I began my fly fishing journey in 2021 with a set of very reasonably priced ($200ish) Compass 360 Stillwater stocking foot chest waders. As far as chest waders go they are great, they were inexpensive and certainly good enough for anyone not full time on the river like myself.

My biggest complaint and one that applies to just about all chest waders is that it's a big PITA to pee. You have to let go the shoulder straps which means if your wearing a jacket, fishing vest, pack or a hoody those have to come off to do the job. There are a few chest waders out there that I know of from SIMMS which now feature a full length zipper, but they are not inexpensive.

These SIMMS Freestone wading pants solved a couple issues for me. First they are not as warm as chest waders which is especially favourable on hot summer days. They are an easy operation for taking a pee, and overall are much more comfortable.

Obviously they are not as capable for fording deeper water, but that's fine by me, these will go as deep as I ever dare to tread on a Salmon River.

Of all the waders I looked at these were definitely the best value for what I need/want them to do. At the end of the day compared to the increased price of zippered chest waders these wading pants are perfectly suited for my fishing style.

Cheers, Mike