Simms G3 Pro Wader Review: Our Honest On-Water Take

Our take on the Simms G3 Pro waders: the fit, lightweight feel, and useful pockets make them worth considering for anglers who spend serious time on the water. After more than two months of fishing and guiding in British Columbia, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest, we have plenty to like, along with a couple of practical complaints.

At Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters, we want gear that earns its place on the river, not just on a specification sheet. Here is what stood out in our Simms G3 Pro wader review, from men's and women's sizing to everyday comfort.

How We Tested the Simms G3 Pro Waders

We wore these waders on remote steelhead rivers in British Columbia, on trips to Alaska and across our home waters in the Pacific Northwest. Between fishing and guiding three to four days per week, we put more wear on them than an occasional weekend outing would.

This is our experience after more than two months of use, not a claim about how the waders will perform over several seasons.

Fit and Comfort: Men's and Women's G3 Pro Waders

These are among the most true-to-size waders we have worn. They feel lightweight on the water, which we appreciate on days spent moving between runs and working with clients.

A Better Experience for Women Anglers

One of the most common frustrations we hear from women visiting the shop is that wader fit and design can feel like an afterthought. In our experience, the Women's G3 Pro is an encouraging step forward, with sizing and color choices that feel more considered.

Fit is still personal. Try waders with the layers you actually fish in, and make sure you can comfortably bend, step, and move before deciding on a size.

Durability for Steelhead Fishing and Guiding

The G3 Pro waders we tested combine a lightweight feel with four-layer GORE-TEX Pro construction in the legs and seat. Those are areas where we want extra protection during regular fishing and guiding.

So far, we have been pleased with how they have handled our time on the water. We'll judge long-term durability by use rather than call after just a couple of months, but based on our current use, these are the highest-quality waders we have seen.

Pockets and Cold-Weather Comfort

The front pockets are a highlight. They give us useful space for fly boxes and everyday items, including keys, a phone, and even a can of sparkling water. We would still use separate waterproof protection for anything that cannot get wet.

The zippered, pass-through microfleece handwarmer pockets are especially welcome on a cold Pacific Northwest morning. Small conveniences matter when you are standing in cold water for hours.

What We Would Change

The Rear Belt Loop Can Interfere With Net Storage

A single belt loop in the center of the lower back makes things awkward for those of us who carry a net there. Whether that matters to you will depend on how you rig your net and wading belt.

The Shoulder Straps Can Loosen

We have also found that the shoulder straps can loosen during use. They are easy to adjust, which is convenient, but we would prefer not to have to readjust them as often.

Standard vs. Zippered G3 Pro Waders: Price

The prices listed for this review were $800 for the standard version and $900 for the zippered version. Confirm current pricing and model availability before purchasing.

The zippered option is worth a look if that convenience is a priority for you. For us, fit and comfort should come first, followed by the features that suit how you fish.

A Note on Warranty Coverage

Warranty support matters when you invest in waders. For a period of time, we're not going to lie, Simms had problems.  We even did a video on it, but we can tell you the company has completely turned things around.  We have seen product we never thought they would warranty due to age and normal wear and tear get repaired with no questions asked.  Check the current Simms warranty terms for your specific model before buying, including coverage, exclusions, and the repair process. If you need help understanding your options, ask our shop team.

Our Verdict: Are the Simms G3 Pro Waders Worth Considering?

Yes, based on our first two months of fishing and guiding, the Simms G3 Pro deserves a place on your shortlist. The fit, lightweight feel, front storage, and handwarmer pockets are the standouts for us.

The rear belt loop and loosening shoulder straps are worth weighing against your own setup. For anglers fishing steelhead rivers and other cold water fisheries in the Pacific Northwest, these are practical waders we have enjoyed using, with a few details we would still like to see improved, but overall we feel this is the best wader on the market.

Men’s Stockingfoot Wader Size Chart

*These sizes are only available through the Simms Custom Shop. Call (888) 585-3570 to place a custom order.

Pro tip: Use the wader size finder on the product page for the model you are interested in to confirm your size.

Women’s Stockingfoot Wader Size Chart

Start by determining the largest girth measurement. Then match to inseam and finally to stockingfoot bootie size.

Please note that this is the full chart of size offerings, and not every wader comes in every size.

Pro tip: Use the wader size finder on the product page for the model you are interested in to confirm your size.

Inseam based on height: REGULAR = Women 5'4" to 5'7" | SHORT = Women 5'1" to 5'3" | TALL = Women 5'7" to 5'9"