Chest Wader Suggestions

[snowcamoman]

Simms all the way. I've used the G3 and G4 a lot and both are awesome. I had Simms put the better shoulder harness straps on my G3's in the past and it just made them that much more comfortable. I've abused the snot out of my Simms waders, especially when I was guiding and they've never done me wrong.

 

[Doc89]

Bughalli-Thanks for your input, to answer your questions A) Most likely we won't be doing that much hiking as the area can be difficult to get around in, however it would be nice to have a lighter weight option with a good supportive boot for heavy packing once we down a moose, B) Its hard to say really, some of the pictures that i have seen of our area from other hunters don't appear to be overly thick but others do and all areas were very wet. So ultimately we should be prepared for thick brush and wet ground in the event we do get placed in a thick spot. C) Last year the temperatures were all over the place. The first week of the two week hunt the weather was decent with highs of 50's during the day and lows of around freezing at night. The second half of the hunt the highs were only around freezing or high 30's with lows in the teens/20's. The hunters also experienced frequent rain as well as snow, sleet, hail, heavy winds. From what i have gathered last year was an off year for this area and hunt outfit. In years past the weather has been less extreme and much dryer.

 

[Doc89]

Does anyone have any experience with Frogg Togg or Hodgman brand waders? Also I would like to know what brand/model guys are running for their wading boots. I like the idea of a rubber sole lace up vs a BOA type system. They seem a little more economical and a lace up boot would be more field maintainable. At this time i am willing to get a little bit nicer boot because packing moose will be involved (that's the mission anyways), as well as the fact that if my father and I both get a moose there will be a lot of heavy packing on my end. This also brings up another aspect of our needs, beings as i will be doing the heavier work for both of us maybe i should consider a little bit better wader then the entry level models. And maybe my father could get away with less wader? Neither of us are fly fisherman and the main purpose for these waders are for this two week hunt. If i could save by going with one of the entry or mid level models from one of many of these companies it would be nice. If price wasn't a consideration or I would use them more frequently I would absolutely be going with the Simms G3's. Lots of different ways to consider this.

 

[snowcamoman]

I've used various Simm's boots over the years and they've all performed. My favorite's are their Rivershed models. They're fairly light, provide lots of ankle support, and have held up on a lot of fishing trips and moose hauling trips in the swamps and rivers. Hauling a moose out of nasty tussocks and swamps will test your waders substantially more than any fishing trip. I've stumbled and fallen in tussocks that would have likely tore gaping holes in lesser waders. You might be able to get by with lesser models, but if you happen to drop a big bull off a river or away from camp a long ways, you'll want the best you can afford.

 

[Trial153]

I run two pairs of boots depending on what I need. Simms and Korkers both have held up very well.
The Korkers have interchangeable soles so you can use them in different applications.

 

[twall13]

I've loved my Simm's Rivershed boots. I do some fishing in them but take them out duck hunting frequently and the 3/4 mile walk in to the pond I typically hunt is much better with these boots than the others I've tried. I don't have the experience that most of the guys on here have with the more expensive waders. I've always bought cheap and replaced every 5 years or so but I don't use waders as much as hardcore fisherman do so it's harder for me to justify the extra expense. I don't care for the Hodgman brand much but I've been more impressed with my most recent Caddis Northern Guide breathable waders (around $150 on Amazon). I've had them for about a year and no leaks so far. They are much more comfortable than neoprene and though I haven't taken them through the rigors of moose hunting I've busted through some frag in the marsh on more than one occasion and haven't had them leak yet. Having said that, I'd wager the Simms are still a safer bet in your situation. You'll have to decide for yourself if saving the extra couple hundred bucks is worth the risk or not.

 

[Dunky]

I'm not sure if Simms decreased their quality control last year but we had two brand-new sets of G3s on a moose hunt and all the belt loops ripped off both sets. They also did not hold up well to abrasion. Multiple pinholes in the seat and upper thighs. Another partner on the trip had an older pair of G4s that are reinforced through the seat and upper thighs. They held up much better. However those are currently $700 new.
The G3 guide boots performed very well

 

[live2huntelk]

Something to consider....

If you are interested in Simms and don't want to pay full price, go to a nearby dealer (Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc), try them on at the store so you know how they fit. Then watch ebay. I purchased Simms G3 chest waders for less than $200. Just be sure to ask seller if they have or need repaired....Youtube and Simms website shows an easy way to check for pinholes or leaks. Pinholes are not bad to repair yourself. However, if you need a more extensive repair, Simms website has cost to repair. Maximum cost to repair waders is something like $65....think this includes replaces booty feet and any other necessary repairs. The Alaska hunters that I have talked to swear by Simms.

 

[Larry Bartlett]

the Guide model SIMMS are the only way to go...without the reinforcement you might as well buy a cheaper cabela's pair. But i highly recommend the G series chest waders for moose hunts.

 

[Cledus]

Love my Simms G3's

 

[Jeremy]

Simms G3 waders. Lived in these things in Alaska for 12 days and put them to the ultimate test walking miles of tundra and brush. Spendy but worth every penny! Good luck!

 

[mcseal2]

What do you guys usually wear under the Simms for layers? Do you wear just base layers matched to the conditions? Also do you ever put anything over them to prevent wear from brush etc? I'm headed moose hunting in Alaska in 2018, trying to get figured out what works best. Lacrosse hip boots have covered all my needs before this trip, just learning about the good waders.

 

[duchntr]

What do you guys usually wear under the Simms for layers? Do you wear just base layers matched to the conditions? Also do you ever put anything over them to prevent wear from brush etc? I'm headed moose hunting in Alaska in 2018, trying to get figured out what works best. Lacrosse hip boots have covered all my needs before this trip, just learning about the good waders.

Depends on temp and activity. Generally when just floating i wear some medium weight fleece pants. If I'm walking or doing a bunch of dragging in warmer weather then a pair of lightweight capilene long underwear gets worn. No i don't put anything over them, i saw some dude gold mining last year and he had a pair of new pads on but probably not needed in your application IMO.

 

[bmrfish]

Love my Simms but don't try glissading in rocky snow

 

[alexanderg23]

Simms G4 are solid. I’ve salmon fished, duck hunted and moose hunted in mine.

 

[AK_Skeeter]

I like stocking foot style as I turn them inside out hang them under the campfire tarp and they are dry by the next morning...duck hunting camp for 2-3 weeks, it is nice to have warm & dry feet every morning.

 

[Evilduck]

Sims g3 for top of the line. I've had some bass pro red heads that have stood up to mild abuse. Sims are on list tbough

 

[thinhorn_AK]

it’s pretty hard to beat the g3, you can find them on sale right now if you look around too.

that being said, last year we had a gear mix up and I ended up using some caddie waders and boots for an 8 day float hunt....they worked fine with absolutely no issues. I was surprised but honestly I think I could make the argument for those waders for somebody who didn’t really want to break the bank.

 

[carter33]

Does anyone have any experience with Frogg Togg or Hodgman brand waders? Also I would like to know what brand/model guys are running for their wading boots. I like the idea of a rubber sole lace up vs a BOA type system. They seem a little more economical and a lace up boot would be more field maintainable. At this time i am willing to get a little bit nicer boot because packing moose will be involved (that's the mission anyways), as well as the fact that if my father and I both get a moose there will be a lot of heavy packing on my end. This also brings up another aspect of our needs, beings as i will be doing the heavier work for both of us maybe i should consider a little bit better wader then the entry level models. And maybe my father could get away with less wader? Neither of us are fly fisherman and the main purpose for these waders are for this two week hunt. If i could save by going with one of the entry or mid level models from one of many of these companies it would be nice. If price wasn't a consideration or I would use them more frequently I would absolutely be going with the Simms G3's. Lots of different ways to consider this.

I have and use the frogg togg waiters. They are just ok. I run them with the Simms g3 boots. I did a float hunt a couple years back now and the seams seemed to let just a little moisture in. As many have said if I could go back I would have just went in for the Simms waiters. My hunting partner had them for this specific trip and they were noticeably better than the frogg toggs.

To elaborate on that a bit I had to rotate my two pairs of pants out every day to dry em. Luckily back then I had two pairs because iv learned since then for most of my hunts having a backup pair of pants isn’t worth the weight.

 

[twall13]

it’s pretty hard to beat the g3, you can find them on sale right now if you look around too.

that being said, last year we had a gear mix up and I ended up using some caddie waders and boots for an 8 day float hunt....they worked fine with absolutely no issues. I was surprised but honestly I think I could make the argument for those waders for somebody who didn’t really want to break the bank.

I have been using a pair of Caddis waders for the last 3 years and agree with you. They aren't Simms but for the price they are tough to beat. It all depends on how you will be using them. For my purposes I have a tough time justifying the price of the Simms right now.

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