Finally! Waders with a relief zipper!

I just saw this today. I have always thought it was odd there aren't (weren't) any waders on the market that came with a relief zipper. When I want to get out, and don't need to wear a drysuit, but don't want my lower body wet from splash, or sitting in water as many SOT's do, I wear breathable waders with a cinch belt. When I do I REALLY miss the relief zipper!!! As much as appropriate immersion gear is discussed and some are quite passionate about their position, I'm throwing this out there for discussion because I can visualize this could tip me to prefer a drytop/wader set-up over a drysuit. Seems like a more versatile option for all-seasons and conditions. $450 retail seems pricey to me but paired with a good drytop is comparable if not lower than the cost of a drysuit but more versatile. 

http://www.rapidmedia.com/kayakangler/categories/gear/6341-video-nrs-new-sidewinder-bibs.html

Alternatively, who installs (sew in) a relief zippers in a brand X wader and what cost?

I agree that it would be nice to have a pair of waders with a relief zipper.  When kayaking in waders, I currently relieve myself by sliding a juice bottle down into my groinal region, which is kind of a hassle when I'm wearing clothing over the waders.  It would be a lot easier to take a wiz by opening a relief zipper and peeing into a funnel.  But $450 is a pretty stiff price for a pair of waders.  However, it would be easy to glue, or sew and glue, a relief zipper into a pair of waders.  I ought to do some Googling in search of a waterproof zipper which I can sew into a pair of waders.

I suspect that the reason waders don't come with relief zippers is that it's easy for wade fisherman to walk to shore, pull down their waders, and take a leak.  It's only kayak fishermen who would find a relief zipper useful.

I suspect that the reason waders don't come with relief zippers is that it's easy for wade fisherman to walk to shore, pull down their waders, and take a leak.  It's only kayak fishermen who would find a relief zipper useful.

I'd much rather have a relief zipper when wading, than having to take my waders down each time I need to go pee, but not at the MSRP of $450

While the fabric is not breathable I've never felt clammy after a day in my USiA waders. I think I was at $210 with the addition of the relief zipper.

Not sure if Kim is still giving the NWKA discount.

http://www.shopusia.com/waders/

I have a set of Cabela's breathable waders with a front zipper.  Works great in combo with a dry top.  I think they were less then $150 new.

almost every major brand of waders now have front zippers models, simms, redington, orvis, cabelas just to name a few.

I too have a cabela's wader's w/ front zipper on line for $150.Use it W/a dry top ok untill I have to open up in rough water. It zips from the top down,I have  to uncinch the dry top from around the waste then reach up & zip the waders down not afraid of a little water, but if I got dumped at that point I don't know how much water I'd take in then have to rezip, recinch & then do a recovery. would much prefer a bottom up top down relief zipper like my nrs wet suit or a smaller relief zipper like the nrs sidewinder bibs. have looked but so far haven't been able to find a short waterproof zipper. If I find one at a resonable price I'll give It a try.TROY.         

While the fabric is not breathable I've never felt clammy after a day in my USiA waders. I think I was at $210 with the addition of the relief zipper.

Not sure if Kim is still giving the NWKA discount.

http://www.shopusia.com/waders/

Anthony you beat me to it. I was just going to recommend USiA. I still have my yellow waders (using them tomorrow actually) and they are strong as ever. No leaks yet. The only difference now is the yellow is more of an orange/pink from fish blood. But I'm OK with that.

Here is my original review from a few years back. Kim had added some customization options that he did not have when I ordered mine. As Anthony said, there is an option for a relief zipper. The zipper Kim uses is supposedly quite good and the prices are very reasonable considering the quality materials which are used.

http://NorthWestKayakAnglers.com/index.php?topic=9700