When you're considering cold-weather wading, whether it be for duck hunting or fishing, you'd better wear something that will keep near-freezing temperatures at bay. Plus, if you're planning on doing a lot of walking, your gear needs to fit well and be comfortable. The Simms Fjord Under Wader Fleece Pants are meant to help sportsmen stay warm, dry, and comfortable, and I can vouch for that view now that I've had a chance to use them. Simms is already a reputable name, and it doesn't take long to do the research and learn about the high-quality materials their products are made from. Staying warm and dry when you're out on the water is one thing, but when the temperatures drop and you're wading in a frigid stream or river, you'll need protection against the elements from the inside out.
As it is, Simms is well known for providing serious anglers with gear that's fully capable, and the more I learned about and used the Fjord Under Wader Pants, the more impressed I was. Here's a rundown.
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Features of the Simms Men's Fjord Under Wader Fleece Pants
Let me just say this: getting into your waders without having your pant legs roll up is an annoying problem. These "under wader" fleece pants work just as well inside of your favorite ice fishing bibs (or any bibs for that matter) as they do traditional fishing waders. They're made to be compression-resistant, and include a double-layer fleece with durable water repellent to finish it off. The ankle stirrups help avoid that dreaded bunch up issue.
The Polartec "Power Stretch" material, which is featured on the waistband, cuff, and stirrups, adds a level of support and comfort that few other pants of this kind are able to offer. The adjustable waist and two hand pockets also make a great combination. The body material is constructed from over 75 percent post-consumer content, which means the majority of the product is composed of recycled materials. They pants also comes with a heavyweight solid velour spandex for ease of movement, and the're made with an odor resistant finish to fight the funk from a long day spent wearing them.
It comes in a Carbon color version, but for a pair of inner pants meant to keep you warm and dry, you don't need flashy or stylish patterns. Simms includes a handy size and fit guide on their website to help you find the right proportions for each individual. Small, medium, and large sizes are available, along with XL, XXL, and 3XL sizes.
Using the Fjord Under Wader Fleece
My first attempt at using the Simms Fjord pants came from the back seat of my guide's crew cab pickup truck upon arriving at our destination on Maine's Magalloway River. I slipped them straight on over a pair of alpaca socks and a thin pair of Under Armour base layer pants like a breeze, even in the cramped cab. It is super easy to adjust the waist bands with the velcro straps on each side to make an extremely pleasant fit, and with the expandable pockets, you can feel perfectly safe leaving your key fob, wallet, or your phone inside.
As it was only 28 degrees when we arrived, I also had my quilted ScentBlocker (Blocker Outdoors) top over a light sweater. I knew that between the walking and the temperature rising, I didn't want to be overdressed. Right away I could tell that my comfort level was spot on—walking, casting, and fighting some nice trout and Atlantic salmon was a joy! With water temperatures still in the low 40s while wearing the Simms G3 Guide Waders, you might think that it would be a bit too cold for comfort to start out, but I never felt that way. To be honest, the bigger issue came from the air temperature—as it rose to just above the 40-degree mark, I began to feel a little hot, but taking care of it was as simple as taking some of the other top layers off to get comfortable again. My lower body felt great. These comfy wading pants work so well for cold water wading, but I could also see them put to good use in the duck blind. With the odor-resistant finish, they work just as easily under my camo deer hunting bibs for added cold-weather comfort in my tree climber.
Further Recommendations
At $249.95, these wading pants might seem expensive—but you're getting a lot of bang for your buck. When you consider the years that they will last, the high comfort level that they offer, and the many use cases, you'll realize that this one product can take the place of many others while satisfyingly doing the job. With their their form-fitting functionality, these fully adjustable under wader pants will win you over. The task of removing even a good pair of fishing waders can be a chore at times, but the fjord wading pants slide on and off like a breeze, making them an easy decision. They fit great, work well, and are extremely comfortable and warm. Where have these been all my fishing life?
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