The name 'Freestone' has stood for convincing price-performance and reliable durability at Simms for many years. Freestone waders, wading shoes and wading jackets offer fly fishers a perfect introduction to the world of Simms - without compromising on quality.
Simms - The traditional American brand from the small town of Bozeman in Montana (USA) is the largest and best-known manufacturer of waders. Fly fishers all over the world trust the high quality standards of the American manufacturer and rely on the functionality and durability of Simms waders, wading shoes and wading jackets.
About Simms
Simms was founded in 1980 by passionate fly fisherman and guide John Simms. He realised that the waders of the time were not able to provide a dry, comfortable and safe experience on the river for his clients, other guides and himself. So he set out to develop products worthy of a new generation of anglers. Anglers who, like him, get on the water early and stay out longer - in all weathers. The basic idea of Simms was born!
In 1993, K.C. Walsh, angler and experienced business consultant, took over the management of Simms and ensured that the quality of Simms products was constantly improved in the years that followed. The Simms product range expanded rapidly and with it the workforce. K.C.'s first order of business in 1993, however, was to move the Simms headquarters to Bozeman. A milestone for Simms! Because in close proximity to Bozeman are some of the best Trout rivers in the USA. And where there is great angling, there are great anglers. Simms tapped into the expertise of these experienced anglers and guides, brought them into the company and employs them at every level and in every function: from designers, developers and product managers to wear testers, consultants and craftsmen. This is how Simms became a company by anglers for anglers.
The first year in Bozeman also saw the launch of Simms' first waterproof, breathable waders with a GORETEX® membrane. The waders were a groundbreaking success and would prove to be the start of a long and productive partnership between Simms and W.L. Gore & Associates. Since then, Simms has been known as the go-to source for the angling industry when it comes to the latest advances in GORE-TEX technology. And to this day, waders with GORETEX® membranes (like the G4, G3 or Headwaters series) are handmade in Bozeman - and that comes at a price.
Simms Freestone Waders and Wading Boots
To offer fly fishers a more cost-effective alternative to waders with GORE-TEX technology, Simms product developers set about testing other materials and membranes. The first Freestone waders were born! Since then they have been revised and improved at regular intervals. Today, Freestone waders are made from Toray® QuadraLam material. A 4-layer membrane that is highly breathable and 100% waterproof.
Toray is a Japanese company whose expertise lies in the fields of chemistry and biotechnology. For years, Toray has earned a very good reputation in the production of coatings and membranes. The QuadraLam fabric used in the Freestone waders was developed specifically for use in waders. It is a high-performance fabric with a microporous, waterproof coating that uses a two-layer coated fabric, a membrane layer and a tricot fabric. This results in improved durability. And that is exactly what the Freestone series stands for: Convincing durability. Durability in proven Simms quality - at an attractive price! The latest generation of Freestone waders is no exception.
Save 15% with Simms Freestone Wading Sets for Men and Women
With the latest generation, the designers at Simms have once again succeeded in updating the popular Freestone waders and further improving them with the help of Japanese technologies. Freestone waders are undoubtedly equipped for the hard everyday fly fishing thanks to modern materials, a practical design and first-class workmanship. For us, Freestone waders are real value for money winners and a clear recommendation for all those who do not (yet) value a GORETEX® membrane.
Simms Freestone waders are particularly attractive when combined with a Freestone wading boot. This kills two birds with one stone: on the one hand, 'man' or 'woman' can save more than 15% when buying a Freestone wading set and on the other hand, 'man' or 'woman' gets one of the most durable wading shoes on the market with the Freestone Boot. 'Man' or 'woman' because Freestone waders and wading shoes are finally available in a Women's version - which features a feminine fit.
The features of the Freestone waders at a glance
Like the Freestone waders, the Freestone wading shoes are also particularly durable. If you ask our service department, waders from the Freestone series are without doubt among the most popular products in our range. Because they simply don't break! Whether you choose a Freestone boot with a felt or rubber sole: These wading boots will accompany you for many years on all your adventures on the fishing water and you can rely on them 100%. In the latest generation, the Freestone remains true to the characteristics of its predecessor despite the completely revised design: the very abrasion-resistant synthetic leather and the rubber reinforcement give the boot excellent durability and its unmistakable look.
For fly fishermen and fly fisherwomen - Freestone Wading Shoes
Unlike their predecessors, the latest Freestone models also have a cushioning EVA midsole to absorb shocks. This noticeably increases comfort during all-day wading and hiking. Freestone wading shoes are also known for their exemplary stabilisation and support of the foot. The firm hold is not only comfortable, but extremely important for safe wading! It is not without reason that many guides swear by the Freestone from Simms. Admittedly: Not the lightest wading shoe on the market. But one of the most durable!
Simms Freestone Series
After the success of the Freestone waders and wading shoes, it was only a matter of time before the Freestone family grew. Today, the Freestone series includes a whole range of products that stand out for their first-class price-performance ratio. First and foremost the Freestone wading jackets, which are also made of the proven Japanese Toray® material and look very much like the classic Guide wading jacket with GORETEX® membrane.
Above all, Freestone wading jackets offer a timeless design and reliable weather protection! And of course plenty of storage space for everything you need when fly fishing. While fly boxes and co. disappear in the two spacious velcro pockets, two integrated retractors keep your important tools within reach at all times. The typical short wading jacket cut allows deep wading - a reason why these models are also very popular with Sea Trout anglers. All in all, a minimalistic design that has proven itself in practice! Thanks to the breathable 3-layer Toray® membrane, this wading jacket has excellent abrasion resistance and thus fits seamlessly into the durable Freestone series. For us, these wading jackets are the perfect addition to a Freestone wading set!
Simms Freestone Wading Jackets and Packs
The Freestone series is rounded off by an extensive collection of bags made from particularly hard-wearing materials. Here, too, it is clear that the Simms product developers are inveterate fly fishers themselves. Each of the many details of the backpacks, sling packs and hip packs is 100% practice-oriented and well thought-out in terms of functionality. All bags are of first-class workmanship and suitable for the demanding fly fisherman's daily routine. And all this at a very fair price! From alpine mountain streams to Scandinavian salmon rivers: the Freestone series has the right bag for every taste, which will provide you with years of loyal service on the water. This is sustainable and good for the environment - and for your wallet.
The products from the extensive Freestone series by Simms are without a doubt some of the most interesting on the market. Everything is just right here! Fly fishermen and fly fisherwomen get proven Simms quality at an attractive price and can rely on the durability and functionality of Freestone products even under tough conditions. It is not without good reason that Freestone wading sets are among the most popular combinations of waders and wading shoes in our shop.