Patagonia Men’s Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket

Fly-fishing rain jackets tend to group themselves into a few distinct performance camps: lightweight rain shells for mid-day cloudbursts or hikes into the backcountry (simplicity, packability); versatile mid-weight jackets for unexpected, inconsistent weather (tougher construction, durability); and fully-featured, bombproof jackets for fall steelhead trips or summers on the Kanektok River (conditions that fall apart for days, or weeks, at a time). While all of these jackets would be considered “waterproof,” the materials, features, weight and price can be fairly accurate indicators of the design considerations, weather performance and long-term durability.

The Patagonia Men’s Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket ($399) is an interesting take on the “fully-featured, bombproof jacket” in that the performance materials, a 4-layer, waterproof/breathable H2No Performance Standard Shell (made from recycled fishing net nylon) and the water repellent (DWR) finish, are intended to provide maximum protection from the elements, while the jacket’s overall design is intended to highlight simplicity, utilitarian functionality, durability and style. Not unlike most of Patagonia’s product offerings, the minimalist (smart) features appended to the company’s long product history of abrasion resistance provide the bulk of consumer appeal.

The first practical test of the Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket was its ability to maintain an impervious, waterproof barrier, while also providing breathability. After a summer of river float trips and random afternoon squalls, the jacket has performed flawlessly. The water repellent (DWR) finish provides an initial barrier to bead and shed water, allowing the H2No Performance Shell to breathe, as advertised. You can find some online feedback regarding the jacket’s lack of performance standards compared to its predecessor, the Patagonia River Salt Jacket, but that wasn’t my experience. It’s also worth noting the jacket’s light weight (~23 ounces) and well-designed fit and arm construction, providing the casting or rowing angler more than enough comfort and mobility. Although tough and sturdy, the Swiftcurrent can feel more like a shell than a cumbersome technical jacket, if not loaded down with fly boxes and gear.

From a design perspective, the jacket was clearly constructed to enable functionality and simplicity, while also avoiding gadgetry and line snag. Maybe I’m a sucker for utilitarian, old-school design, but I love the concept of technical gear executing only what it has to, not ten other irrelevant tasks, which is generally the mark of thoughtful design process and product intention. 

Some of the positive design highlights: The two front pockets hold “large-ish” fly boxes and are sealed with waterproof zippers, if you happen to take a swim. One has a gear dock for hemostats or clamps, which is all that’s required. Behind the fly-box pockets sit two additional zippered pockets, lined to be hand warmers and positioned for deep wading (nice touch). The watertight and adjustable (velcro) cuffs create a snug wrist seal to keep water from leaking down your arms when releasing fish–they also are smartly recessed to avoid line snag. A reinforced hood brim channels water, fits a ballcap perfectly and can be cinched down, if required; a high-profile (face) collar provides protection in “heavy weather and high winds.” Two more internal pockets provide options for a packable hat or personal items. And there’s a back shoulder D-ring for your net release. A lot of cool product touches in all the right places.

With the Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket, Patagonia has created a highly-intuitive, water-impervious rain shell that should interest veteran as well as aspiring anglers with its classic take on form, functionality and style. If you needed one dependable layer of protection for the fall run or trip to the Olympic Peninsula, this would be it.