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Simms has been a leader in the fly fishing industry for quite some time, and that all started with their groundbreaking GORE-TEX® wader designs in the 1990s. Since then, they’ve continued to push the limits of excellent waders and wading equipment, continually winning awards for their innovative and clever designs. In this review, we’ll compare all of the current wader models offered by Simms, discussing their overall design elements and some pros and cons for each wader. Hopefully, this will help you cut through the marketing hype and pick the right pair of Simms waders for your specific fishing needs. 

Tributary Waders

The Tributary is Simms’ entry-level wader, offering a few useful features for a reasonable price. Although they aren’t constructed from GORE-TEX® or Toray® fabric, the Tributary waders feature a 3-layer upper and 4-layer lower polyester construction, contributing to durability. Additionally, they feature a chest pocket (not waterproof), and a fleece-lined hand warmer pocket. The standard suspender system is adjustable, and gravel guards will keep excess debris from sneaking into your wading boots. Simms offers the Tributary wader in men's, women's, and kids’ sizes, making them a great choice for families on a budget.

Pros

• The most affordable chest waders in the Simms lineup
• Features a convenient chest pocket and fleece-lined hand warmer pocket

Cons

• Polyester construction is not as breathable or durable as Toray® or GORE-TEX®
• Gravel guard design is not as streamlined as the neoprene version on premium models
• Made overseas

Price: $229.95

Freestone Wading Pants

The Freestone Wading Pants are a great option for budget-oriented anglers who don’t need full chest waders. At approximately half the cost of the G3 Guide Wading Pants, the Freestone’s still offer some nice features, including premium neoprene gravel guards, and a zippered front which aids in getting them on and off. Constructed from a 4-layer Toray fabric, the Freestones offer fair durability and resistance to punctures and tears. Unfortunately, the Freestone Wading Pants are only offered in men’s sizes.

Pros

• 4-layer Toray® throughout the pant means solid puncture-resistance
• Premium neoprene gravel guards are the same as on the G4Z’s

Cons

• The unzippered pockets serve little function. Simms, can we get a zipper?
• No women’s or kid’s sizes
• Made overseas

Price: $329.95

Freestone Waders

Made for anglers who want durable waders for under $400, the Freestones are a solid option. These overseas-built waders are available in 16 men's sizes and 10 women's sizes, but unfortunately no kids’ sizes. They feature a removable zippered “tippet tender” chest pocket, webbing attachment tabs for zingers and forceps, a velcro fly patch, a non-waterproof chest pocket, and a fleece-lined hand warmer pocket.

Pros

• Features a removable chest “tippet tender” pocket and webbing attachment points
• Available in a unique “midnight” blue color
• Available in women’s sizes

Cons

• Toray® isn’t as breathable as GORE-TEX®
• Not available in youth sizes
• Made overseas

Price: $379.95

Freestone Z Waders

The Freestone Z Waders are essentially the Freestone Waders equipped with a zipper. They feature the same 4-layer Toray® construction as the normal Freestones, but with a T-ZIP® front zipper which makes putting them on and taking them off much easier. Especially for anglers with limited mobility, the additional $100 investment to opt for the zippered version of the Freestones is well worth it. Unfortunately, the Freestone Z’s are only offered in one color (no cool blue option), and they aren’t offered in women’s sizes. At under $500, they’re one of the most affordable zippered waders on the market.

Pros

• T-ZIP front zipper makes getting these waders on/off a breeze
• Plenty of pockets and webbing attachments

Cons

• No women’s sizes
• Made overseas

Price: $479.95

Guide Classic Waders

Recently discontinued, the Simms Guide Classic wader features 3-layer GORE-TEX® fabric throughout its simple design. It is very similar to the older G3 waders, although they had an extra layer of GORE-TEX fabric in the legs, which the Guide Classics do not. We’re also not sure if these waders are made in Montana, or just tested and packaged there. Simms’ website says they’re “assembled in the USA”, which makes us wonder if they’re constructed overseas. All things considered, these waders are currently on a closeout sale, so it's a great opportunity to snag a pair of GORE-TEX® waders for under $400!

Pros

• 3-layer GORE-TEX® construction = breathable and durable
• The closeout deal is a solid value for GORE-TEX® waders!

Cons

• These still have the previous generation neoprene gravel guards with the super-snaggy metal lace clip
• The camo doesn’t look very “classic” at all.

Price: $549 ($379.99 closeout)

Confluence Waders

Perhaps the most unique wader in the Simms lineup, the Confluence Wader is for anglers who prioritize mobility and durability. The first thing you’ll notice is the compression-molded neoprene knee pads, a first for Simms waders. Constructed of 4-layer Toray® fabric, the Confluence Waders are rugged and ready for bushwhacking or scrambling over rocks to access the most remote fisheries. In addition to plenty of pocket storage and ample tool attachments, the Confluence Waders feature a comfortable mesh suspender system with a webbing net attachment. They’re available in 16 men’s sizes but unfortunately, Simms does not offer women’s sizes.

Pros

• Offer the most mobility of the entire Simms wader lineup
• The only Simms wader with knee pads

Cons

• Made overseas
• Expensive for a non-GORE-TEX® wader
• No women’s sizes
  

Price: $599.95

G3 Guide Wading Pants

Ideal for icy tailwaters during the summer or fall days in the drift boat, the G3 Guide Wading Pants are beloved by guides and professional anglers worldwide. These heavy-duty wading pants are constructed of 3 and 4-layer GORE-TEX® Pro material, meaning they’re among the most breathable and durable waders in the Simms lineup (the G-series). The T-ZIP front zipper makes putting on and taking off these pants super easy, especially for anglers with limited mobility. For anglers who need to stay dry from the waist down, the USA-made G3 Guide Wading Pants have been a longtime favorite of ours.

Pros

• USA-made in Bozeman, Montana
• 3 and 4-layer GORE-TEX® Pro fabric is the industry leader
• T-ZIP waterproof front zipper makes life easier

Cons

• Expensive for wading pants

Price: $599.95

G3 Guide Waders

The most iconic Simms waders ever created, the G3 Guide Waders, are now revamped and better than ever. These breathable GORE-TEX waders feature a fleece-lined hand warmer pocket, a removable zippered “tippet tender” pouch, and a stretch-woven chest pocket for larger fly boxes or leader spools. The suspender system is a comfortable mesh material, allowing for more padding and better airflow. And great news for female anglers, the Simms G3 Guide Waders are available in women’s and men’s sizes, along with 6 custom sizing options.

Pros

• USA-made in Bozeman, Montana
• Available in women’s sizes
• 3 and 4-layer GORE-TEX® fabric is the industry leader

Cons

• Expensive
• They keep the traditional suspender clips instead of upgrading to the new cam-lock system

Price: $699.95

G4Z Waders

The most premium wader in the Simms lineup is the G4Z. This is the wader for serious anglers and professional guides who want the most durable zippered waders on the market. Starting from the top, the G4Z’s feature a completely redesigned suspender system, which is extremely streamlined and lightweight. These suspenders feature a new cam-lock slider as opposed to the old suspender clips, making them much easier to adjust. The front of the waders features a YKK Aquaseal Zipper, and stretch-woven exterior pockets for fly boxes and other accessories. Two fleece-lined hand warmer pockets will keep your hands toasty warm, and a fully waterproof interior chest pocket keeps valuable items like Epi-pens or phones safe, even if you take a swim. The material is a 3 and 4-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric, which breathes well and is extremely durable. Lastly, the feet offer a new compression-molded neoprene bootie, protected by the redesigned snag-free gravel guard. Overall, the G4Z Waders are loaded with features, and their price reflects that at just under $1,000. For anglers who demand the best, the G4Z Waders are the finest available.

Pros

• USA-made in Bozeman, Montana
• Made from durable and breathable 3 and 4-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric
• Numerous improvements from the previous generation G4Z’s

Cons

• Very expensive!
• No women’s sizes

Price: $999.95

Questions?

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