Simms Freestone Waders Review in 2024 – Wading Gear

simms freestone waders

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In this review, we’ll have a look at the Simms Freestone range of waders. There are five different models in the range, each dedicated to specific users. I’ll help you choose the correct one for your applications. We’ll also go through the technical aspects of the Freestone’s construction, its strong and weak points, and mention alternatives within the same price range.

Image Product Details  
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest OverallSimms Freestone Waders (Standard)
  • Large Hand Pocket
  • Perfect For Cold Weather
  • Zipped Chest Pocket
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Easy Access PocketsSimms Freestone Z Waders
  • Two Fleece-Lined Pockets
  • Water Resistant Pocket
  • 3 Belt Loops
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Waist LevelSimms Freestone Wading Pants
  • Great For Summer Trips
  • Pocket On Either Side
  • Neoprene Stockingfoot Wading Socks
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Available Models

As mentioned above, currently Simms have 5 options within the Freestone range of waders. Let’s take a closer look at each one. All five of these waders have neoprene stocking feet, which means they must be worn with a pair of wading boots.

Simms Freestone Waders (Standard)

Simms Freestone Waders Standard

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  • Price: $299.95
  • Sizes Available: S-XXL
  • Available Inseam Lengths: Short, Regular, and Long
  • Material: 4 layer Toray upper and lower
  • Weight: 38 ounces

The standard Freestone Waders feature a large fleece-lined hand warming pocket, perfect for cold days on the water. It also has a zipped chest pocket (not waterproof) and a small fly patch to temporarily store used flies. Attach the Simms Tippet Tender Pocket or Waterproof Wader Pouch on the dedicated zipper located on the inside of the wader.

The wader has 3 belt loops with a 1.5-inch elastic waist belt. The gravel guards cover boots well and prevent and foreign material from entering while wading.

Simms Freestone Z Waders

Simms Freestone Waders Z

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  • Price: $399.95
  • Sizes Available: S-XXL
  • Available Inseam Lengths: Regular
  • Material: 4 layer Toray upper and lower
  • Weight: 38 ounces

The main difference between the standard and Z Freestone waders is that the latter features a waterproof front zipper. The main benefit of this zipper is that it provides easy access without having to remove the wader. This feature might appeal to some anglers, although I am of the opinion that it might compromise the wader’s reliability over the long run.

Because there is a center zipper, there are two fleece-lined pockets for warming your hands. A water-resistant (not waterproof) pocket is positioned on the left-hand chest and a mesh storage pocket may be found on the inside of the wader.

The wader also has 3 belt loops and comes with a 1.5-inch elastic belt. The gravel guards do well to keep debris out of your boots when wading.

Simms Freestone Wading Pants

Simms Freestone Wading Pants

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  • Price: $279.99
  • Sizes Available: S-XXL
  • Available Inseam Lengths: Regular
  • Material: 4-layer Toray
  • Weight: 33 ounces

The Freestone Wading pants off the exact same level of protection that the full chest-length waders. They are a good option for high summer trips or super skinny rivers. A pocket on either side of the hip provides storage space for your essentials, although this is not waterproof.

The wading pants also feature neoprene stockingfoot wet wading socks and integrated gravel guards to keep stuff out of your boot. They are lighter and pack much smaller, making them perfect for hiking trips. It comes with a 2-inch elastic hip belt which is secured in 3 belt loops.

Simms Women’s Freestone Waders

Simms Women's Freestone Waders

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  • Price: $299.95
  • Sizes Available: S-XL
  • Available Inseam Lengths: Short and Regular
  • Material: 3-layer upper and 4-layer lower Toray
  • Weight: 31 ounces

The women-specific Freestone waders are made with the same material and come with most of the features than the standard model. The main difference is that the fit is tailored to suit women better, allowing better movement and comfort.

A reach-through fleece-lined chest pocket helps keep warm during icy mornings, and a top zipper pocket allows storage for essential tools. It, however, does not have the option to attach the Tippet Tender Pocket or Waterproof Wader Pouch. These waders are perfect if you pair one of the best wading boots for women.

Simms Women’s Freestone Z Waders

Simms Women's Freestone Z Waders

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  • Price: $399.95
  • Sizes Available: S-XXL
  • Available Inseam Lengths: Short and Regular
  • Material: 3-layer upper and 4-layer lower Toray
  • Weight: 32 ounces

The women’s Freestone Z waders are different from the standard Z waders in that it has two waterproof zippers on the side. This arrangement makes it easy and fast to remove the waders. The shoulder straps are secured in the back just above the waist, allowing for perfect bust size adjustment.

On warm summer days, the wader can be worn on the hip, with the side zippers opened. Warm your cold hands on cold days in the reach through the fleece-lined pocket. A full-size tool or accessory pocket provides ample storage.

Simms Freestone Strong Points

  • The Freestone waders come in a wide range of options (listed in the sections above). This means that whatever your needs are, there is a Freestone wader suited to your needs.
  • They offer exceptional value for money.
  • Simms offers the best wader guarantee on the market. They will repair the wader for free if it develops a leak within the first year. After that, they’ll charge $60 (although this amount may change).

Simms Freestone Weak Points

  • The Freestone waders are not made in the US. Although some reviewers do state that they are, in actual fact, they are made in China

Material

All Simms Freestone waders are made with Toray Quadralam fabric. This engineered fabric is both durable and exceptionally breathable. It enables Simms to produce a highly capable wader at an affordable price.

Who Should Buy the Simms Freestone Waders?

The Freestone waders offer the perfect blend between affordability and performance. In my opinion, it is a perfect choice for the following three types of anglers:

  • A beginner that wants to buy a high-quality product that will last him a couple of seasons until he/she is ready for more advanced and expensive gear.
  • The angler who simply cannot afford a $500+ pair of waders.
  • The experienced angler or guide who already owns a premium wader, but either needs a backup set or something to wear on quick casual fishing trips.

Alternatives

If you’re not 100% convinced that the Freestones are right for you, there are many other options on the market. Maybe they are too expensive or you want to compare them to other brands. Here are a couple of other options:

Simms Tributary Waders

Simms Tributary Waders

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If the Freestones are still a little over your budget, but you’d like to stay within the brand, the Tributary waders are a good option.

  • Price: $179.95
  • Sizes Available: S-XXL
  • Available Inseam Lengths: Short, Regular, and Long
  • Material: Nylon (3-layer upper, 4-layer lower)
  • Weight: 36.25 ounces

Simms Women’s Soul River Waders

Simms Women's Soul River Waders

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An affordable pair of women-specific Simms waders.

  • Price: $179.95
  • Sizes Available: S-XL
  • Available Inseam Lengths: Short and Regular
  • Material: Nylon (3-layer upper, 4-layer lower)
  • Weight: 29.45 ounces

Orvis Ultralight Convertible Wader

Orvis Ultralight Convertible Wader

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A lightweight and versatile option from Orvis (available in men and women-specific designs).

  • Price: $298
  • Sizes Available: S-XXL
  • Available Inseam Lengths: Short, Regular, Long, and Extra Long
  • Material: 4 layer breathable nylon
  • Weight: 35 ounces

Redington Escape Waders

Redington Escape Waders

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A good mid-priced wader from Redington.

  • Price: $229
  • Sizes Available: S-XXL
  • Available Inseam Lengths: Short, Regular, Long, and King
  • Material: 3-layer upper and 4-layer lower breathable material
  • Weight: Not disclosed

Patagonia Middlefork Packable Waders

Patagonia Middlefork Packable Waders

The best-priced Patagonia wader that is currently available.

  • Price: $349
  • Sizes Available: S-XL
  • Available Inseam Lengths: Short, Regular, and Long
  • Material: waterproof breathable material (layering not disclosed)
  • Weight: 26.1 ounces

Conclusion

One of my best angling buddies has a saying: “Anything Simms is the best.” To a certain degree, I must agree with him. Simms offers quality products, no matter if its boots, jackets, or line nippers. The Freestone Waders are no exception.

They are affordable,  will keep you dry and comfortable in all situations, and will last a good number of seasons. In that way, you can focus on what’s most important – fly fishing. Isn’t that the ultimate measure of a good pair of waders?

If you found this Simms Freestone Waders review interesting, please share it with your fellow anglers and friends. Also, leave any comments or questions below.

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