Back Country Skinz AIRBLITZ Neoprene Leggings
Wet wading without the the sweaty waders.
Waders are great until it's 28 degrees and you've got a 6 km walk into the headwaters. By lunch you're cooking. Wet wading in shorts solves that, but then you're dealing with cold water, scratched legs, sunburn and March flies.
The Backcountry Skinz AirBlitz leggings sit right in that gap. They're a lightweight neoprene legging with perforations through the fabric, so they drain fast when you step out of the river and breathe while you're walking. You get the protection and a bit of warmth from neoprene, without feeling like you're wearing a wetsuit.
Designed in Canada and tested hard in the New Zealand backcountry, they're built for the kind of flyfishing where you cover a lot of ground on foot.
Who they're for
- Flyfishers who walk long distances to fish small streams and backcountry water
- Anyone who wet wades in summer but wants more coverage than shorts
- Travellers heading to the South Island who don't want to pack waders
- Kayak and packraft fishos who are in and out of the water all day
Features
- Perforated neoprene: Water drains out and air gets in, so they dry quicker and run cooler than standard neoprene
- Soft nylon liner: Comfortable against bare skin for all day wear
- Four way stretch: Moves with you when you're climbing banks, scrambling over rocks or kneeling to stalk a fish
- Drawstring waist: Keeps them sitting where they should when you're on the move
- Leg coverage: Protection from scrub, blackberry, sandflies, mozzies and March flies
- UPF 50+: Covers your legs on long days in the Aussie sun
- Two pockets: Handy for a fly box, tippet or car keys
AirBlitz or Z Series?
Backcountry Skinz make two versions, and the difference is all about temperature.
AirBlitz runs cooler. The perforations let water and heat escape, which makes them ideal for summer, hot days and long walks.
Z Series runs warmer. Without perforations it holds a thin layer of water against your skin, which your body warms up. Better for spring, autumn and colder water.
If you fish through the shoulder seasons as well as summer, there's a good case for having both.
How to wear them
Pair them with wading boots and a set of neoprene wading socks or gravel guards. That's your whole wading kit, and it packs down to a fraction of the space of waders and boots.
Our take
For summer flyfishing on small streams, these make a lot of sense. They're cooler than waders, far better than shorts, and they keep the bugs and the scrub off your legs. If your fishing involves more walking than standing, they're worth a look.
Size Chart
Unisex sizing. These are designed to fit snug, like a wetsuit. A little room is fine, but too baggy and they'll hold water.
| Size | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) | Inseam (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 71 to 76 | 86 to 91 | 67 |
| M | 76 to 81 | 91 to 97 | 70 |
| L | 81 to 86 | 97 to 102 | 72 |
| XL | 86 to 91 | 102 to 107 | 74 |
| XXL | 91 to 102 | 107 to 117 | 77 |
Taller flyfishers may find these finish just above the ankle.
How to measure
Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, usually just above your belly button. Keep the tape snug, but not tight.
Hip: Measure around the widest part of your hips and backside, with your feet together.
Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam down the inside of your leg to your ankle. The easiest way is to measure a pair of pants that fit you well.
Between sizes? Give us a call or drop into the shop in South Melbourne or Yea and we'll help you sort the right fit.