Last updated on January 9th, 2024.

After a season of testing, let’s chat about something that’s kept me dry and happy on countless fishing adventures – the Simms M’s G3 Guide Stockingfoot Waders.

I’ve logged more hours in rivers and streams than I’d care to admit, and these waders have been my trusty sidekick through it all. So, grab your fishing hat, and let’s dive into this wader wonderland.

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Craftsmanship That Wows

Right off the bat, you can tell that Simms put some serious love into crafting these waders. It’s like they had a bunch of fishing fanatics working overtime to make them perfect. Every stitch, every seam, it’s all top-notch quality. Last year I was fortunate enough to visit the Simms factory in Bozeman, Montana, and was impressed to see that every step of the wader making process on the G3 is done there on location. These waders just ooze durability and reliability – qualities you want when you’re venturing into demanding fishing spots.

A Fit that’s as Comfy as Your Favorite Chair

Let’s talk fit, my friends. Comfort is the name of the game when you’re out on the water all day. Simms offers a range of sizes, and I went with a small (I’m 5’10” and 150lbs). They fit like a glove – no weird bunching or constriction. Plus, those adjustable shoulder straps and the waist belt let you dial in the fit just how you like it. It’s like they were made for you. I like Simms’ slimmer cut, particularly around the legs, when it comes to wading in fast rivers. From my experience the fit is true to size. The sizing has stayed the same compared to the G3’s predecessor. The only thing that could increase comfort would be a zippered version as Simms offers it on a few of their other wader models such as the G4Z and now also the Freestone Z.

Materials that Laugh in the Face of Tough Conditions

Now, onto the materials. These waders are built to handle the wild – they’re rocking a combo of 3-layer and 4-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell fabric. That’s like having armor against rough riverbeds, thorny bushes, and sharp rocks. I’ve put these waders through the wringer, and they’ve come out unscathed every time. No rips, no tears, just pure toughness. The only other waders that’s as tough from my experience, is the the G4.

Waterproofing that’s the Real Deal

Let’s not forget the main job of waders – keeping you dry. The G3 Guide waders are like the bodyguards of dryness. After hours of wading through streams and rivers, I was as dry as a desert cactus (well, almost). And that waterproof zipper on the chest pocket? It’s like a fortress for your gear, keeping everything high and dry for hours (please be aware that the fabric of the chest pocket will still see some water come through after hours of use in the rain or when being submersed).

Comfort That’ll Make You Forget You’re Wearing Waders

Comfort is a big deal, especially when you’re planning an all-day fishing marathon. These waders come with gravel guards and neoprene stocking feet that feel like you’re walking on clouds. But here’s the kicker – they’re breathable too. No sweaty, swampy feeling on hot days and cozy warmth on chilly ones.

Pockets Galore: Where to Put All Your Fishing Gizmos

If you’re the organized type (or just tired of losing your gear in your waders), you’ll dig these pockets. They’ve got more pockets than a kangaroo has pouches – a hand-warmer pocket, a zippered chest pocket, and a flip-out Tippet Tender pocket with retractor docking stations. Your gear will be more organized than a librarian’s bookshelf. The only thing that you should beware of with the zippered front pocket is the fact that’s its fabric (because it’s so stretchy) is delicate at the same time so be careful with putting a pair of pointed pliers into it for example.

Built to Survive the Apocalypse (Or Just Your Fishing Adventures)

I’m all about gear that stands the test of time. I’ve put these waders through the wringer, from rocky riverbeds to battles with thorny undergrowth. And guess what? They’re still standing strong. No leaks, no tears, and they look as good as new.

Comparing with the Previous G3 Waders and Beyond

Alright, let’s get into the juicy stuff – how do these G3 Guide waders compare to their older siblings and some other top contenders like the Patagonia Swiftcurrent and the Orvis Pro Waders?

G3 Guide vs. Previous G3 Waders

The G3 Guide waders are an upgrade from the older version. The standout improvements include the updated material – the combo of 3-layer and 4-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell fabric, adding extra durability and breathability and a little more softness of the fabric which increases the wearing comfort. Plus, the chest pocket is waterproof now. However, from my experience, if you own the previous model of the G3 and it’s still doing its job, it’s not worth upgrading since these two G3s perform very similarly.

G3 Guide vs. Patagonia Swiftcurrent

The Patagonia Swiftcurrent waders are solid competition, no doubt. Personally, I like the slightly slimmer fit of the G3 a fraction better, particularly if you’re often wading in fast flowing rivers. The tighter fit, particularly around the legs, offers the water less surface to attack. Also, in terms of durability and longevity, I’ve found the Simms Gore Tex fabric to be second to none.

G3 Guide vs. Orvis Pro Waders

The Orvis Pro Waders are known for their ruggedness, and the G3 Guides hold their own in that department. Both are made with high-quality materials and ace waterproofing. But the G3 Guides have a slight edge when it comes to fit customization, thanks to those adjustable straps and the waist belt. Plus, the G3’s front pocket is bigger which I prefer since it’s the most important pocket of all on a pair of waders in my eyes.

Verdict on the Simms G3 Guide Waders

In a nutshell, the Simms M’s G3 Guide Stockingfoot Waders are like that friend you can always count on – reliable, tough, and always up for an adventure. They’re an investment in your fishing experience, and trust me, they’re worth every penny. While they might dig a bit deeper into your wallet than some waders, their durability and performance more than justify the investment.

So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just dipping your toes into the world of fly fishing, these waders are the real deal. They’ve earned their place as my go-to fishing gear, and I’m pretty sure they’ll do the same for you.

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on one of them and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we believe in ourselves.