The important things that you need to know when wanting to purchase a pair of waders are a few measurements: inseam, your largest girth (waist, hips, or chest) and your shoe size. With these three measurements you will be able to use various online sizing charts to determine which size waders are likely to fit you comfortably. If you want more information about how to size yourself for waders, please check out our previous blog post on the The Drift for easy-to-follow instructions.
Before shopping for a pair of fly fishing waders, there are some questions that you need to ask which will help determine the path down which you will travel to finding your perfect pair of waders.
- What type of weather are you fishing in?
- How many days per year are you likely to be wearing you waders?
- How tough are you on your gear?
- Are you putting on your waders right at the river or do you have a ways to hike in them?
- What type of water are you wading?
- What is the maximum amount of layers you expect to wear underneath your waders?
Superlatives
- Best High-end Waders - Simms Women's G3 Guide Waders / Orvis Pro Women's Waders
- Best Budget Waders - Simms Women's Tributary Wader
- Best Zipfront Waders- Simms Women's G3 Guide Z Wader
- Best Wading Pants - Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Pant
- Best Warm Weather Waders - Orvis Women's Ultralight Convertible Wader
- Best Cold Weather Waders - Patagonia Women's Swiftcurrent Wader
Best High-End Women's Waders - Simms Womens G3 Guide Waders / Orvis Pro Women's Waders
Our Pro Staff couldn't come to a consensus about the best high-end women's waders as there is a great field of contenders from which to choose. We were able to narrow it down to a couple of choices, both of which represent the very top of the line when it comes to women's fishing waders.
The first on our list is the Simms Women's G3 Guide Waders. Released in late winter 2022, the Women's G3 Guide Waders are the latest iteration of the G3 Guides which have developed a dedicated following as the toughest and most reliable waders on the market. Superior flexibility due to a unique lamination that allows for fewer layers of construction without sacrificing movement penalties, puncture resistance, and long durability.
Next is the Orvis Pro Women's Waders, as the name suggests these waders were made for the professional anglers that demand extremely high standards from their gear because of the amount of time that they are seeing on the water each year. The Orvis Pro Women's Waders feature a four-layer construction for maximum strength, comfortable low-profile construction that allows for improved mobility, and also possesses, in our opinion, the best accessory storage and streamside essentials integration.
Best Budget Women's Waders - Simms Women's Tributary Wader
The Simms Womens Tributary Waders are a new breathable stockingfoot wader designed for overall comfort, durability, and longevity at a price that won't break the bank. Just like most fly fishing gear, waders can come at a price that might scare some anglers away. The Simms Women's Tributary Waders are perfect for those wanting to make the jump to a year-around angler. Four-layer lower construction, fleece-lined chest pocket, and anatomically designed specifically for women.
Best Zipfront Women's Waders - Simms Women's G3 Guide Z Wader
The innovative TIZIP waterproof side zipper allows for easy on/easy off at your convenience. Everything about these waders is designed for the ultimate comfort and durability of lady anglers. Just like the Simms G3 Guide Waders, the Guide Z's feature all the same technologies which make the G3 Guide Waders so widely loved. Winner of the coveted International Fly Tackle Dealers award for Best New Women's Waders, the Simms G3 Guide Z Waders are ready for adventure.
Best Women's Wading Pants - Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Pant
Wading pants don't really possess the unisex construction that is found on other bibbed waders so when giving out these awards we had to double dip on our favorite pair of wading pants. The Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Pants weigh in just under 2lbs which make them a great choice for anglers looking for a lightweight option while not wading in waters which require a full construction.
Best Warm Weather Women's Waders - Orvis Women's Ultralight Convertible Wader
Durable, lightweight, breathable, and versatile are the hallmarks of the Orvis Women's Ultralight Convertible Waders. The women's Ultralight Convertible Wader is a remarkably versatile, innovative wader designed in a lightweight package without sacrificing durability and performance. Incredibly comfortable modern fit offers superior performance without the traditional weight and bulk. We love the convertible bib which gives you some much needed airflow on those super sweaty days.
Best Cold Weather Women's Waders - Patagonia Women's Swiftcurrent Wader
The Patagonia Women's Swiftcurrent Waders are packed with features that make them an easy choice for those that like to have everything in hands reach, an attribute especially crucial in winter months when you don't want to be fiddling around in a bag with your gloves on. The athletic, but comfortable, fit allows anglers to easily fit layers underneath for cold days on the water which is why this pair of waders is always at the top of our list of suggestions for female anglers in colder climates.
Featured Products
- Simms Women's G3 Guide Waders
- Orvis Pro Womens Waders
- Simms Women's Tributary Waders
- Simms Women's G3 Guide Z Waders
- Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Pant
- Orvis Women's Ultralight Convertible Wader
- Patagonia Women's Swiftcurrent Waders
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