WADERS COME IN HANDY.

Byline: Brett Pauly Daily News Outdoors Editor

For rivers like the East Walker, where foliage along the banks is too thick to cast from, wading is the antidote. Spending time in the water also brings anglers closer to the fish, a big plus when playing a trophy trout.

But unless it's a warm enough day to wade them, you'll want a pair of waders.

With all the varieties available, a little guidance can take some of the confusion out of selecting waders for the right circumstance and with the best value.

Most come in three material types - neoprene, ``breathable'' and lightweight - and two shapes - chest waders and hip waders. We've asked fly-fishing instructor and guide Ryan Shadrin, a spokesman for Orvis fishing and outdoor gear in Manchester, Vt., to help unravel the complexities.

When determining which style to use, it's key to consider the temperature of the air, not the water.

``I'd say if the outside air is below freezing, and, generally, there is snow and ice and bitter cold, neoprenes - the heaviest-duty waders - are best,'' Shadrin said. ``But we only suggest them for the most extreme conditions - steelhead fishing in Alaska or trout fishing on the Bighorn River in Montana in January. Something where you are going to really get cold quickly without thick insulation.''

Expect to pay from $85 for neoprenes with a thickness of 2mm to $300 for a pair of super-thick 4mm neoprenes.

It used to be that neoprene - the same material divers and surfers use - was suggested for a broader range of temperatures, but it tends to trap heat if it's not extremely cold, creating clammy, uncomfortable moisture on the skin.

That changed about four years ago, Shadrin said, with the development of breathable waders, which have a membrane made of Gortex or a similar material sandwiched between layers of fabric. The membrane allows water in the form of vapor (perspiration) to flow out, keeping anglers dry and comfy, while water in liquid form (the river) cannot penetrate.

Most salespeople will pitch breathable waders first. It's no coincidence they are usually the most expensive ($130 to $300 or more), but for good reason; they are the most versatile and the only pair an angler will need in most situations.

That leaves lightweight waders, which typically have a medium-weight nylon outer material coated with a plastic. While economical ($50 to $100) and tough to rip or puncture, they aren't recommended for extreme conditions - not warm enough for the cold and too sweaty for the heat. ``If these were the only waders you owned and it was very hot, then `wet-wade,' '' Shadrin suggests.

Wet-wading - walking the river with bare legs - is a refreshing option in the height of summer. To prevent losing your footing on the river bottom, continue to use your wading shoes - or fit the soles of sneakers or heavy-duty sandals with no-slip felt sold at tackle shops.

Most waders fit to the chest, but hip-high waders are a viable option for anglers targeting creeks and small streams, hikers who want to pack in something to fish for brook trout in ankle-high waters and those who don't wade but go in the water to release fish. However, ``hippers'' limit one's versatility because big fish can't be chased into deeper waters and they are impractical in spring when rivers run high and fast.

Hip waders are stitched together from lightweight and breathable materials and run for less than $25 to about $100.