Is It Worth It? Simms Guide Pants Honest Review
Pants & Shorts Quick Picks
- Best All-Around: Simms Guide Pant - For anglers who want one technical pant that works for wet wading, hiking, and boat days. Quick-dry stretch fabric plus drain-friendly pocketing makes it feel purpose-built for fishing, not just “outdoor.”
- Best for Hot Weather: Simms Skiff Shorts - For skiff decks, drift boats, and flats trips when you need airflow and fast dry times. A dedicated thigh pocket and drain details keep essentials secure when things get wet.
- Best for Wet Wading: Simms Driftless Wading Pants - For anglers who spend a lot of time knee-deep and want a pant that moves like activewear. Stretch construction and wading-focused pocket drainage help you stay comfortable in-and-out of the water.
- Best Under-Wader Layer: Orvis Pro LT Under Wader Pant - For shoulder-season days when you want warmth without bulky bunching inside waders. A tapered lower leg and stirrups help keep the layer in place through long walks and repeated wader on/off.
- Best Alternative to Chest Waders: Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Pants - For travel, warm climates, and situations where you don’t need deep wading coverage. Waterproof/breathable wading-pant protection is a nice middle ground between wet wading and full waders.
How to Choose Fly Fishing Pants & Shorts
Pick your “job”: wet wading vs. boat vs. hiking
Action: Start by deciding where the pants/shorts will spend most of the day: in the water, on a boat, or on the trail.
- Wet wading focus: Look for quick-dry fabrics, stretch, and pockets that won’t hold water (mesh-lined or drain ports help). A gusseted crotch and articulated knees matter more than you’d think when you’re stepping over boulders.
- Boat/flats focus: Prioritize sun coverage, lightweight comfort, and secure pockets for a phone/keys/permit. Shorts are great in heat, but long pants can be the move when sun, bugs, or mangroves are in the mix.
- Hike-to-fish focus: Go for abrasion resistance and mobility. If your approach includes bushwhacking, a tougher face fabric and reinforced zones can save a trip.
Sun protection & breathability (the “all day” features)
Best for: Summer trout, flats fishing, and any day where you’re exposed for hours.
- Look for built-in UPF ratings when available and pair with a sun shirt for full coverage.
- In humid conditions, lighter fabrics and better airflow usually feel cooler than “shorter” clothing alone.
Fit details that matter on the water
- Range of motion: Stretch-woven fabric, a gusseted crotch, and articulated knees help with high steps and kneeling.
- Pocket layout: Thigh pockets are handy when you’re seated in a drift boat or skiff. Zipper security is worth it for travel days.
- Waist system: A fixed waistband with belt loops is great for everyday wear; an internal drawcord is a nice bonus when you’re wet wading and want the waist locked in.
Under-wader pants: warmth without bunching
Action: If you’re layering under waders, choose a tapered leg and low-bulk cuffs so the fabric doesn’t stack inside boots.
Avoid if: The fit is baggy through the calf or the fabric grabs inside the wader leg, both can make walking and stepping up on banks feel clumsy.
Sizing & Fit
- Try them like you fish: If you’ll wear these under waders, test the fit with your base layer and waders on (especially through the calf and ankle).
- Move test: Do a deep squat and a high step. Binding at the knees or seat usually shows up immediately.
- Waist security: For wet wading, make sure the waistband stays put when pockets are loaded and fabric is wet.
- Shorts inseam: Longer inseams can reduce chafe and sun exposure; shorter inseams feel cooler and move easier in heat.
Complete Your Setup
Related Gear
- Fly Fishing Shirts - Pair pants/shorts with a sun shirt for full-day UV coverage and faster dry times.
- Waders - When water temps drop or you need deeper coverage, full waders are the next step up.
- Wading Boots - Proper traction and ankle support matter even more when you’re wet wading in pants or shorts.
- Layering - Build a system for cold mornings, long float trips, and shoulder-season weather swings.
Related Guides
- Summer Fly Fishing Gear You Never Knew You Needed
- Fly Fishing for Beginners: A Gear List
- 2024 Simms Wader Lineup Overview
- Fly Fishing Holiday Gift Guide 2025
Pants & Shorts FAQs
Q: What are fly fishing pants and shorts designed to do?
A: They’re built to manage sun, heat, and moisture while staying comfortable during casting, hiking, and wading. Compared to casual clothing, they commonly focus on quick-dry fabrics, stretch, and fishing-friendly pockets.
Q: Are pants better than shorts for fly fishing?
A: Pants can be a better choice for sun, bugs, brush, and boat-deck protection. Shorts usually win on airflow in peak summer, especially if you’re fishing from a boat or wet wading easy bottoms.
Q: What features should I look for in wet-wading pants?
A: Prioritize quick-drying stretch fabric, a gusseted crotch, and pockets that drain rather than hold water. An internal drawcord or secure waist closure is helpful once fabric is wet.
Q: Do I need under-wader pants?
A: If you fish cool mornings, shoulder seasons, or winter, an under-wader layer can add warmth and comfort without restricting movement. Look for tapered legs and low bulk so they don’t bunch inside boots.
Q: How should fly fishing pants fit?
A: You want full mobility through the hips and knees without excess fabric flapping or dragging in water. If you’ll layer under waders, keep the lower leg trim enough to slide cleanly into wader legs.
Q: What’s the most common mistake when buying fishing shorts?
A: Choosing shorts with shallow or unsecured pockets. On boats and while wading, deeper hand pockets plus a zippered thigh pocket can keep a phone or keys from taking an unexpected swim.
Q: Can I hike in fly fishing pants?
A: Yes, many are designed for that crossover use. If hiking is a big part of your day, lean toward tougher face fabrics and a fit that won’t bind on steep steps.