Alaska Float trip wader suggestions.

[PMcGee]

Heading up to Alaska for a float trip in September. Looking for suggestions for waders. Right now I'm leaning towards Simms (not sure which model yet) just looking for any other options out there other people are using.


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[Becca]

Picked up Simms G3 guide waders and boots (womens version) last year before my Spring Kodiak bear hunt which was accessed via packraft. Prior to that I had been using a pair of el cheapo stocking foot waders, and it's night and day difference. The Simms actually breathe, and the articulated knee makes hiking a viable option (although they still get hot) because they don't restrict movement. The boots fit well, and offered enough support for a several mile portage with 1000+' of elevation gain. I used neoprene socks when I wanted to take the waders off and just hike in the boots, as they are too big to wear with just standard socks if you aren't using the waders. So nothing bad at all to say about the Simms, except that they are awfully proud of them and the price tag shows it. I am thrilled to now own a set, and we were able to use a sale to save some $, but I think I might have a hard time paying full retail for them if I only planned to use them for a single trip where I didn't have to hike much.

I rocked my el cheap O waders for a number of years including several packraft based hunts, but always hauled other boots and didn't hike in them. They worked fine, but the Simms are definetely nicer if you will use them enough to justify the additional cost.

 

[Larry Bartlett]

yep, G3 all the way

 

[JPD350]

I would get the Simms guide boots too, my buddy had an off brand and I had the Simms, BIG difference!! when temps dropped my boots stayed pliable and his where stiff as a rock, eventually mine did freeze solid but they still thawed out faster, what a super comfortable boot as well.

 

[bobhunts]

I bought some hip waders from Frog Toggs three years ago when I went to Alaska and have zero complaints. Might make you a deal on them if you are interested. Simms are probably better but based on the frequency of use I chose these. They worked great.

 

[AK Troutbum]

Simms all the way! I've been wearing Simms waders now for over 20 years and as far as I'm concerned, they are the only name in waders. Yes, very expensive, but if you spend any significant amount of time in them, you will not regret the purchase. This picture was taken 18 years ago and I still have that same pair of Simms waders, and occasionally they still get used.

The same pair of waders on a moose hunt in 2008.

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[AK Troutbum]

Simms all the way! I've been wearing Simms waders now for over 20 years and as far as I'm concerned, they are the only name in waders. Yes, very expensive, but if you spend any significant amount of time in them, you will not regret the purchase. This picture was taken 18 years ago and I still have that same pair of Simms waders, and occasionally they still get used.

The same pair of waders on a moose hunt in 2008.

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Actually, that second picture may be a different model that I'm wearing, but I'm sure you get my point anyway.


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[Droptine]

Off topic but just heads up if buy license before end of month you get 2016 price. Save you $400 just on moose tag.

 

[Stid2677]

Off topic but just heads up if buy license before end of month you get 2016 price. Save you $400 just on moose tag.

Can save on the License, but not the tags. People have tried already.

I will echo the other and say Simms,, I Like the G4Z myself, I like the zipper for my need to mark my spots often. These are waders you can wear everyday and be very warm and comfortable. As Becca said too, they are durable and can be hiked in for longer than I would want to hike, with or without waders.

 

[PMcGee]

Off topic but just heads up if buy license before end of month you get 2016 price. Save you $400 just on moose tag.

Yep bought them last week.


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[PMcGee]

Can save on the License, but not the tags. People have tried already.

I will echo the other and say Simms,, I Like the G4Z myself, I like the zipper for my need to mark my spots often. These are waders you can wear everyday and be very warm and comfortable. As Becca said too, they are durable and can be hiked in for longer than I would want to hike, with or without waders.

I was hearing conflicting reports about the tags so I went on their site and was able to buy my moose tag. I was pretty happy I was able to do that. I was kind of bummed when I heard tags were doubling for this year.


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[KJH]

Can save on the License, but not the tags. People have tried already.

I will echo the other and say Simms,, I Like the G4Z myself, I like the zipper for my need to mark my spots often. These are waders you can wear everyday and be very warm and comfortable. As Becca said too, they are durable and can be hiked in for longer than I would want to hike, with or without waders.

IT WILL SAVE ON THE TAGS! I god all my 2017 Alasks tags in the mail already.

 

[Stid2677]

IT WILL SAVE ON THE TAGS! I god all my 2017 Alasks tags in the mail already.

Sorry if I was wrong,, I read this thread last month.

AK FnG Voided 17' Tag

 

[Droptine]

Got mine also. I know nothing about waders or hunting in them but I bought lacrosse swamp fox for my moose trip. I like that I could roll down into pants.

 

[geriggs]

I got my tags 2 weeks ago and they were 400. I'm still deciding between chest waders and hip Waders for my trip with papa bear. He said leave the leather boots At home. Anyone use rubber boots?

 

[Stid2677]

I got my tags 2 weeks ago and they were 400. I'm still deciding between chest waders and hip Waders for my trip with papa bear. He said leave the leather boots At home. Anyone use rubber boots?

I use rubber boots, Mucks for me, but something easy to get on and off. Basically a float hunt is river, sloughs and swamps, floated tundra. Useless you climb up a ridge or someplace to spot from.

I wear my Muck boots as camp shoes, they are easy to get on and off and I can walk in them along the river and wet spots. If I can get to the place I want to hunt without crossing water over my Mucks I use them, if I have to cross water over the Mucks or if I believe my moose by appear across deeper water I use my waders. Easier and more comfortable with hunting clothes and Mucks but more practical in the waders. As the location requires for me.

 

[Droptine]

I been think just take waders and rubber boots also. Thought about a pair of meindl western hunter boots to though with a set of gaiters. As far as leather boots I know nothing I been wearing rubbers for whitetail for yrs. Haven't hunted anything else in 18 yrs.

 

[jwb300]

My 2c - I went to Ak and did a float fishing trip last year. Not having a great deal of use for waders normally I didn't want to pay big $ for top end waders so just went for the Cabelas waders. Sure they probably aren't as nice as the Simms but they were good for me and I would go that way again in the same situation. All the best for the trip.

 

[mnnowak]

I did a float trip for caribou last year and here it what I found. I would get wader that roll down to waist level. I have just the wader pants and I don't like the. I would do the research and find a pair that roll down and also cover your chest when needed. I don't care about the brand name on them.