Best Fly Fishing Waders Review: Simms, Hodgman, Patagonia and Redington

Whether you reek of fish, or are new to fly fishing, research is one of the most important steps when choosing the best pair of waders for you. I'm here to make your selection process a little simpler. This is a review of North 40 Flyshop's current inventory of waders...

Waders for Men

1.) Hodgman H3 Stockingfoot ($99)

This wader is made of a breathable three layer waterproof shell, features a mesh zipper mesh pocket with micro fleece lined hand warmer, internal storage pocket, standard gravel guard, and a has a D-ring on the back to hold a net. This wader was specifically designed for the fisherman that only finds time to hit the river a handful of times a year. It is also perfect for someone just starting to fly fish and needs to get that extra 10 feet off shore. If you are new to the sport or have a tight budget, this is the perfect wader for you.

2.) Simms Freestone Stockingfoot ($249)

Made of a four-layer Toray QuadraLam (waterproof/breathable laminate) this wader was designed to fit the average fisherman through the use of articulated patterning and hourglass stockingfoot. Its features include a fleece-lined reach-through hand warmer pocket on the chest, water resistant external zipper pocket for quick easy access, and reversible suspender buckles for easy conversion from chest to waist.

This is an ideal wader for the weekend warrior who fishes from late spring to early Fall. Simms does an excellent job of shying away from the "cookie cutter" standard wader sizing. Ensuring that the fisherman gets the desired fit. Whether floating the Missouri from a drift boat, or wading the north fork of the Coeur D'alene, this is an optimal wader for the intermediate fisherman.

3.) Patagonia Rio Azul II ($249)

The H2No Performance Standard polyester is waterproof and breathable with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish for maximum comfort and dryness. The single seam design along the back of the legs renders durability in high wear/leakage points. The fully waterproof internal pocket allows easy access to phones/cameras for quick pictures of #fathawgs.

Articulated legs matched with anatomical left and right booties supplies the perfect fit for fisherman of all shapes, sizes, and smells. This wader is the easy choice for those looking to find an economically sound great wader.

4.) Simms Freestone Z Stockingfoot ($399)

Four layers of Toray QuadraLam will keep you dry and comfortable while spending long days on the river. The YKK Aquaseal fully waterproof front zipper makes getting in and out of waders easy, while allowing quick relief on the river.

Less time in the bushes translates to more fish on the line. The two large fleece lined hand warmer pockets secured with storm flap closures will keep your hands warm, or store your fly boxes. Articulated legs provide maximum fit and comfort. An excellent choice for any fisherman who considers himself a serious fisherman with a burning passion for the outdoors.

5.) Simms Headwaters Pro Stockingfoot ($399)

For the tough fisherman who needs tough waders, look no further. This rugged wader is handcrafted from three-layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric. Anyone who has used GORE-TEX knows that it is no joke. The articulated legs complete with hourglass booties, gives you mobility and comfort with every well thought out step.

The pass through lined hand warmer doubles as a chest storage pocket. Although that isn't all the storage. This wader includes a flip out tippet tender with secure zippered internal storage pocket. Easily convertible from chest to waist, built in belt loop and abrasion resistant gravel guard keeps your waders going when you need a break. If you’re looking for a rough wader without having to spend $500+, the Headwaters Pro Stockingfoot is what you want.

6.) Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot ($499)

Time and time again I hear from hardcore fly fisherman/guides that the G3 Stockingfoot are the best waders available. After seeing/feeling them in person, I easily see why. This tenacious tool is made of 25% more breathable GORE-TEX 5-layer Pro Shell fabric. The reach-through hand warmer pocket with storm flap is lined with micro-fleece to keep those shaky hands warm. Articulated legs provide comfort and mobility, and come complete with abrasion-resistant gravel guards. If you live to fish and don't like buying waders yearly, the G3 Guide Stockingfoot waders is what you need.

7.) Patagonia Rio Gallegos ($599)

Seemingly new to the fly fishing scene, Patagonia makes a point to strive for the best on the market. Depending on who you talk to, this wader is currently the best available. Made of H2No Performance Standard polyester microfiber shell with proprietary waterproof/breathable barrier complete with a DWR finish (durable water repellent). Patagonia's innovative single seam construction along the legs translates to less leaks along the seams in high wear points.

The Rio Gallegos has three internal pockets, one of them being a flip able welded TPU-waterproof pocket to hold your phone or keys. Exterior features include chest hand warmer pockets, two stash pockets with water resistant zippers, laser-cut Hypalon utility keeper on suspenders allows easy access to tools, nippers, etc. The legs are articulated for comfort, and have removable foam pads for when you're sneaking up on rising noses.

The anatomical left and right booties have a better fit, and are poly lined for superior warmth and comfort. If you are a dedicated fisherman looking to buy the best, you will not be disappointed with a pair of Rio Gallegos.

Waders Especially for Women

1.) Redington Willow River ($129)

Made of three-layer waterproof/breathable DWR fabric, this wader was designed for the beginner/intermediate fly fisherwoman. This wader comes with reinforced knees to provide extra durability, 3mm ergonomic right and left booties, internal mesh throw pocket, and a gravel guard with lace hook and mesh for drainage. These waders are also easily converted from chest to waist, when fishing shallow water or from a drift boat. This is an ideal wader for the fisher woman looking for her first pair of waders, or simply replacing an old pair.

2.) Simms Freestone Stockingfoot ($249)

Simms develops all women's waders with beta from the world's best female guides. The women's Freedstone is made of four-layer-Toray QuadraLam Technology for durability, and for comfort, these waders have articulated legs. Reach-through lined fleece pocket for warmth/storage, reversible buckles for easy conversion from chest to waist, and internal zipper interface for attaching Tippet Tender. This is an outstanding wader for the woman who loves to fly fish.

3.) Patagonia Spring River II ($399)

This is simply the best women's wader we carry. Made of a Polyester microfiber shell with a DWR finish, this wader was designed for the hardcore female angler who doesn't mind a little bush wacking to reach that perfect run. These easily convert from chest to waist with the waist-mounted EZ lock suspenders. The single seam construction provides higher durability in the usual leak points.

Articulated legs provide comfort, waterproof internal pocket protects your valuables, reach-through horizontal chest pocket warms your hands, and the flat- panel construction streamlines gravel guards for less abrasion and wear. This is the wader for a fisherwoman that doesn't mess around when it comes to hooking #fathawgs.

I would not recommend buying any waders without trying them on first. If you are going to spend the money, you want the wader to fit you just right. So, stop by any North 40 Flyshop to try on your next pair of waders before you buy!