Overview

The Orvis Clearwater is our best-value chest wader, and it does not feel like a budget wader. Its 4-layer nylon fabric is waterproof and breathable, rated 30K waterproof and 8K breathable, and the trim cut cuts out the bulk of older waders. Side-release buckles let you drop it to waist-high on warm days.

It has a stretch storage pocket for fly boxes, a kangaroo hand-warmer pocket, built-in neoprene gravel guards, anatomical neoprene booties and a 1.5" wading belt. A hook-and-loop patch inside takes an Orvis waterproof pocket (sold separately). It is machine washable.

Which wader is right for you? The Orvis Clearwater is our best value, and the Simms Freestone is the best-selling mid-price wader (the Freestone Z adds a front zipper). The Simms G3 Guide steps up to GORE-TEX for anglers who fish a lot, and the Simms G4Z is Simms' top zip-front wader for the hardest use. Not sure of your size? Use our Wader Fit Finder.