Topic: The Best Fly Fishing Waders for 2023 (Read 33 times)
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Why It Made the Cut: The PRO Zippers feature a 4-layer CORDURA upper and 5-layer CORDURA lower, which makes them some of the most bulletproof waders on the market.
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The minute I slid these waders on, I had the impression of stepping into a suit of armor. While they lack some of the suppleness and co*fort of other top end waders, the PRO Zippers have plenty of durability. I personally used and abused a pair all winter long on the freestone rivers and spring creeks of Virginia. I deliberately plowed through thorn bushes and brambles and slid down ragged, rocky banks. Despite my best efforts, the waders never sprung a leak or had one pinhole puncture.
Other than durability, these waders have a few other features that level them up and justify the higher price point. The most obvious is the TIZIP® Masterseal waterproof zipper. After using these waders with a front zipper, I can never go back.
The PRO Zippers also provide other unique co*fort enhancing elements like the the removable OrthoLite® X25 knee pads. They also offer an impressive amount of support and protection if you have to shimmy down rocky trails or stealthily approach a bank. You can even remove the knee pads for less adverse terrain or smaller streams. And two zippered and fleece lined pockets on either side provide warmth and decent storage, while the two front zippered pockets can hold smaller items or tippet. They might run higher than other options, but if you’re looking for high-quality waders that will stand up to rugged terrain and constant use, the Orvis PRO Zippers fit the bill.
Why It Made the Cut: While the new G3 series are excellent waders, the G4Zs have added durability for hardcore guides and anglers who spend nearly every day on the water.
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As the moniker suggests, the Simms G4 series is everything about the G3 taken up a notch. co*posed of a similar 3-layer Gore-Tex upper and a 4-layer Gore-Tex lower as the G3, the G4Zs provide exceptional durability and puncture protection. While the G4Zs match durability with other high-end waders on this list, they separate from the pack in co*fort and wearability. They provide a custom, tailored fit with co*pression molded stocking feet and patented front and back leg seams that significantly increase mobility and enhance durability by taking stress off the seam connections.
Simms’ G4Zs also provide a plethora of accessories and enhancements that make them a go-to wader for people who make a living on the water. The easy access front zipper system and two large, zippered chest pockets with built-in retractor docking stations provide exceptional storage for tools and terminal tackle. Two more zippered, fleece lined pockets add storage and hand warming ability as well. Like other high-end Simms waders, the added exterior fly patch provides quick and easy fly access on the water.
I spoke with several guides and the consensus remained the same: they’d wear these waders to bed if it made sense. Well, maybe not to bed, but the level of praise they all shared for the G4Zs can’t be overstated. As people who make a living on the water, guides require co*fort and durability day in and day out, and the Simms G4Zs provide them with that.
Why It Made the Cut: The Simms Tributary series is a durable, entry-level option under $300.
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While they may not have the frills or accessories of high end waders, the Tributary series will get you in the water and keep you dry. If you’re new to fly fishing or need a durable, co*fortable option that won’t break the bank, the Tributary series is hard to beat.
Built with a 3-layer waterproof polyester upper and 4-layer lower, the Tributary series lacks some durability and breathability but still has the same quality Simms tailoring, which helps separate them from other waders at this price point. They’re significantly more co*fortable co*pared to other polyester waders I’ve worn, and the fleece lined reach-through chest pocket provides exceptional hand warmth. And the built in gravel guards help eliminate punctures and tears.
Storage space is limited, but the zippered front chest pocket has enough room to hold fly boxes and other crucial gear on the water. To be honest, there’s an element of simplicity that I appreciate in these waders when co*pared to the plethora of zippers and pockets on more high-end waders. The Tributary waders are a great choice for casual wades or quick trips where you only need one fly box and a few spools of tippet to get fishing.
Why It Made the Cut: The Canyon II waders are the best for the money because they’ll keep you dry and won’t break the bank.
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I rarely need chest waders, so it doesn’t make sense for me to drop $600 on them. But, I also want waders that will perform the few times of year I do throw them on. At around $130, my Frogg Toggs Canyon II waders fit those requirements perfectly. I bought them ahead of a Salmon River trip and lived in them for three days as I stalked salmon in the riffles. I’ve since used them for my winter trout fishing with no leaks or issues. I like the co*fortable shoulder straps, and the breathability is nice to prevent sweating while hiking into un-pressured waters. The Canyon II has two small pockets—one internal and one external. I typically use the internal pocket for important items like my license and keys. I use the water resistant external pocket to keep my phone at easy reach for photos. The Canyon II lacks the pockets, reinforced knees, and refined fit of premium waders, and you’ll also need to layer underneath them when fishing in cold water. But if your type of fishing doesn’t demand those added features or you’re just getting started, these waders will fit the bill nicely. –Scott Einsmann
Read Next: Best Fly Fishing Vests
Stockingfoot waders allow you to use different wading boots for different scenarios and are much easier to store. Plus they’re usually more co*fortable if you’re going to be hiking long distances in your waders. Bootfoot waders are warmer and faster to put on.
Waders are either necessary or not depending on the conditions and the body of water. Waders are necessary for wading in cold water. In warm water, you can wet wade or wear breathable waders. Some small streams are fishable with just a pair of rubber boots.
Like any good tool, you get what you pay for with waders. More expensive waders have better seams and reinforced areas that help them last longer. But, eventually all waders will leak after several seasons of hard use.
Having the best fly fishing waders can make a day on the water, and they’re a critical element to fishing in lower temperatures. There are a wide range of options to choose from, both in co*plexity and pricing, so consider what makes sense to you before diving in. From a safety standpoint, as well as co*fort, it’s important to choose the right pair of waders for the job. Not all waders are created equal, so take the time to examine what factors are most important to you, and then, you can invest in a new pair with confidence.
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