Gear Review: Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders
Comfort & Fit
I have tried a ton of different brands and styles of waders in my life, and none have come anywhere close to the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders. They have sizing options to fit shorter guys like myself and are second to none in comfort.
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders are engineered for all-day wear and Patagonia worked for years to nail down the perfect fit for as many people as possible. With an athletic cut and articulated legs, they offer a trim yet mobile fit that excels when navigating uneven terrain or scrambling over riverbanks. The gusseted crotch and articulated seat enhance flexibility, allowing for natural movement without restriction. It is a noticeable fit and feel when you put on the waders and a likely reason why they are becoming so popular so quickly.
Patagonia offers 18 size options, ensuring a good fit for nearly every body type. The adjustable, padded suspender system keeps your waders feeling like a natural part of your body by distributing weight evenly across the shoulders for reduced fatigue. Whether you're casting for hours or hiking to remote water, these waders maintain comfort without compromise.
Features
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders are packed with impressive features. The YKK submersible front zipper is the most obvious—it’s smooth, reliable, and makes getting in and out of the waders a breeze. The convertible, "drop down" chest-to-waist design adds versatility for changing conditions and is helpful for when you need to visit the bushes. The elastic wading belt ensures a snug fit yet doesn't hold you back during active movement.
Storage is well-considered: two fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, two vertical zip chest pockets, and internal compartments—including a removable waterproof pouch—keep gear organized and dry. Tool attachment points and a low-profile net loop round out the utility, making these waders a mobile workstation for fly anglers.
One feature that I enjoy and many customers also mention is internal knee pads. They are removeable if you don't like them and, because knee pads in waders is unusual, many people think they will remove them until they wear them. Everyone seems to love them after wearing the waders a few times.
Durability
I am pretty tough on my gear, fish a ton throughout the year, and am now on my third season with the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders. They work as well today as they did the day I took them out of the box. After multiple seasons of use, my experience has been the same as nearly every customer we've talked to in the store, with report zero leaks, flawless zipper performance, and minimal wear.
