SKWALA Carbon Series Review: Waders, Wading Jacket & Boots – lightweight, clean & ideal for active fly anglers
We fished the Carbon series from SKWALA intensively for salmon for a week - not just trying it on briefly, but actually wearing it in tough everyday fishing conditions: out early, walking long distances, lots of movement, changing conditions. We tested the complete setup of carbon waders, carbon wading jacket and carbon wading shoes. And even after the first few days, it was clear what this range stands for: lightness without compromising on uncompromising performance.
The carbon products have a deliberately minimalist design - everything that is not absolutely necessary on the water has been left out. This reduces weight, increases manoeuvrability and ensures that you still feel comfortable even after many hours. This was a real advantage in our test: very breathable, extremely comfortable during activity and changing temperatures - and yet robust enough to walk through undergrowth, over stones or along steep banks without thinking twice.
And visually? Really strong. The continuous colour code runs through all parts of the series: this unobtrusive green/grey tone matches everywhere and looks as if it has been cast from a single mould. Anyone who likes a harmonious setup will celebrate this. Watch this video to find out everything you need to know about waders from SKWALA's Carbon series!
Carbon waders: Comfort for long days - and flexible when it gets warmer
SKWALA uses a four-layer Toray laminate for its carbon waders - proven, robust and yet pleasantly light. This choice of material is the key for us: the weight remains low, but the trousers never feel "thin" or delicate. On the contrary: they are made to accompany you for many hours on the water - without you feeling restricted.
Compared to the higher-priced RS series, the Carbon is a little lighter, but it still has some of the really good details. For example, the strap system with the mesh material, the adjustment options and the wide, robust straps - it simply feels good to wear and remains comfortable even after hours.
What particularly impressed us about the Carbon waders is the magnet system for maximum flexibility: you can easily wear the waders as hip waders. Release the magnets (side and back), take off the trousers - and you're done. Especially when the temperatures rise or you don't have to wade in deep, this is a feature you won't want to do without.
The front is deliberately kept simple: no long front zip, but a large kangaroo pocket and an additional pocket inside for valuables (e.g. mobile phone). Everything is protected by a water-repellent zip. Minimalist, but in a way that makes sense on the water.
The carbon DNA is also evident underneath: robust, durable and neatly finished. Gravel guards, booties and seams are designed to last for many seasons.
Highlights of the carbon waders:
- Four-layer Toray laminate: light, robust and comfortable to wear
- Comfortable strap system with mesh material, wide straps and strong adjustability
- Magnetic drop-down system: can be used as hip waders (perfect in warmer temperatures)
- Simple front without front zip: less weight, less "ballast"
- Large kangaroo pocket plus inside pocket for valuables, protected by water-repellent zip
- Robust gravel guards and durable workmanship for tough use
Carbon wading jacket: high-performance rain jacket with fly fishing details
For us, the Carbon Jacket is one of those jackets that you don't just want to wear for fishing. The look is clean, not "typical wading jacket", and that's exactly what makes it so universal. Nevertheless, there is enough fly fishing DNA in it to make it work properly on the water.
A Toray laminate is also used here - in three layers. The result is a powerful combination of windproofness, breathability and rain protection. In the test, this was particularly noticeable during movement: changing spots, running, active throwing - and yet the climate remains pleasant.
We were very impressed by the long YKK front zip and the comfortable neck area with fleece appliqué. The hood is large enough and can be fastened and adjusted using the familiar press stud system. Everything looks tidy, high-quality and extremely practical.
The front remains clean but functional: three pockets - a large slanted pocket with plenty of space (even for large fly boxes) and two further pockets on the right/left. There is also a discreet docking station to which you can attach a pair of pliers, for example.
The cuffs are also typical Carbon: not overloaded, but well thought out. Velcro fastening, plus a rubberised closure that fits tightly and ensures that no water penetrates the sleeve when casting or backing a fish.
Highlights of the Carbon wading jacket:
- Three-layer Toray laminate: windproof, breathable and rainproof
- Long YKK front zip with zip garage
- Fleece appliqué in the neck for high wearing comfort
- Large, adjustable hood with press stud system
- Minimalist front with 3 water-repellent pockets and plenty of storage space
- Discreet docking station for tool attachment
- Tight-fitting cuffs with rubberised finish
Carbon wading boots: grip, stability and comfort for long distances
The Carbon boots combine features that you need when wading (protection, stability, grip) with those that make the difference on longer walks and a high fishing workload (comfort, cushioning, low weight).
The centrepiece is the high EVA midsole: it cushions strongly on different terrains and ensures that you still feel secure even after many hours. Then there's the grip: the Vibram IDROGRIP™ sole with the proven "lug principle", which SKWALA developed in cooperation with Vibram. The lugs are constructed like small steps and grip extremely well on a wide variety of surfaces.
For even more comfort, the Carbon Boots rely on insoles made in co-operation with OrthoLite. They are anatomically shaped, provide stability in the midfoot area and help noticeably when you're on the move for a long time.
There are no compromises when it comes to protection either: reinforced toe area, very robust outer materials and, typical for SKWALA, multiple seams plus additional bonding. The lacing system is also interesting: the openings are virtually only on one side, so the shoe sits very cleanly on the ankle and closes perfectly.
Highlights of the Carbon wading shoes:
- High EVA midsole for strong cushioning and comfort over long distances
- Vibram IDROGRIP™ sole with "stair tread" studs for very good grip
- OrthoLite insoles: anatomical, stable, comfortable
- Robust toe protection and extremely solid workmanship (seams + bonding)
- Clean, comfortable lacing system with a very good fit on the ankle
- Overall lightweight, but with high stability and durability
Our conclusion: Carbon is THE setup for fly fishermen who want to be light and flexible when travelling
After a week of intensive use, one impression remains above all: the Carbon series is consistently trimmed for mobility, manoeuvrability and lightness - without sacrificing performance. This works because the choice of materials (Toray laminates for the trousers and jacket) and the reduced, clean design are focussed precisely on what you really need on the water.
Our most important findings from the test:
- Very light and yet robust - noticeable in all three parts
- Very breathable and therefore ideal if you do a lot of running or active fishing
- Super harmonious colour code: all parts fit together perfectly visually
- The carbon waders are ideal for warm conditions: can be quickly worn as hip waders thanks to the magnet system
- Minimalist, but with exactly the details that really count on the water
If you're looking for a setup that won't slow you down when travelling, on big rivers or when spot-hopping quickly - in other words, a system for the whole season that is lightweight, functional and comfortable to wear - then the Carbon series from SKWALA is well worth a look.
Tight Lines!
