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Outside the dog days of summer (and sometimes during), fly anglers almost always wear waders. Besides rods, reels, and flies, waders are arguably the most important piece of gear a fly angler will own. They keep you dry, protect you from brush when hiking to the water, and offer organization for gear. But what makes one pair of waders better than another?
For starters, the quality of materials and construction of any wader will determine its durability, comfort, and performance. Durability and waterproofness are the two most important aspects of any breathable fishing waders. Of course, comfort and fit are also crucial to a good wader, but what’s the point of wearing them if they leak or rip after a few trips? Waders need to keep you dry. Period.
Over the last nine years, I’ve worn dozens of fishing waders in every condition imaginable—from sweltering summer days to standing in icy waters. Some pairs lasted years without leaking, while others malfunctioned after just a couple of trips. I’ve combined all my experience and research (plus some help from colleagues) into this roundup so you don’t have to deal with leaky waders a week after buying a new pair. Here are some of the best fly fishing waders available.
Best Overall: Simms G4Z Wader
Best Value: Simms Freestone Wader
Best Budget: Orvis Clearwater Wader
More Fly Fishing Waders We've Tested
How We Tested Fly Fishing Waders
Most waders won’t leak after the first few trips, but once you start using a pair for months and years on end, materials begin to deteriorate. Over time, waders become exposed to brush, abrasion, and general wear and tear. That’s why it’s essential to find a pair within your price range that will last for more than a week. The only way to determine the most durable, comfortable, and bulletproof waders is to fish in them over and over again. So we did just that.
Over the last decade, I’ve worn several different waders on various fishing adventures throughout the country. I fished for steelhead in the snow, trout in the summer heat, and migrating salmon in the fall. Not to mention the muddy mess of runoff season. I’ve worn waders in virtually every fishable temperature in both fresh and saltwater conditions. It all adds up to hundreds of days on the water, including several months spent working as a river patrolman on the Salmon River in Pulaski, New York. That’s right, I had work waders.
As a serious angler, patrolman, and gear editor, I’ve collected quite a few pairs. It’s fair to say I’ve inadvertently put these waders through their paces. I’ve had leaks that were entirely my fault, and others that should never have occurred. For that reason, not every wader I tested is on this list. The ones that did make it deserve your consideration as your next pair. I dished out three awards that cover a range of prices—from premium to budget options. Below that, with some help from a coworker, we listed out some other great options. Depending on how much you fish, these choices should last you season after season.
Best Overall: Simms G4Z Wader
Specs
Materials: 3-layer Gore-Tex Upper, 4-layer Gore-Tex Lower
Size: S-3XL, Short, Regular, Long
Type: Zipper
Weight: 50.8 ounces
Pros
Very comfortable
Durable
Thoughtful suspender system
Excellent stretch woven pockets for fly box storage
Fleece handwarmer pockets
Cons
Very expensive
I never knew a pair of waders could be so comfortable until I tried on the Simms G4Zs, which were released in 2024. If you aren't already familiar with the G4Z line, it is Simms' premium wader made in Bozeman, Montana. And while I can't speak to the previous G4Z models, I can say that this is the most comfortable, well-built, and thoughtfully designed wader I've ever worn.
For starters, Simms extended the 4-layer Gore-Tex fabric higher up on the wader for increased durability. They also remodeled the suspender system with an easy, locking cam design. Simply open the release and pull or extend the excess suspender strap located in the front pocket for a precise fit. Speaking of pockets, these waders feature two large stretch-woven pockets in the front, perfect for holding fly boxes. There are two other zippered, fleece-lined side pockets (where the excess suspender strap stows) behind the front pockets, providing space for cold hands and extra gear.
Additional features of this premium wader include two fully submersible pockets on the inside for electronics and valuables. As someone who drops their phone in the river more than I'd like to admit, this was a nice touch. Less noticeable is the new front YKK zipper, which is now bonded rather than sewn. Simms claims this reduces bulk and rigidity and improves comfort.
As for performance, these are the best waders I've ever worn. While hiking to the river on a sweltering summer day in Colorado, I barely noticed I had them on. The G4Zs are as breathable as a wader can be, lightweight, and fit perfectly (follow the sizing guide on the Simms website). The new suspender adjustment system is the best I've seen on any wader. It is easy to pop the cams open and slide the waders up or down.
The only downside to these waders is that they cost $1000. That's a lot of cash! But they are also the best waders on the market. Period. And if you spend a significant amount of time on the water year-round, having a wader that is as reliable, comfortable, and durable as the G4Z is worth it. —Ryan Chelius
Best Value: Simms Freestone Wader
Specs
Materials: Toray QuadraLam
Size: S-2XL, Short, Regular, Long
Type: Traditional chest wader
Weight: 42 ounces (in medium)
Pros
Very durable
Breathable
Excellent value
Comfortable suspenders
Cons
Only one large pocket
I fished and worked in the previous model of the Simms Freestone Waders for five years without them ever leaking. To be honest, I was shocked they lasted so long after hundreds of days on the water, including busting through brush and scraping them on rocks. That’s why I was surprised when Simms released their new and improved Freestone Wader last year. I thought to myself, how can these waders get any better for the price?
Simms introduced new front and back leg seams—the same ones found on their premium waders, like the G3 and G4Z. This design enhances durability and reduces the likelihood of leaks in high-wear areas. Simms also redesigned the fit of the waders—in both men’s and women’s—to better match the style seen in the G3 series. The result is a more comfortable fit with less bunching and creasing. Other improvements include new gravel guards and a new midnight blue colorway.
The Freestones lack organization, unlike some of the other premium models (they only have one large chest pocket), but the new pairs do include built-in loops for a tippet tender, pliers, clippers, and other gear. The biggest downside of the new design is the price increase, but the performance still outweighs the cost. For $380, these waders offer the best bang for your buck on the market. And if you’re someone who wants the benefits of a zipper wader but doesn’t want to shell a grand, the Freestone Z waders can be had for $100 more than the base models. Either way, these waders are as close as you can come to a premium pair for less than half the cost. —RC
Best Budget: Orvis Clearwater Waders
Specs
Materials: Nylon Fabric
Size: S-2XL, Short, Regular, Long
Type: Traditional chest wader
Weight: 42 ounces (in medium)
Pros
Very durable
Breathable
Excellent value
Comfortable suspenders
Cons
Only one large pocket
While there are cheaper options on the market, the Orvis Clearwaters are the best budget waders. For $250, anglers get a traditional-style wader that is comfortable, breathable, and durable enough to last multiple seasons. It comes with a few basic features like a chest storage pocket, two handwarmer pockets, and gravel guards. Like many other Orvis waders, the Clearwater’s have side-release buckles that allow you to convert the wader into a waist-high pant on hot days. A good way to improve comfort on the water.
I’ve worn these waders on several occasions and have never had a problem. However, the material quality and construction are noticeably lower compared to the high-end models, which is expected with the budget-friendly price. That said, these waders are ideal for anglers who go on a few trips a year or are just starting out in fly fishing.
People who spend 100-plus days on the water should opt for higher-end waders with more durable materials. But those looking to stay dry a couple of times a year can’t go wrong with the Clearwaters. The Orvis warranty includes a full replacement or refund during the first 60 days of use. After that, repairs and replacements are at Orvis’s discretion. —RC
More Great Fly Fishing Waders We've Tested
Orvis Pro Zipper Waders
Specs
Materials: Cordura fabric
Size: S-2XL, Short, Regular, Long, Extra Long
Type: Zipper
Weight: 42 ounces
Pros
Comfortable
Very durable
Knee pads
Useful pockets
Good fit
Cons
The pocket zipper handle broke during the first year
I’m not exactly sure what Cordura fabric is made of, but my Orvis Pro waders have yet to spring a leak after two years of use. They have survived numerous falls and tumbles on sharp rocks and have encountered the most rugged brush imaginable. My favorite feature is the knee pads. While they aren’t construction grade, they provide just enough relief when you kneel. Meaning my knees aren’t beat up when I kneel down to re-tie or hold a fish. I also like the four pockets on the chest, especially the front zipper ones that are big enough to fit my fly boxes and loose gear.
The Pro Waders do fall into the premium category due to the materials and zipper design (which I love). The fully waterproof zipper makes it easy to change in and out of the waders, interchange layers, and access your pants pockets. They are among the most reliable and comfortable waders I’ve ever worn, and the sizing is perfect. —RC
Simms G3 Waders
Specs
Materials: 3-layer Gore-Tex (upper); 4-layer Gore-Tex (lower)
Sizes: Small – XXL; Short, Rule, Long (inseam)
Type: Traditional Chest Wader
Weight: 50.1 ounces (in medium)
Pros
Extremely durable
Comfortable
Breathable
Ample pocket space
Cons
Expensive
No lace hooks on gravel guards
The Simms G3 Guide waders are the best waders I’ve ever worn—the most comfortable, the most durable, the all-around best. I’ve been wearing my pair almost exclusively since the G3s were released in early 2022, and have only come to love them more. My home river doesn’t go easy on waders. Accessing the water requires a careful walk down a steep hill that’s rocky, brushy, thorny, or, in some spots, all of the above—and the river itself is full of giant, slippery rocks. In other words, there are plenty of places where you can easily puncture or tear your waders. Season after season, my G3s withstand the conditions.
It’s hard to overstate how comfortable these waders are. There’s almost a stretch to them that I can feel as I climb from rock to rock or get in and out of the water. They almost wear like your favorite pair of sweatpants. Also, the G3s don’t have that crunchy quality some breathable waders have. This wader is dead silent.
As for pocket space and storage, the G3s have a handy (and removable) Tippet Tender that tucks inside the bib, where you can stash fly boxes and other tackle. There’s also a large, zippered pocket inside the waders, near the left armpit, where you can stash your phone or keys. And on the outside of the waders, there’s a zippered chest pocket, as well as a reach-through, fleece-lined hand pocket.
One nitpick I have with the waders is the lack of a lace hook on each gravel guard. Initially, this wasn’t a problem because the guards fit so tightly over my boots that there wasn’t a need for the stay-in-place insurance that lace hooks provide. Over time, though, the gravel guards have loosened enough that they do roll up over the tops of my wading boots.
And then there is the price: The G3s cost $700. To be fair, even the folks at Simms wouldn’t say that these waders are for everyone. If you only fish a handful of times a year, you don’t need waders that are as premium as these. But if you fish all year long, and on tough rivers that demand tough waders, a pair of G3s could be a smart (and lifelong) investment. —Colin Kearns
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders
Specs
Materials: 4-layer 50-denier 100 percent recycled PET polyester
Sizes: Small – XXL with many specific fits
Type: Zip Wader
Weight: 54.7 ounces
Pros
Durable
Comfortable
Knee pads
Excellent storage
Cons
Expensive
A bit tight-fitting
For 2025, Patagonia updated its flagship wader: The Swiftcurrent Expedition. Keeping the environment in mind, Patagonia's new wader features an updated material package with a DWR finish made without PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." As for the rest of the build, these waders are 11.2 ounces lighter than the previous Swiftcurrents, which felt bulky. The overall fit is also better than the older models, in which I felt my mobility was limited. I have no issues navigating the river in the updated version.
Although Patagonia was able to shed some weight in the wader, it remains one of the more durable models on the market. The four-layer recycled polyester microfiber fabric is as close to brush-proof as you can come from a wader. They remind me of tough upland hunting pants, able to crash through brush without tearing. I was also happy to see they kept the removable knee pads, which have become one of my favorite features in a wader.
Anglers can easily drop the upper part of the wader for a more pants-like feel on hot summer days. Just open the suspender system and pull the wader down to your waist. There are two handwarmer pockets with zip flaps to keep the back of your hand comfortable, and two vertical-zippered chest pockets for fly boxes. It also comes with a fishing tool dock and pack loop attachment points, plus a low-profile net loop on the back.
Even though the wader got a major update, Patagonia kept the price at $800. Now that's still tied for the second most expensive wader in the test, but the quality of materials and construction match the premium price. These waders offer a true-to-size fit and are an excellent option for all-season fishing. If you're looking for waders in the premium category, the Swiftcurrent Expeditions are right there with the best of them. —RC
Grundéns Boundary Zip Stockingfoot Wader
Specs
Materials: Four-layer Gore-Tex laminate
Sizes: Small – XXL with many specific fits
Type: Zip Wader
Weight: N/A
Pros
Very lightweight
Durable
Comfortable suspender system
Excellent storage
Cons
Very expensive
Gravel guards don’t have a clip
Traditionally a saltwater gear manufacturer, Grundéns shocked the industry when they released this premium fly fishing wader last year. I was one of the skeptics when I heard the news, but I quickly became a believer once I stepped into a pair. Grundéns partnered with Gore-Tex to design a four-layer waterproof laminate. The result is a very durable, breathable, and comfortable product. I love how lightweight these waders are, too. They pack down to a shockingly compact size and are easy to travel with. Any time I have to get on an airplane for a fishing trip, the Boundary waders come with me.
The chest section features four pockets: two vertical-zip handwarmer pockets and two oversized vertical storage pockets. This is where I keep everything I need for a day on the river—fly boxes, tippet spools, leaders, indicators, weights, floatant, and more. Grundéns emphasizes the suspender system of this wader as one of the best on the market. While I’ll spare you the technical description, the summary is that the suspenders move with your body for a more comfortable fit during activities like casting and rowing. I don’t have any complaints about it.
My biggest gripe with the wader is the lack of a boot hook on the gravel guards, which is becoming a more common feature in new designs. Over time, the gravel guards loosen and ride up. I prefer the traditional hook, but that’s just me. These waders also don’t feature knee pads, but many premium models don’t. The $900 price tag will understandably deter many people. But Grundéns did an excellent job of building a wader worthy of serious anglers, and it belongs in the premium category. —RC
Skwala RS Wader
Specs
Materials: Four-layer laminate with C6 DWR finish
Sizes: Medium – XXL with many specific fits
Type: Zipper
Weight: 55.6 ounces
Pros
Extremely durable
Warm during winter fishing
Comfortable suspension system
Great mobility
Cons
Not ideal for summer fishing
Expensive
A newcomer to the fly fishing world, Skwala manufactures premium fly fishing waders, jackets, and sun-protective apparel. Last fall, they sent me their RS wader, which is designed for the nastiest conditions. The timing couldn’t have been better, and I spent the entire winter fishing various Rocky Mountain streams and rivers in these waders. Here’s the report card.
If a company is going to advertise a wader as one built for the wettest and coldest conditions, then it better be pretty warm. The RS wader is. Built from a durable four-layer laminate, it is noticeably hefty out of the box, which makes sense considering the conditions it was designed for. On the water, it performs like many other premium models, but with a bit more bulk. I trudged through more than a foot of snow and broke ice shelves to reach rivers, and the RS withstood it all.
Similar to Patagonia’s Swiftcurrent wader, the Skwala RS is heavier and thicker than most breathable models. This is great for fall, winter, and spring fishing when temperatures are low. I fished in 20-degree weather multiple times and always remained comfortable. These wouldn’t be my first choice for summer fishing, but again, the waders aren’t made for warm weather. That said, Skwala does make lightweight, breathable waders better suited for summertime angling.
Performance-wise, the RS waders excelled on the water. They are comfortable and easy to move around in, even with multiple layers underneath. The storage pockets feature an elastic center to better fit bulky fly boxes and gear, which I’ve come to love. Plus the fleece-lined pockets are a lifesaver in the cold. Anglers who wet wade all summer and want a wader for fishing the other three seasons will love the RS series. —RC
What To Consider When Buying Fly Fishing Waders
There are two main factors to consider when deciding on fishing waders: how often you fish and how much you’re willing to spend. The more you fish, the better quality waders you want to have. While an expensive price doesn’t automatically mean the best product, waders made from the most durable materials usually cost more. That brings us back to the first question: how often do you fish?
Anglers who spend only a couple of weeks on the river each year don’t need a premium wader. Budget options, such as the Orvis Clearwater waders, will suffice for a couple of trips each fishing season. But those who spend more than 50 days on the water each year should look for waders made from higher-quality materials. Over time, waders naturally deteriorate from normal wear and tear. Most cheaper models won’t be able to withstand constant abuse, and anglers who fish this much should look for a more durable design, like the Simms Freestone waders.
For fly fishers that spend 100-plus days on the water, premium waders are very much worth the investment. Models in this category typically cost between $700 and $1000. While this is expensive, people who spend significant time on the water (like guides) need their waders to perform every single day. Of course, premium waders also come with a bunch of other cool features, but durability is what you pay for.
First, determine how many days you’ll spend fishing in your waders, and then go from there. There’s no reason to dish out a grand on a pair of new waders if you only fish one week per year. On the other hand, if you spend every weekend standing in the river, that thousand dollars can be well worth the investment.
FAQs
Q: How do I know what size fishing waders I need?
Almost every wader manufacturer has a sizing chart on their website. Every brand has different sizing, too, so make sure to use the brand’s specific chart for that particular model. Most charts will show you what measurements to take. A soft tape measure is best for this.
Q: What are fly fishing waders made of?
Most fly fishing waders are made from durable, multi-layer fabric like nylon and polyester. Usually, the better the wader, the more layers it will have. Almost all fishing waders are treated with a waterproof finish like DWR or a Gore-Tex laminate.
Q: How much does a good pair of waders cost?
A “good pair” of waders is relative to the angler. In general, anglers can get what I consider a good pair of waders for as low as $250. From there, higher-quality waders can be had from $400 all the way up to $1000.
Find the Right Wader for You
Theoretically, anglers should only have to buy a pair of waders every five to seven years. In many cases, waders can last much longer. I’ve had great experiences with all of the waders on this list, but my go-to pair is the Simms G4Zs. It is durable, comfortable, and reliable, but most importantly, it keeps me and my gear dry. I also highly recommend the Simms Freestone wader for serious anglers who don’t want to spend $700 or more.
Why Trust Us
For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
