Hardcore hunters and fishermen have learned over the years that it is far better to buy the best equipment possible to ensure you get the job done. There is nothing worse than finding yourself in the heat of the battle, only to have your equipment fail and possibly watch that once in a lifetime event slip away.
Well, in the fishing world, there are many top brands out there. But, when it comes to the topics of waders and wading shoes, the name that is found at the top of most experts’ lists is Simms.
The Sportsman’s News team has come to trust the Simms brand. We spend a lot of days on the water and their products never let us down. Our wader of choice is the G3 Guide Stockingfoot that excels in versatility, durability and performance.
For the hardcore, daily fisherman, there are none better. Simms employs a 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell material in the chest area and an even heavier and more durable 4-layer Pro Shell throughout the lower two-thirds of the waders. Now this does hurt the breathability in the warmer fishing environments a little, but with our applications taking us for extended trips to Canada and Alaska throughout the spring, summer and fall, the pluses far out-weigh the minuses.
Another great feature of all Simms waders is their fit. With 25 sizes for men and another ten for women-specific, you are sure to find a size perfect for your build. You will find the cut through the thighs and seat tend to be generous enough to offer great mobility, while still keeping the overall look streamlined. The leg design tapers well to prevent excessive drag in fast moving water and the neoprene booties are more proportionally cut to minimize buckling and folding when inserted into your wading boots.
- Zippered chest pocket
- Removable flip-out tippet tender pocket w/duel-entry zipper
- Zippered reach-through micro-fleece lined hand-warmer chest pocket
- Built-in low-profile belt loops w/ 2-inch stretch wading belt included
- Adjustable elastic 1.5-inch suspender w/opposing YKK buckles for waist-high conversion
- Abrasion-resistant built-in gravel guards w/boot hooks
- Anatomically engineered neoprene stockingfeet w/anti-microbial finish
- Approximate weight: 45 ounces
And here are a couple of tips to prolong the life of your waders. Always dry them after each use. First the inside and then the outside. Also, don’t be afraid to throw your waders in the washer once in a while, but never put them in the dryer. Another thing that I see a lot of is people putting on their waders over blue jeans. Not a good idea. Their material is very abrasive and will result in your waders wearing out from the inside out. Denim and sweats also don’t transfer moisture away from your body as well as a good base layer system can.
If you are looking to replace that old pair of waders that had you soaked the last time you had them on and you are tired of buying a new pair every year, maybe its time that you take a look at the Simms line at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Check out this review of the Simms G3 Guide Boot, and make it a matching set!