Simms Tributary Stockingfoot Fishing Waders, Basalt M 9-11 Regular

Why it's worth it

The Tributary pairs a three-layer upper with a reinforced four-layer lower, so the parts that take the abuse get the thicker fabric. You get fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, built-in gravel guards, and a wading belt — the essentials, without the extras you probably won't miss.

Simms put the fabric where it matters. The lower legs and seat — the parts that scrape rocks, sit on tailgates, and take the brunt of wading — get four layers, while the upper stays at three to hold down weight and cost. It's a sensible compromise rather than a corner cut, and it's why this pair tends to hold up better than a typical first wader.

This is the pair to buy if you're not certain you'll stick with fly fishing. Anglers moving up from big-box waders describe the fit and the dryness as a clear step change. Simms' sizing chart is unusually specific, and the stockingfeet are shaped to fit inside real wading boots instead of vaguely approximating a shoe size. That alone saves you a lot of blisters.

From our review of 6 breathable fly fishing waders, by Genevieve Dubois, Home & Living Expert

What we like

• +Simms put the fabric where it matters
• +This is the pair to buy if you're not certain you'll stick with fly fishing
• +The small stuff is handled well

What to know

• –The wading belt setup is the weak spot
• –Some owners also report damp legs after long days