Upcycled Wader Products

Upcycled Wader Products is based in the renowned fishing town of Kelso in the Scottish Borders. The business takes leaky waders that can no longer be repaired and upcycles them into functional and sustainable products.

This innovative company is the brainchild of lifelong salmon fisherman and Level 2 Angling Trust fishing coach Charlie Brownlow. He explained, “We decided to make use of old wader material when it became clear that most damaged waders – regardless of age – are either thrown away by their owners or shredded by the manufacturer or retailer and sent to landfill.”

Upcycling to create new fishing gear

Each pair of waders is carefully stripped and cleaned before being passed to Sarah Plummer, who skilfully transforms them into desirable items. Sarah is the partner of Tweed gillie Lee Craig.

The growing product range includes reel and ear-defender cases, hip packs, boot bags, fly cases and duffle bags in a variety of sizes and colours. There’s even a doorstop that doubles as a rifle rest. Many of the items not only incorporate the original wader material but also make use of the straps, buckles and zips.

Sarah hand-sews each product. Her passion for country sports and commitment to sustainability shine through in her craftsmanship. Owing to the differing sizes, shapes and components of waders, every item she creates is unique.

Charlie remarked, “We can’t claim to be environmental angels, but it’s such a shame to see waders simply discarded, especially given how many we go through as a sport each year. It’s a terrible waste of good material.”

Get involved

The company is always on the lookout for more waders. If you have a pair gathering dust in your garage, get in touch with Charlie at charlie@charlesbrownlow.com. They will either be transformed into products for resale or, for an additional fee, custom-made into products for you. Either way, it’s far better than throwing them away.

Upcycled Wader Products duffles £45-£65; rope bag £60; reel cases £30-£35;
hip pack £75; fly wallets £30. 

Web: upcycledwaders.com