Simms G4Z: Fly Fisherman's Best New Wader for 2024

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Since its inception in 2007, the G4Z has been the most feature-rich high-performance wader in the Simms catalog, and the revised version coming in the spring of 2024 sets a high-water mark for the entire company. The new G4Z has a lower built from 4-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell—this more durable material comes up about 6 inches higher on the legs than the previous G4Z iteration. The upper wader is made from 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell. Pro Shell is the highest-performing fabric in the Simms lineup in terms of breathability and durability.

The left/right stockingfeet are more anatomically accurate than ever before, with stretchy neoprene overlays that allow a much better fit inside wading boots with less bunching and scrunching, and improved circulation for your feet. It also felt like there was a tighter fit at the ankles so I wasn’t folding up the neoprene to get my boots tied up. “Stockingfeet” should fit like stockings, and these ones actually do. The neoprene gravel guards are also a little tighter and don’t have the lace hooks that end up catching your line more than anything else. They control your laces and keep grit out of the boot but no longer attempt to stretch all the way to the base of the lacing system.

The center-front YKK Aquaseal zipper is glued in place instead of stitched as in previous versions, and this makes the whole zipper assembly less rigid and bulky. The new zipper design flexes more like the rest of the garment, is more comfortable to wear, and fits closer to the body when it’s zipped up.

There are two zippered fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, and when you reach your hand inside you find what is likely the biggest change in the 2024 G4Zs. Inside the pockets, you’ll find the tag ends of single elastic suspender straps. You can actually pull the suspender straps tight from inside the pockets, and use the cam locking device on the exterior to make on-the-fly suspender adjustments. The entire suspender package has less bulk this time around, so it’s more comfortable and easier to use with other layers, and the air mesh spacer in the back prevents the waders from bunching up at the back between the suspender straps.

The G4 neoprene wading belt has just enough stretch to be comfortable, and it’s easier to adjust due to the Velcro closure that is designed without an end flap, so there’s nowhere to snag your line. New low-profile belt loops keep the wider, sturdier belt where it should be.

Many front-zip waders sacrifice storage space, but not so with the G4Z. Inside there are two completely waterproof pockets with submersible TRU Zip zippers. If you swim, whatever is in those zippered pockets stays dry. On the outside, there are two easy-access zippered pockets for tippet, Gink, or small fly boxes.

Overall, the G4Z pattern has been modified to provide a better fit. To me, that’s the #1 reason to have a zipper—so you don’t have to wiggle into them, but at the same time you don’t have a cavernous opening with bunches of extra wader material at the top. The features on the wader are slick and convenient, but the biggest changes are to the comfort levels—from the suspender system, the belt, the changes to the front zipper, and the fit. It all adds up to a wader that is easier to wear all day and doesn’t get in your way. The waders will be available only at specialty retailers starting Jan. 15. You won’t find it at simmsfishing.com or at big-box stores until March.

$999.95 | simmsfishing.com

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