Patagonia Swiftcurrent Zip Front Wader Review - Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

Short answer: yes, zip. The Patagonia Swiftcurrent zipper front wader is one of the best waders money can buy, and the front zipper is the single feature that changes your day the most. It's also a serious investment — so further down I've listed the zippered waders we stock that deliver the same convenience for a lot less.

Hey, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts! Welcome to another episode of "Waders for Dummies" — the series where I review fishing attire like it's a red-carpet event. If you've ever thought to yourself, "I wish my waders could be the life of the party," these are certainly an option.

Does a waterproof zipper on waders actually work?

The zipper. It's not just for your jeans, folks. I know what you're thinking — zippers and water sound like a wet disaster. But hold your overpriced craft beer. This zipper is the Fort Knox of the fishing world, and the technology has been around for over a decade now. It honestly doesn't fail. Don't hesitate on the zipper tech.

Beyond the obvious mid-day convenience, opening the zipper is a great way to air out your legs and get that wicked moisture out of your pants on a warm afternoon.

Breathable waders: not your grandpa's waders

If you've got more sweat issues than a nervous comedian on open-mic night, listen up. The Swiftcurrent offers real breathability — it's like yoga pants for your fishing life. Gone are the days of wading around in your own personal swamp.

As with any Patagonia gear, you're getting the Porsche of fishing attire. They don't call it PataGucci for nothing. These may set you back a few paychecks, but you'll want to write love songs about the durability. You might start calling them your date night waders. Just don't actually wear them on a date, unless it's a fishing date. In that case, go ahead, you Casanova of the currents.

Patagonia Swiftcurrent pros and cons

Pros:

Zipper front means easy in, easy out
Genuinely breathable material
One of the best warranty programs in the business
Eco-friendly gear — Captain Planet would approve
One of the less expensive high-end waders

Cons:

High-end waders means a high-end price. Start saving, or sell a kidney. That's just the reality if you want a pair you'll never worry about.
You might feel overqualified at your local fishing hole. Prepare for some jealous glances.

Who are they for?

If you're an angler who understands investment and wants top-quality waders that last, this is a likely solution. I prefer a higher-quality wader because it's one of the last things I want to fail. The last thing I want on a trip is anxiety over my waders instead of anxiety over landing a trophy fish. If a wader fails during your day, your day is likely over — and when you've spent serious money just getting to the water, a few hundred dollars of insurance looks cheap.

Cheaper zippered waders we stock

That said, not everyone fishes a hundred days a year, and I'd rather you got out on the water in something reasonable than saved for two seasons and stayed home. Here's what we carry:

MERIDIAN Z Zippered Chest Wader — the same front-zip convenience the Swiftcurrent is built around, at a fraction of the price. Fewer creature comforts and a less premium shell, but the feature that matters most is there.
PINNACLE Zippered Breathable Camo Wader 1200g — zippered and insulated, for anglers who also hunt.
OBSIDIAN Pro-Series Breathable Wader — drop the zipper, put the savings into the shell.
Whetstone II Chest Wader — solid, no-nonsense, and priced for anglers who get out a dozen times a season.

And if you have trouble with cold feet, the answer isn't thicker socks — it's a bootfoot wader. Try the Slipstream PVC Bootfoot Chest Wader or the Slipstream PVC Hip Boots. For genuinely cold water, the SUMMIT Insulated Breathable Camo Wader 1600g is the warmest thing we carry.

Browse the full waders and wading jackets collection.

Five more things to get with your waders

1. Wading boots

Boots are critical — they keep your footing, which is what stops you taking water over the top. We stock Slate Felt Sole Wading Boots and Women's/Youth Stonefly Felt Wading Boots. One important note: several states now ban felt soles because they carry invasive species between waters, so check your local regulations before you buy.

2. Good socks

Socks make a difference on a cold day. Believe it or not, go light to medium rather than thick — you want space around your feet to maintain circulation. The Minus33 Lightweight Over The Calf Wool Socks are the right weight, and they last forever.

3. Baselayers

I spend a bit more on base layers and buy only a pair or two. It's against my skin, so I want it to feel right and last a long time. Merino is what I reach for — and unlike a lot of technical underwear, it doesn't feel like long johns when the waders come off. Look at the Midweight Wool Long Sleeve Crew, the Midweight Wool Union Suit, or the Women's Heavyweight Wool 1/4 Zip Top. Keep them going with Nikwax Wool Wash.

4. A wader bag

Any bag that lets wet waders breathe will do, but the feature that really matters is being able to stand on it while you change. Avoiding pinholes in your wader socks will extend the life of your investment tenfold. A DeckBoss Dry Bag Duffle handles the wet gear, and a Neoprene Waterproof Seat Cover keeps the drive home civilised.

5. A pocket knife

I regularly preach that you can't have enough pocket knives, and this is another case. There's nothing like grabbing a seat on the bank and slicing some hard salami and a piece of cheese. And if you're ever in a jam, a knife can save the day. Have a look at The Peasant Folding Pocket Knife, the Scout Feather Adventure Survival Knife, or the full knives collection.

The verdict

The Swiftcurrent gets you in and out faster than a cat at bath time, and waders are an area where I genuinely recommend not skimping. But "don't skimp" and "spend a thousand dollars" aren't the same sentence — if the zipper is what you're after, the MERIDIAN Z gets you there for a lot less.

Want more on waders? Read my Simms G4Z Zipper Wader review.

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Tight lines, everyone!

Christian Bacasa, host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast