Planning my first trip to the BWCA for the first week of June, 2014.  I suspect spring will arrive late and water temps will be in the upper 50s at best.  Not excited about going wet-foot under these conditions, especially if air temps are cooler than normal as well.  Has anyone here ever tried old-fashioned hip waders during the shoulder season?  Several companies now make light-weight hippers with rugged soles and good traction, reasonable (though not hiking-boot level) ankle support, and nylon tops that will keep you dry above the knee at borderline portage landings but easily roll down to knee level for warm, sunny afternoon paddling.  Being a neophyte, I suspect there is a reason more people don't do this, but can someone enlighten me?