Armor Up! Simms already is one of the biggest players in UV shirt protection but this year they are combining features with the Solarflex Armor Shirt. This new garment combines UPF50 with a cooling technology that the company calls "Coolcore" as well as integrates a flip away sun gaiter right into the shirt itself.

The patent pending gaiter design is built into the garment and can be pulled up or flipped backwards into the hood section. The entire garment is quick drying and on those extremely hot days applying water on the material will enable the surface temperature to drop by 30%. The entire garment is Polygene treated so it has permanent odor control and for added ventilation there are mesh inner side and arm panels. The Solarflex Armor Shirt weighs 7.5oz, will come in sizes from S-XXL and in two colors green (shown) and Tundra. These feature rich shirts will retail for $129.95 each.

From the Boat to the Bar: One of the things that Simms does better than any other fishing oriented garment manufacturer is provide a wide range of technical pieces designed specifically for lady anglers. This year they introduced a number of new products including the Women's Drifter Tech LS Shirt which could easily be mistaken for a stylish everyday shirt but features all the great elements in fishing specific garments including quick drying, odor wicking, and anti-odor design with a UPF20 rating. The shirt has thumb loops to maximize protection all the way to the gloves. This shirt is designed to be worn  all day on and off the water and weighs 7oz., comes in either Teal, Boulder, of Thyme colors in sizes XS to XL, and will retail for $49.95.

Kicking things up a notch even further the company introduced the first technical fishing dress, which may look like normal dress but offers UPF50 protection. It can be combined with a cover-up garment which the company also introduced for those very sunny days. The dress offers complete freedom of movement and is made out of Cor3 fabric which makes it quick drying, moisture wicking, and offers excellent stretch. This technical dress is the first of a kind and weighs 8.5oz. and is available in sizes XS-XL, and will retail for $69.95.

Guide Pliers: Simms has also redesigned their premium pliers and added new features to make them even more appealing to dedicated anglers and guides. The new Guide Plier is made out of 6061-T6 type II aluminum with corrosion resistant stainless steel jaws. There is a new tungsten carbide cutting blade and so you never are thirsty a cleverly integrated bottle opener with beveled notch for tightening knots at the base of the handle.

One of the coolest new features is the holster that the new pliers comes with which draws from tactical designs. This kydex holster looks stealthy and mean and is designed to stay dry in the elements. A utility leash is bundled with the pliers and it is more than long enough to provide plenty of access. The new pliers weighs in at 5oz. and is available in either anvil (shown) or Simms traditional orange, and will retail for $269.95. 

Get a Grip: Simms also introduced new footwear at the show and their Challenger Mid Boat Shoe offers anglers an athletically styled all weather boatshoe that features a waterproof membrane upper and non-slip soles.

There is a TPU heel clip and dual density EVA midsole for both protection and comfort and Agies anti-microbial treatment helps keep these shoes something that you will want to continue wearing over the entire season. Each pair of shoes weighs 35.4oz. and will come in sizes 7 to 14 and all in the smoke color (shown) and retailing for $189.95 per pair.

Up a Creek with more than a Paddle: Simms already makes some of the very best bags on the market but we were excited to see new backpacks that are essentially waterproof lockers for your most critical gear. The new Dry Creek Z backpack is designed to be your final line of defense for everything from your lunch to your expensive SLR camera equipment. This backpack is submersible with  a one-way TZip and is basically a large cavern offering 29L of capacity.

The company is also selling accessories that can work in conjunction with the Dry Creek Z Backpack including a padded organizer that offers fully padded removable dividers. This bag can be carried by itself with the tuck away shoulder strap or fits perfectly inside the backpack for reel and camera protection. The padded organizer retails for $59.95

Outside the pack comes with a net carry system with D-Ring and plenty of straps to hold your rod tubes. For comfort the shoulder harness is padded and there is an adjustable sternum strap to keep this pack locked down when hiking from one spot to the next or casting. Being able to get into the water without fear of damaging your gear is a big plus when fishing from the bank. The Dry Creek Z Backpack weighs in at 28oz. and will retail for $319.95.

There was so much to cover from Simms, and the company continues to deliver quality products that anglers of all types can appreciate. Once known primarily as a fly fishing company Simms now offers the widest spectrum of fishing garments for both men and women that enjoy wetting a line.