Simms clothing

[Mr nofish]

Hello all,

I'm in the market for a new wet weather / top layer jacket. In the past my trusty red Burke worked well, but if your out in the rain to long it does soak through which is never fun. So time to update.

I require a jacket that is 100% waterproof, that is warm but not too bulky and I've come across the Simms contender. I'm just after people experiences with there gear before I do fork out the dollars. Do any of you own the contender or the Pro dry? I prefer the basic contender in the plain grey colour, so if you guys know any other brand similar that's a bit cheaper be sure to share.

I was thinking of getting the bib but don't think I'd wear it very often so may opt for the Kokatat pants that all the guys on here are so fond of.

Thanks in advance for your help and comments

[Frithy]

Hi mate,
I don't own a Simms jacket, but I own the contender bibs (made to match the contender jacket) and I highly recommend them to anyone looking. They're 100% waterproof and windproof (the goretex construction is the same in the Contender jacket so I assume they're be equally as good). Lifetime warranty too which includes maintaining their 100% water/wind proof guarantee.
The bibs are also surprisingly light which makes them comfortable to wear, and they're well set up with waterproof zip pockets, I assume the jackets would be the same.
I'd have gone with a simms Jacket myself but I found Northface gear on clear out and went that way due to being tight on cash.

Cheers
Chris

[Gofishing]

Hi Nick,

I got a Columbia Gortex jacket for $129 and the pant (also Gortex) for $99 from topbuy.com.au it took about 3 weeks to come but it light weight and I m covered. In last winter I went fishing at 3am, with some under garment it was so warm. For under garment I got the skin a400, all light weight and I was warmed and covered.


Hope it help...the Contender look great mate

[bonscottfan]

Mate you can't go past simms gear I have the bibs and will get the matching jacket- warm,dry and great when windy I highly recommend them

[ducky]

down the track I'll get some simms gear more than likely. In the mean time my waterproof gear consists of a columbia lhotse jacket which is super warm. only time I've been cold wearing it is around that 4am period where you've been on the boat since sunset and the cold chill cuts right through you. move around a bit and the reflective stuff inside the jacket warms you right back up.

I team this with a pair of quicksilver snowboarding pants which are very comfortable, completely wind/waterproof and fit over a pair of trackies easily and a pair of burke seaboots.

I wouldn't mind a top end simms bib but the gear I have currently is doing the trick.

http://www.columbia.com/Men%E2%80%99...efault,pd.html

[samt]

Who stocks the Simms gear here in Australia? Or do you get it online? The hardest thing I found when trying to buy clothing online is getting the correct sizing without getting to try it on.

I ended up getting a pair of Musto sailing bibs which are great.

[riverprawn]

Helly hansen do some great waterproof gear and are definately worth checking out if you want to laugh in the face of some really crappy weather.

[JIM1]

Ever thought about just getting wet? In the boat I stuff a jumper in a dry bag, LB I'm usually never more than a 20min hike to the warmth of the car heater.

Footy shorts and thongs do me fine when its wet out.

[Frithy]

Originally Posted by samt

Who stocks the Simms gear here in Australia? Or do you get it online? The hardest thing I found when trying to buy clothing online is getting the correct sizing without getting to try it on.

I ended up getting a pair of Musto sailing bibs which are great.

There's not many stockists in Aus (their website has a list), I dealt with compleat angler in Sydney (George Street one), they were good to deal with and very reasonably priced compared to O/S prices. The contender bibs cost me $359 as opposed to $299 from the states... when you consider postage & warranty it's definitely buying them domestically.

[Mr nofish]

Thanks for all the responses. It's seems everyone rates Simms the best on the market, but I'll be sure to check out the Helly Hansen range and Columbia as they have plently of stockists within Australia I can try before I buy. If I go down the path of Simms I will speak to Compleat Angler and see what thyey can do.

Thanks again guys.

[Piscateur]

I Own a Simms Paclite best jacket I own. Had a few Jackets leak after extended periods in the Rain but the Paclites have proved themselves to me.
Impressed with Simms Products in general, bought a pair of wading boots and they have lasted over 10 years of heavy use for the first five, still no faults.

[Kim]

I got some cabelas gear very cheap compared to the aus stuff worth a look

[Mr nofish]

Originally Posted by Kim

I got some cabelas gear very cheap compared to the aus stuff worth a look

Reading a fair bit about the Cabelas goretex gear. Seems to be for people who want Simms quality on a budget. They get a good wrap.

Going to try have a look at the brands I can buy in Oz before I jump on the Simms range. Also going to my local Compleat angler this weekend that stock some Sims gear.

[I I Wish]

After seeing tbe ICAST 2013 videos. They have a nice range coming out for 2014.

[Bear]

Worth a check, but I'm pretty sure CA Nedlands now stock Simms.