Simms new custom wader to benefit wounded veterans

By virtue of the fact that Simms is still making its waders in their U.S.-based factory in Bozeman, Montana, they're able to produce custom waders. Typically, this has meant Simms' custom waders program, where individuals with unique sizing requirements or preferences can order stockingfoot waders from Simms that are custom-tailored to their needs. More recently, however, Simms is putting their custom shop to work producing a very limited run of unique waders with the goal of raising $100,000 for Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW), an organization that helps reintegrate traumatically combat-wounded U.S. veterans and active service members from recent wars into society by building hope and resilience, facilitating camaraderie, and providing security and serenity through fly fishing and other high quality therapeutic recreational mediums in southwest Montana.

Simms has been working with WQW since 2007. Each year Simms hosts the organization’s week-long Fishing Experience (FX) trips to Montana. Simms outfits each warrior with a selection of Simms gear and is given a tour of Simms’ wader manufacturing facility. Then they hit the water.

“To witness the power of fly fishing on these true American heroes is breathtaking,” said K.C. Walsh, Simms President. “We hope the fishing community will embrace this special product offering because its story is much more important than just staying warm and dry.”

The MOLLE webbing and camo front pocket on Simms' new WQW wader (photo: Chad Shmukler).

The new WQW Simms waders are essentially a custom, souped up version of the standard G3 Guide Stockingfoot waders. Along for the ride are all of the features found in the the G3s, including the new-for-this-year 5-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell fabric, but the WQW waders include custom features such as MOLLE webbing on both sides of the chest, a Multicam camo front pocket and a WQW patch displaying support of the organization, its efforts and the veterans it serves.

Many anglers consider all Simms waders something to covet, but due to the limited run — only 2,000 will be made — these are truly so. The G3 Guide wader is an industry standard for quality, and this custom WQW version of the venerable G3 includes some desirable feature and styling upgrades for a small cost hike. At $549, that's only $50 more than the standard G3, and that's a small price to pay for a limited edition wader that supports an organization as important as Warriors & Quiet Waters.