Leland on the Simms Freestone Jacket 2009
Regardless if you’re a fair weather angler or one that hits the water in any weather condition, you still need a quality rain/wading jacket. You simply just don’t know when the Mother Nature is going to let you have it! The Simms Freestone® Jacket gives you the protection and functionality you need without breaking the bank. By utilizing Toray® breathable yet highly waterproof material and adding their knowledge of fly fishing needed functionality Simms has give you the Freestone®. This wading jacket gives you the pockets you need, the famed Simms retractor and the room to layer when thermometer drops a little! Whether you’re hard charging to a steelhead river or just fly fishing the local stream grab a Simms Freestone® Jacket for protection, you won’t be disappointed.
Leland on the Specifications
Not all wading jackets have to be made from GORE-TEX®, but they better be breathable and highly waterproof; enter the Simms Freestone® Jacket. Simms has utilized Toray® material from Toray Industries that has been providing comfort and protection for 30 years. Highly breathable and waterproof this material protects you from the elements! Simms adds the fly fishing functionality like 2 large bellow pockets for fly boxes, roomy hand pockets, the patented built-in retractor, the storm flap protected YKK center front zipper, the adjustable stretch cuffs and the Simms Fish fly patch. Designed as an outer garment the Freestone® allows for layering making it a 4 season wading jacket. So wading in right there young angler with the Simms Freestone® Jacket you are protected.
Specifications:
- 100% waterproof, breathable 3 layer Toray® waterproof/breathable fabric
- Adjustable storm hood
- Two large bellowed chest pockets with hook & loop closures under the storm flap
- Roomy hand pockets
- Storm flap over YKK center-front zipper
- Adjustable stretch cuffs keep water out when casting
- Adjustable shock cord waist
- D-ring at center-back neck seam
- Patented built-in retractor
- Simms Fish fly patch
- Outerwear shell fit- designed to allow layering
Leland on Simms Outerwear
Fly fishing can take us to some miserably cold and wet places in pursuit of our passion. So it’s fortunate that we can rely on the experience and wisdom of Simms, who knows more than a little about staying dry and comfortable on and in the water. Outdoor professionals test over two hundred new Simms designs year round in some of the worst conditions imaginable. What other company is this dedicated to getting it right?
For 2008, Simms is offering the most comprehensive mix of 
hard and soft shell protection in their history, utilizing the very latest in design, fabric technology and construction techniques to ensure your all-day performance. No matter what kind of fishing you do, Simms makes a Gore-Tex, Windstopper, or Primaloft garment to shield you from the elements and to keep you casting.
The 10 ounce In-Vest Jacket fits in your pocket so you’ll never be without it. The rugged, Classic Guide Jacket is a favorite in Alaska. Or experience the next generation in rain jackets, the all new G4 Pro Jacket featuring Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric, the ultimate in all-weather protection.
Simms Outerwear provides complete coverage from extreme wet weather to the coldest fishing conditions imaginable. The use of W. L. Gore waterproof-breathable fabrics is a mainstay with Simms Fishing Products and they are utilized extensively in the Simms Outerwear lineup. Simms Jackets feature fully adjustable hoods for improved weather protection and enhanced field of vision in foul conditions. As you would expect, the YKK zippers operate smoothly and are corrosion 
resistant. The pockets and pocket closures, along with tool accessories, are designed for maximum functionality on-stream. Wrist and waist closures ensure that you are completely sealed from the elements. Simms has always been the forerunner in building superior quality, comfortable and functional fly fishing wear and their outerwear is no exception, but the rule!
- Jackets utilize W.L. Gore & Associate products or Simms proprietary weatherproofing
- All hoods are fully adjustable
- Corrosion-resistant YKK Zippers
- Pockets designs to hold fly boxes
- Adjustable, waterproof/breathable cuffs
- Adjustable waist for varying conditions
Leland on Simms
Simms was the pioneer in the fly fishing world, creating the first waterproof/ breathable waders in 1993. Today, Simms is unquestionably the
world leader in breathable wading technology, building the most comfortable, best fitting, functional waders that you can buy.
Waders are, arguably, the
most important piece of fishing gear that you own. They allow you to perform all day long by keeping your body comfortable. And when waders don’t work, you know it right away! That’s why the professional fly fishing guides that you see oaring a drift boat in Montana or wading a bank in British Columbia are most likely wearing Simms. These folks have to
rely on their waders, day in and day out.
Utilizing the most advanced GORE-TEX fabrics and materials, Simms maintains the highest standards of quality and value with innovative design, construction technologies, and most importantly, skilled craftsmen. And Simms, located in the heart of trout country in Bozeman, Montana, is the only U.S. manufacturer. Their twenty or so competitors’ waders are all made in the same two factories in China. Of these, Simms is the only one to water-test every single pair of waders that leaves their factory. Trust your wading comfort to the leader; Simms.
Leland on Simms Fly Fishing Products
It's funny how childhood memories can influence one's life! Just ask K.C. Walsh of Simms Fishing Products about the underlying theme of his company and its location. He'll tell you it was because his grandfather took him
fly fishing in Bozeman, MT as a young man. Funny how what started as a desire by K.C. to work in the fly fishing industry, turned into the
design of the world's best fishing waders. Funny how that vision of wader design transformed a company into one that now
manufacturers what is considered by many to be the
finest collection of
fly fishing –outdoor wear in the
entire industry. Funny? Not really. Just great concepts and a lot of hard work: Welcome to Simms Fishing Products!
At Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters,
we carry and use only the best fly fishing gear. There’s not enough time in our hurried world to worry about whether our chest waders or rain jackets are going to leak. We talk with K.C. quite frequently and love to listen about his passion for developing the most useful and highest quality fly fishing gear. We at Leland have toured the Simms factory, attended their numerous product seminars, and
vigorously used and field tested their equipment and we can tell you flat out; K.C. is
doing it right!
Simms on the Freestone® Jacket
"Durable, waterproof protection featuring Toray® 3-layer fabric. Function, features and quality!"
Simms on Toray®
"Toray® waterproof 3-layer fabric offers durable waterproof performance. Toray® fabrics are readily used in the fishing and outdoor industry for waders and rain jackets. Featured in our Freestone Wading Jacket, we've chosen a fabric that is strong, yet offers comfortable non-binding wear."
Simms on Technical Outerwear:
“THE RIVER: YOUR CHURCH, THERAPIST, AND OCCASIONALLY – FRIGID MISTRESS.”
“A river may be a place where you go for quiet reflection. You might view fishing as a therapeutic activity. Or, you might be one of many anglers that understand some of the best fishing is done during the nastiest weather – and that the gear you are wearing can be the difference between keeping you out fishing or running for the heater in your truck. We know what’s really important when the weather turns ugly – staying warm and dry. Simms combines the most innovative and advanced fabric technologies with fishing – specific designs and specialized features to bring you a comprehensive line of outerwear that offers something for anglers of every level. From out top of the line G3 Guide™ Jacket to our technical Rivertek™ Softshell Jacket, we’ve developed products that are waterproof, windproof, breathable, insulating, and very comfortable, instead of worrying about the weather; let our outerwear handle whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at you.
Simms Technical Outerwear Notes:
“Our baseline objective is simple, to keep anglers more comfortable so they can forget about the weather and fish. Simms outerwear combines the most innovative and advanced fabric technologies with fishing-specific designs to make this happen. W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc has set the standard fro waterproof/breathable technology, which is why we utilize and assortment of Gore-Tex® fabrics in many of our hard and soft shell piece. Primaloft – the ultimate down-like microfiber insulation – is soft, light and warm – and retains warmth when wet, making it ideal for fishing. Our own waterproof fabric technologies including TriLam, wick moisture and pump perspiration away from the body to help regulate body temperature.
Simms outerwear combines the most innovative and advanced fabrics technologies with fishing-specific designs to keep anglers dry, warm, and comfortable all day long. W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc has set a standard for waterproof/breathable fabrics. As we enter the 16th year of our partnership with W.L. Gore & Assoc, we are more committed than ever before to drive advancements in durable, innovative fishing outerwear.”
"The only thing worse than being cold and wet when fishing is heading home because you are cold and wet. Simms outerwear is designed to keep you dry, comfortable and casting whether it's raining, the wind's blowing or the snow's starting to fall. Featuring advanced technologies and incredibly functional design; this is essential gear that can truly help you fish longer and more effectively."
Simms on Simms Products:
"Why do professional guides choose Simms? Because we take pride in what we make, and products have been designed to go the distance. Our in-house design team has a combined 50 years of experience in making durable technical outerwear. We work closely with top material suppliers from around the globe, and continually test both our new and old products in the lab and out in the field to make sure we meet or exceed your expectations.
Nothing pleases us more than to see our products, like those on the guides featured in out catalog and on our website, go the distance.”
“The thrill of discovering a pristine stream after a long hike into the backcountry, the exhilarations of being on the flats on one of those incredibly clear days, the rush of a crisp morning on a British Columbia river when the steelies are running, these are the memories that keep us tying through the dark winter months, and always find us plotting our next angling season or weekend.
At Simms, we never forget that the goal of every committed angler is to stay on the water as long and has often as possible-regardless of the weather. That’s why we never stop looking for new ways to keep you dry and comfortable. Whether you’re waist deep in a drizzling snow on the Missouri or scouting the Keys in the sweltering heat of a June afternoon.
So for all those who will be out there earlier, longer and later, we’ve got just one thing to say: Your Gear is Ready”
“Simms. The Choice of Professional Guides Worldwide”.
Simms on Conservation:
“IF YOU COULD PASS JUST ONE THING DOWN TO YOUR KIDS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?”
“Fishing is dependent on clean water, healthy ecosystems and just as important, people who care about conservation and resource preservation. It is the responsibility of everyone who enjoys angling to help protect and enhance our fresh and saltwater fisheries. After all, what greater inheritance would we leave future generations?
Supporting local, regional, and national conservation organizations is certainly an important role that angles can play in caring for our fishing resources. However, one area of vital concern, and one that all anglers can easily help do something about, is the spread of aquatic invasive species. These “hitchhikers”, including New Zealand mud snails, Didymo and whirling disease are having an enormous effect on rivers across the United States and are directly linked to reduced trout populations. Unfortunately, anglers are part of the problem, given that invasive species are spread by “hitchhiking” on waders, wading boots, drift boats, trailers and other gear.
YOU CAN HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES IN THREE EASY STEPS:
1) Thoroughly rinse all fishing gear -including waders, boots, boats, and boat trailers- in clean freshwater upon leaving a water source. Never travel from one river to another without clean gear.
2) Air-dry gear before moving to another body of water.
3) Tell other anglers about this problem and what they can do to help.”
For More information, visit www.protectyourwaters.com or www.simmsfishing.com.
