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I decided to pick up a pair of Backcountry Skinz Z-Series Neoprene Pants this past spring (2024), after first hearing about them from a few people who came into the shop and mentioned how much they love them. Being between waders at that time I thought it would be a great time to try a pair.

The whole idea of these pants is that they essentially act as a wet suit, regulating your body temperature in both hot and cold weather. With summer on the Bow fast approaching and wet wading season about to be in full swing, the Z-Series Pants allowed me to get a head start on that. As soon as snow was off the ground and temps hit the 10 degree mark I would throw on my Backcountry Skinz and head for the Bow. The initial hike towards my first fishing hole was usually a bit warm but it was always pleasant to step in the chilly water and cool down.

The first 30 seconds in the water definitely send a shiver down your back, but the neoprene quickly works its magic as it saturates with water and creates a barrier to regulate your temperature. I've been pleasantly surprised how well these pants have worked. One of the best parts of not having to wear waders is not overheating and maintaining flexibility, the Z-Series Pants hit both these marks while keeping you warm but not too hot on those warm days. I find myself more and more willing to wet wade in colder and colder waters.

One of my most memorable trips with my "Skinz" this year was our Fish Tales Thanksgiving float. We started the morning off a bit chilly, with everyone but me and Dave stuffing themselves into waders. The first hour or two was a bit cold, but very bearable due to the Neoprene regulating my temperature. Soon after that the sun came up, everyone wearing waders was soon unzipping them and complaining of the heat. I found this is really where the Z-Series Pants find their place - For those in-between parts of the season where the water is too cold to wear shorts but the weather is too warm for waders. This makes the Z-Series Pants perfect for alpine fishing as well. They worked amazingly well whenever I packed them into high altitude alpine lakes. They helped me to get that much closer to the sweet spots and drop offs while staying warm.

The only real complaint that I have is that they are a bit troublesome to get on and off sometimes, especially if they're wet, but that's the nature of neoprene. While not necessarily a complaint, they do have a temperature limit. When temps hit around 5 - 7 degrees Celsius in the fall I did have to switch back to waders, as that's just a bit too cold to be wet wading. For a rating I would give them a 9 out of 10.

Overall I quite like my Z-series pants, they've served me well and will continue to. I definitely recommend having a pair in your arsenal if you're a fan of wet wading.

Backcountry Skinz is quickly becoming the go-to choice for wet wading gear in New Zealand, offering anglers the perfect balance of mobility, comfort, and warmth. Born from a collaboration with Southern Latitude Guides, led by legendary guides Mike and Nan Kirkpatrick, our innovative leggings have revolutionized wet wading in the region. Crafted with 1mm neoprene, our Z Series Leggings and Solar Flexz UVPro Leggings are ideal for New Zealand’s diverse weather conditions, providing comfort even on the hottest days while still offering warmth during colder periods. Renowned for their versatility, these leggings eliminate the need for bulky waders, allowing for unhindered movement. As Mike Kirkpatrick notes, they’ve become a must-have for both guides and anglers alike, offering a game-changing solution for those tackling New Zealand’s wild waters.