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Patagonia Men’s Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket

A light, durable, fishing-friendly rain jacket that should interest veteran and aspiring anglers.
Andrew Steketee author.
Andrew Steketee
August 28, 2024
Patagonia | Men’s Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket
product description
Built for nature’s most unpredictable changes, the Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket is our most versatile technical jacket. The 4-layer, waterproof/breathable H2No® Performance Standard shell is free of perfluorinated chemicals and built of NetPlus® 100% post-consumer recycled nylon made from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic.
company ethos
“There’s nothing on earth like connecting with a wild fish. Chasing that feeling–and those fish–keeps us inspired and inspires our gear. It’s why we support and celebrate the tireless anglers and groups fighting to protect the wild fish and clean water we love.” – Patagonia

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.

Pros

The wind and “watertight” design considerations (cuffs, pockets, high collar, longer hem) are well designed and functional.

Some smart and “fishing-friendly” design features: net D-ring, hand warmer pockets, internal/external tool docks, submersible wrist cuffs.

Excellent durability and abrasion resistance.

Colors that blend well outdoors.

Patagonia’s long track record of excellent customer service. 

The nylon is reclaimed from discarded fishing nets for those with an eye towards environmental ethos.

Cons

The plastic (outer) cuff snaps appear cheap and ripe for failure.

The high collar could be overkill for everyday outings.

Pricing

At $399, not quite a “bargain,” but in a world of $500+ technical rain jackets that don’t always deliver–a very solid value.

Craftsmanship

Overall, a very well-designed technical rain jacket, highlighting high-end performance and functionality.

Durability

Generally, you can rely on Patagonia to deliver well-crafted and durable products, and the Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket is no exception. They also stand behind all their products with an “ironclad guarantee” if any performance issues arise.

  • Price: $399
  • Sizes: XS - XXL
  • Weight: ~23 ounces
  • Colors: Grey, green, khaki
  • Construction/Materials: Highly durable, 4-layer H2No® Performance Standard shell is built of NetPlus® 100% post-consumer recycled nylon made from recycled fishing nets
  • Waterproof/breathable barrier: DWR (durable water repellent) finish
  • Pockets: Low-profile, front-zip pockets fit fly boxes; zippered hand-warmer pockets positioned for deep wading
  • Hood: Adjustable, vented and integrated collar provide maximum protection
  • Cuffs: Watertight, adjustable, recessed design eliminates line snag
  • Warranty information: Patagonia Ironclad Guarantee

Explore the Men’s Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket:

Patagonia Ironclad Guarantee.

“We guarantee everything we make. If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, or if one of our products does not perform to your satisfaction, return it to the store you bought it from or to Patagonia for a repair, replacement or refund. Damage due to wear and tear will be repaired at a reasonable charge.”

Likely buyers

Anglers looking for a tough, watertight and smartly-designed rain jacket that won’t break the bank. Working guides, fly-swinging types, who happily spend weeks in the rain, even anglers considering a trip of a lifetime, who require assurances from their wind and rain gear–all will love this jacket.

Conclusion

There’s a ton to like about Patagonia’s Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket: comfort, performance, light weight, clean design and price. For the angler wanting to cast and move with comfort, for the consumer worried about overpaying for product relative to value and for the storm-chasing outdoorsman who can’t be let down by half-baked gear choices, this jacket checks all the important boxes. If you somehow are able to coax 7-10 years out of this jacket, consider it a steal.

Find the Men’s Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket with our trusted partner:

Patagonia Men's Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket lifestyle shot
Patagonia Men's Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket lifestyle shot
Patagonia Men's Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket lifestyle shot
Patagonia Men's Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket lifestyle shot
Patagonia Men's Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket lifestyle shot
Patagonia Men's Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket lifestyle shot
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