I’ll update this review after a full hunting season to see if they’re truly worth the $1,100 price tag.
In short: the SITKA Delta Pro Zip GTX waders fit well, offer excellent mobility, and come loaded with features that could make them one of the best duck hunting waders on the market. At first glance, they seem very well made.
If you’re shopping for base layers to wear under your duck hunting waders, check out our Duck Camp Contact System Review.
- Material:
4-layer GORE-TEX laminates - Boots:
Insulated bootfoot with kick tab - Closure:
Waterproof Aquaseal YKK zipper - Kneepads:
Reinforced CORDURA 320D Overlay - Colors:
Optifade Waterfowl Marsh, Optifade Waterfowl Timber, Earth
Pros
- Thin straps allow for better shoulder mount
- Front zipper makes getting in and out of the waders easy
- Breathable
- Warm boots
- Excellent fit of both wader and boots
- Allow for great maneuverability
Cons
- Price
- Needs internal and waterproof pockets
Fit
With duck season over and Tennessee summer heat rolling in, fit is about the only thing I could put to the test so far. But fit is critical—especially if you’re buying waders online. Ill-fitting waders are uncomfortable, restrict movement, and make a day in the marsh miserable. Fortunately, the Delta Pro Zip GTX waders feel well-sized and comfortable right out of the box.
SITKA Delta Pro Boot Fit
The first thing I noticed when trying on the waders was how well the boots fit. Getting rubber boots right is tricky—most are either too tight or way too loose—but the SITKA Delta Pro Zip GTX nails it.
My foot feels secure and doesn’t shift around, with the most support through the middle of the foot and plenty of room in the toe box to keep blood flowing. I have zero concern about my foot slipping out when wading through mud.
Shoe sizes can vary between brands, so I like to compare them to Nike shoes since most people know that sizing. I wear a size 11 Nike, and the Delta Pro Zips in size 11 fit true to that—comfortable and accurate.
SITKA Delta Pro Wader Fit
I wear both hunting and fishing waders—and sometimes mix them—and it’s interesting to see how different brands approach the same job. One key difference is fit. Fishing waders tend to be more athletic, while hunting waders usually have a bit more room to accommodate warm layers underneath.
The Delta Pro Zips strike a perfect balance. They’re slightly roomier than my Simms waders in the same size, but not as baggy as many hunting waders on the market. The upper portion feels athletic with no excess material, yet I can still fit insulating jackets underneath. Most of the extra space is in the lower section, but it’s far from excessive.
That extra room in the legs really pays off for mobility. I even tested them with some yoga moves in the kitchen, and I wasn’t restricted at all. I could bend my knees, stretch, and move freely. That little bit of extra material makes a noticeable difference in how naturally I can move while hunting.
Overall, these waders run true to size and balance snugness with comfort and mobility perfectly.
Features
At a hefty $1,100, the SITKA Delta Pro Zips come packed with features that justify the price. Here are a few of my favorites so far.
Zipper
I’ve been wearing zippered waders for years, and I’m a big fan. If you haven’t tried a zippered pair yet, here’s why they’re great: they’re easy to put on and take off, make bathroom breaks much simpler, and if you get too warm, you can unzip them to let your core breathe.
Worried about waterproofing? Don’t be. I’ve worn zippered waders from four different brands, and none of them have leaked. I have no doubt the zipper on the Delta Pro Zips will hold up just as well.
Shoulder Straps on the SITKA Delta Pro Wader
The shoulder straps on these waders are different—and thoughtfully designed. You won’t find bulky buckles that get in the way when shouldering a shotgun. Instead, the straps are thin and feature small loops that attach to a metal clip on the top of the wader.
It’s a clever system that keeps things slim and low-profile. The straps feel secure, though I’ll be testing them this fall to see how well they hold up during boat runs, setting up spreads, and brushing into blinds.
Insulated Boots
The biggest change from the previous Delta model is the boots. The old version came with Lacrosse boots, but these new ones are made by SITKA.
Like most hunting waders, the boots are insulated. SITKA hasn’t given an exact rating, but I can tell you they’re warm. I tried them on at home with just a thin sock, and within five minutes my feet were noticeably warmer than the rest of my body.
The boots also feature a large kick tab for easy removal—an upgrade from the last model. Boot-footed waders can be tough to pull off, including the previous SITKA version, but these slide off effortlessly. They fit snugly while still being easy to remove.
GORE-TEX Material
The Delta Pro Zip GTX waders use a four-layer GORE-TEX laminate. SITKA claims the new version is 10% more puncture-resistant and 200% more abrasion-resistant than before.
What does that mean in the real world? I’m not entirely sure yet. I’ll be testing them hard this hunting season to see if those numbers hold up. Personally, I’m always a little skeptical of percentage-based claims in gear marketing—but it’s a good starting point.
Knee Pads
The Delta Pros come with massive knee pads—more like a combination shin guard and knee pad. I like the extra length because it makes kneeling much more comfortable, and it also adds extra protection in one of the highest-wear areas on the wader.
Cattails and brush would have to go through the tough outer layer, the knee pad itself, and then the four-layer GORE-TEX to even reach the interior. It feels practically indestructible.
But Where Are the Pockets?
I’m a little disappointed with the pocket setup on these waders. There are external handwarmer pockets and water-resistant zippered pockets on the chest, which are nice, but that’s it.
There are no internal pockets and no truly waterproof compartments. For a $1,100 pair of waders, I’d expect at least a small, detachable waterproof pocket for a phone. Most hunters carry one these days, and let’s be honest—“pics or it didn’t happen” is basically the mantra on social media.
Sure, many phones are now waterproof—and I’ve tested it myself—but some extra internal organization would still be great. In the fishing world, any wader over $700 usually has an internal pocket, so it’s a little surprising that the Delta Pros don’t.
Final Thoughts
Aside from the pocket gripe, the SITKA Delta Pro Zip GTX waders look like they might be some of the toughest out there.
They fit true to size, are well-made, and come loaded with features that most hunters will appreciate. I’m excited to wear them this fall and put them through their paces alongside the other waders I’ve used. Who knows—these just might end up being the last pair of waders I ever need.