For the past many years I have used Simms waders in both the chest high and waist high models. They're great, I don't have anything bad to say about them other than they are expensive. My chest high Simms are about 5 years old and still going strong, although the gravel guards are breaking down. But recently I decided I needed another pair of waist high waders that compressed down a little more than the Simms.
After some research, I decided to try the Frogg Toggs® Pilot™ 2 Guide Pants. The few reviews I could find were pretty encouraging and the price was very tempting. I've had other Frogg Toggs products, such as a couple of rain jackets and a rain hat and they were quite good for the price (except the hat, it was a bust).
I bought my Frogg Toggs waders pants from WadersUSA, received them in about four days and then found out they were just a little too small. I have a size 11.5 USA foot and I'm 6 feet tall, and this meant a size L for the wading pants. The neoprene foot fit very well but the waders were a little too tight through the crotch. When I lifted my leg, as if stepping up out of a stream, the crotch seams were very tight and greatly limited my movement. I therefore called WadersUSA and asked for an exchange to size XL. They gave me a RMA number, I mailed the box back and about a week later I had the size XL. These fit better, even though I don't consider myself as an XL guy. So I'm proposing that these wader pants are slightly undersized.
The waders come in a little black bag.
The wading pants are well made. All seams are taped, as would be expected. The places where two or more seems meet are extra taped. The neoprene booties are well made and fit your feet appropriately. Built in gravel/sand guards which have an elastic edge and laces hook work well.
Here's what WadersUSA says about the pant: The "flagship wading pant is constructed from durable 4 to 6-ply breathable nylon with exclusive DriPore C3 waterproof technology. These pants are so sleek and comfortable, you hardly know you have it on. Adjustable elastic belt with comfort fit waistband make for a perfect fit. Patented swing leg panel design give added protection where you need it most." Here is a video from their product website. It describes some of the features of the waders that are similar to and have been incorporated into these guide pants.
I like the water proof pockets, they are deep and very useful. I like that fact that the waders compress down to a size smaller than my Simms. They fit into my Zimmerbuilt pack much better than the Simms, leaving more room for my lunch. The waist belt is easily adjusted and keep the pant from falling down. I have not felt the need for suspenders, but then again, I don't have a large abdomen. I have been fishing with them for about 6 months. So far they are doing great. Let's hope that they keep it up!
After some research, I decided to try the Frogg Toggs® Pilot™ 2 Guide Pants. The few reviews I could find were pretty encouraging and the price was very tempting. I've had other Frogg Toggs products, such as a couple of rain jackets and a rain hat and they were quite good for the price (except the hat, it was a bust).
I bought my Frogg Toggs waders pants from WadersUSA, received them in about four days and then found out they were just a little too small. I have a size 11.5 USA foot and I'm 6 feet tall, and this meant a size L for the wading pants. The neoprene foot fit very well but the waders were a little too tight through the crotch. When I lifted my leg, as if stepping up out of a stream, the crotch seams were very tight and greatly limited my movement. I therefore called WadersUSA and asked for an exchange to size XL. They gave me a RMA number, I mailed the box back and about a week later I had the size XL. These fit better, even though I don't consider myself as an XL guy. So I'm proposing that these wader pants are slightly undersized.
The waders come in a little black bag.
The wading pants are well made. All seams are taped, as would be expected. The places where two or more seems meet are extra taped. The neoprene booties are well made and fit your feet appropriately. Built in gravel/sand guards which have an elastic edge and laces hook work well.
Here's what WadersUSA says about the pant: The "flagship wading pant is constructed from durable 4 to 6-ply breathable nylon with exclusive DriPore C3 waterproof technology. These pants are so sleek and comfortable, you hardly know you have it on. Adjustable elastic belt with comfort fit waistband make for a perfect fit. Patented swing leg panel design give added protection where you need it most." Here is a video from their product website. It describes some of the features of the waders that are similar to and have been incorporated into these guide pants.
I like the water proof pockets, they are deep and very useful. I like that fact that the waders compress down to a size smaller than my Simms. They fit into my Zimmerbuilt pack much better than the Simms, leaving more room for my lunch. The waist belt is easily adjusted and keep the pant from falling down. I have not felt the need for suspenders, but then again, I don't have a large abdomen. I have been fishing with them for about 6 months. So far they are doing great. Let's hope that they keep it up!
Tom, thanks for writing these up. I was looking at them not long ago for summer use, but I decided to go for a wet wading setup instead. Do you ever wet wade with a Japanese-style setup, or just prefer pants like this when its warmer out?
ReplyDeleteI wet wade occasionally, but where I live the water is very cold throughout the summer and I don't have the oppressive heat and humidity of New York to make it feel nice. Even in summer I usually wear something, like hip waders.
DeleteIf you want or need waders I highly reccomend front toggs waists. Very durable, good fit, great price. Expernce with them for 9 yrs, in the roughest conditions in southern Australia Victoria, NSW, and tasmania; new Zealand. These conditions make north and south american terrain look like a walk in the park. The waders take it.
ReplyDeleteI wet wade when temps get above 23 celcius, and use waist waders in cooler temps and shoulder and winter. Just like pulling on pants, no trouble.
I have a 34" waist 29" inseam and size 9 shoe, should I take the small or medium?
ReplyDeleteI don't know. Refer this to the vendor or retail store and they could help you size the waders.
Delete2 years later - how are they / did they hold up?
ReplyDeleteThey've held up well. I'm still using them.
DeleteI live in Yellowstone may-sept and fish the same region you do. I am looking at adding a pair of waders for the times it is too cold to wet wade. I would really like something light and pack able for when I need to pack them in on a long hike. I think the pants waders would have less materiel, less weight and bulk than a chest wader. But i also know some materials are bulkier than others as well. I have been looking at the Orvis Silver sonic convertibles, Patagonia Rio Azul and a few pants like the frogg Toggs Pilot 2 and the Simms Freestone pants. Do you have any opinions of these? I think i would really like the Patagonia Gunnison Gorge Wading Pants. But they are just out of my price range. Any advise would be great.
ReplyDeleteThey are much less weight than my Simms chest and Simms waist high waders. They also compact down into a tighter bundle. So far they have held up fine.
DeleteMy son got these 11/2 yrs ago for me. I used 1 time digging razor clams before some health issues side lined me till this season. To my disgust they leak down by the bootie. I had read some reviews stating this issue but son bought anyway. The number of people who have this issue show there is a problem. Very sad... Not a value at 160.00 per use if your not Bill Gates
ReplyDelete