Simms Freestone Waders Review

Wet wading is fine until your comfort and safety never come into play. Yet there are times and locations where a nice pair of waders become an absolute need. Since I prefer angling in waders, I always look out for any exceptional waders, getting hype among veteran anglers. The Simms Freestone waders review is my general take on doing result-oriented fly fishing in quality waders. 

 Before trying freestone waders, I always used to wear Simms G3 waders for my all fishing trips. For me, these waders have livened up Simms’ name as they lasted me for the dang good 10 years. (P.S. I go to angling only on some odd weekends).

They’re doing exceptionally well as they’re heavier and feature-rich for winter fly fishing hunts. However, for warmer summer days, I was hunting for waders that needed to be relatively lighter and more comfortable. Most importantly, waders that can stand a lot of abuse whether I want fishing in tailwater or freestone rivers.

By word of mouth from veteran anglers, I’ve heard about the usefulness of Simms Freestone waders. So, I decided to give them a shot.

After testing them against several angling conditions, I’ve found Simms Freestone waders holding fairly well. 

Functionality, durability, comfort – to have it all for the next level angling, give this detailed Simms Freestone waders review a must-read.

Why I choose Simms Freestone Waders 

I always go fishing whenever I get a chance. Yet, I’m not the kind of fisherman who goes fishing 30 days a month. For odd fishing trips that nearly comprised 30 days annually, G3 waders seemed to me a little heavier, more pricey, and less packable. 

Since I live in Oregon and my go-to destination for angling is Gore Creek with freestone fisheries, I can’t help switching for a Freestone waders option.

Being a former user of Simms, I know where to put my faith. Simms has been making amazing fly fishing waders since the 1980s. They’ve got a range of different styles and sizes so that everyone can find the right fit for them. Whether it’s fishing in Alaska or hunting in your backyard, Simms has got anglers covered! This Simms  Stockingfoot waders review is a vivid disclosure of the company’s credibility.

From providing a snug fitting to offering adaptability for angling on warmer summer days and mild winter days, these waders comply with all my fly fishing needs.

So, this Simms freestone waders review is for those fellow fishermen who’re curious to know if these are the best fly fishing waders and worth the deal or not.

Freestone vs other waders

Simms Freestone vs G3 waders? There is no real winner between these two since the efficacy of both depends largely on your personal preferences. 

However, let me share my findings with you so that you can get a clearer picture of Simms freestone waders vs G3 waders. 

My G3 was heavily built and holding great, no matter if I was using them in freestone or tailwater fisheries. Yet, wearing them for long hiking and fishing days of mild summers caused me to feel hot, as made with Gore-tex G3 waders offer insulation properties.

On the flip side, Freestone waders utilize Toray material which isn’t as durable as Gore-tex make G3 or G4 waders. Yet, for breathability and waterproofing properties, Freestone waders aren’t inferior to waders of the Guide series from the Simms.

Secondly, the key difference between G3 and freestone waders is their price. Simms Freestone waders are lesser in price than Simms’ G3. thankfully, cutting down on price cuts down neither the efficacy nor the features of Simms’s Freestone. Freestone comes with a zipper, a nice suspender system, and a wading belt. 

It was also surprising that Simms’ waders are even lighter than Orvis. The same sizing waders from Simms weigh approximately 50 grams less than Orvis’ waders, a name known for offering the most lightweight waders to fly anglers. This is surely an advantage that Simms offers over Orvis. The good news is, the comfort of both waders remains the same. If you don’t frequent fish, then Simms’ waders can hold walking and wading style of fishing fairly well.

When hunting for waders for spring creek angling, the Simms Tributary wader also caught my attention. When comparing Simms Tributary vs freestone waders, I found the latter one more durable. Tributary waders are made with regular polyester material that is prone to leaking when angling in freestone rivers. 

So, if a fisherman would ask me about Simms Freestone vs Tributary waders, I’d likely suggest going for Tributary waders if more free movement in the water when fly fishing is the primary concern. Nonetheless, for durability and more insulation, Tributary can’t supersede the Freestone waders.

Key features of Simms Freestone Waders

Through this Simms Freestone Zippered waders review, I’ve uncovered some amazing benefits of this gear over its competitors. The following are some main features of freestone waders:

Quality

Simms is a well-known name in the fishing industry for offering high-quality angling gear. The Freestone waders are built to last longer than any other wader from any other reputed brand. 

On average, if I fish 40-50 days per year, my waders should remain in good shape and their tread life to be last for longer. Simms never disappointed me in this regard, which means, quality-wise these waders are worth trying.

Crafted with heavy-duty Toray fabric and using Simms’s proprietary quadralam technology, this four-layered wader is exceptional on rugged terrain or in deep waters. 

 It surely owes to the impeccable quality of this wader that when I stretched my leg, all of its seams remained intact. The Simms seems to know how to make customers fall in love with its angling gear.

Fit

Like other series of waders by the Simms, freestone also comes in different sizes. For a comfortable angling experience, the right size waders can improve the whole experience. Where small-fitted waders can restrict the movement of the wearer, a large-fitted wader will ask the wearer to drag the outfit with increased force. So, I preferred buying one size up to my stature.

Simms never goes wrong with its sizing chart. I was glad that my Freestone fitted me the same my G3 waders did. The neoprene socks of the wader got a snug fit on my legs and I could still feel that there was plenty of leg room for me to move freely. This got confirmed when I tried to bend or sit in my waders. There are shoulder straps for adjusting the chest part of the wader to an angler’s desired needs. 

Simms has an option of freestone waders designed specifically for women according to their fitting. Best waders for women are not easy to find, but freestone easily makes it to the top of our list for women waders because of all the remarkable features.

Be mindful, best wading boots are required additionally to match these waders. 

Material 

I was a bit skeptical about neoprene vs breathable waders before trying these waders as they aren’t made with heavy-duty Gore-tex or neoprene. Yet, Toray used for making these waders is one of the finest grade materials. Though thin but quite waterproof and breathable. The neoprene stockings kept me as dry as possible. But the overall material is quite breathable.

The seams are sewn using a strong, watertight stitch to ensure that they are watertight. The waders can be adjusted for a comfortable, secure fit. Wader straps can be attached to keep the waders in place and prevent them from sagging. Lastly, to prolong the life the waders, it’s essential to keep them in the best wader bag.

Adaptability

The beauty of the Simms waders freestone version is their versatility to adapt to different temperature conditions. Since freestone rivers are generally fed with snowmelt, the water supply is more likely to be colder during winter. And in summer, natural water can be warmer.

The best thing about this piece of garment is that although Freestone is not a neoprene wader but it kept me reasonably warm in colder locations for long hours hence making them one of the best waders for cold water. Since breathable, the waders helped me keep cool in mild temperatures.

Practicality

Ever wonder why serious fishermen use Simms’ waders? Because Simms comes with the best reliable deals. From angling into saltwater to greater water depths, Simms fishing waders cater to all fishing needs and can be your choice for surf fishing as well.

Packability

They are lightweight and packable so they do not take up much room in your backpack. 

Price

As far as the price of this wader in relation to its features is concerned, I found Freestone to be the best quality deal and compared to other high-end waders their price is reasonable. The exclusion of a storage bag and some additional pockets is done intentionally to keep the price less than its rivals like Orvis waders. 

All the same, this insufficiency doesn’t affect the performance of Freestone waders. So, for this price range, Simms is outsmarting its competitors.

But, if you are looking for the best cheap waders, Freestone waders should not be on top of your list.

Suspenders

Simms engineered this wader in a way to provide its wearer maximum flex and maneuverability. The suspenders stay on your shoulder while allowing you to move, walk, and climb without restricting your natural mobility. 

Wader belt

The wading belt is functional and bears 5 belt loops for adjusting the wader per your needs.

Pockets

There are hand-warming pockets for keeping your cold fingers warm when needed. Yet, you might want to add some extra pockets or aqua packs to carry your other valuable angling gear.

Zipper

The frontal zipper is the best useful feature on Simms freestone waders. It is waterproof and spacious for keeping fly boxes. The zip-on Freestone waders are durable and never fail to keep your valuables dry.

Warranty

Simms stands behind these waders by backing them up with a one-year warranty. In case of damage or leaks, Simms provides the best customer service by offering repairs or replacements.

Keep it noted that natural wear and tear occurring over excessive usage doesn’t come under this warranty.

Some minor concerns

No matter how durable a wader is, it still can develop some issues. The most common issue with Simms Freestone waders is the leaks. These can occur at any time but are more likely to happen after extended use. Being a USA-made product, Simms responds quickly to its customers’ complaints to resolve the issue.

These are lightweight waders, built with non-insulated Toray material. The rivers and creeks fed by melting snow have water temperatures below 0 degrees, wearing these waders in such conditions is a big No. however, this isn’t a deal breaker feature as you can always go for wearing thermal layers under these waders to enjoy warmth at any time of nymphing.

With four layers of fabric, these waders may feel hotter during a blazing day of summer. 

Value for money

Speaking honestly, these freestone waders are great value for money. If there are some useful features like a tippet tender, extra pockets, or a storage bag lacking, the efficiency doesn’t decrease. 

 For a wader that offers durability and performance equal to many high-end waders, a price under $400 seems quite justified. 

Pros

• Breathable material
• Great waders for small creeks and rivers
• Waterproof chest pocket
• Hand warming pocket
• Adjustable suspender system
• Backed up by 1-year warranty
• Worth the money
• Comfortable and durable
• Offers ample mobility

Cons 

• Less packable than G3 waders by Simms
• Not suitable for sub-zero temperatures

Final verdict

Here are my two cents on Simms freestone waders review: these waders are for those anglers who’re looking for exceptional and high-end waders while remaining on a decent budget. They are built to last in various weather conditions, regardless you want to fish in or out of the water.