Around 2021, Patagonia introduced their first line of Swiftcurrent waders, and in that introduction, was the Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip.  After a few years of not quite hitting the wader design mark, Patagonia drilled the bullseye.  The whole Swiftcurrent line featured tough, durable waders, with updated sizing, unique features, and a “proper” fit.  The fly fishing world took notice.  With their introduction of the Expedition Zip wader, Patagonia was literally making waves in the wader world…AND it retailed at less than $800.  Customers were excited, and so was our shop. 

We have been fortunate to test drive a pair of the new Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip Front waders over the last couple of months.  We have had lots of experience with the Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip waders, so it was great to be able to wear, what we think, will be a huge success in the Men’s Traverse style.  The Men’s Traverse Zip Front wader is a head turner with one feature alone:  a zip front wader for less than $550 (retail at $549.00).  The Swiftcurrent Traverse wader features a
light-to-hand feel, even though it’s built with Patagonia’s durable 4-layer H2No
membranes.  With a revamped seam construction and gusseted crotch on all new styles, the new lineup fits even better and allows for plenty of movement as we navigate rocky streambeds and sticky / muddy shorelines.  We can also attest to
the durability of these waders from our own excursions and Patagonia’s lengthy
product testing.  As a side note, even a “lighter” weight wader will keep you warm with the proper layering.  If your fishing day gets warm, the drop-down
suspenders stay intact on your shoulders, but keeps your upper waders locked down at your waste.  Win/Win!

A re-vamped stocking foot allows for more ankle room and makes putting on and taking off the waders super smooth.  With the zip front feature, these waders are truly like putting on a pair of pants…not a narrow tube that you have to squirm into. This is much appreciated on days when the weather is less than hospitable…getting into them quickly and out of them even faster to the safety of a warm vehicle
is priceless. 

The Swiftcurrent Traverse waders’ features are rounded out with an internal stash pocket under the right arm (big enough to hold a pair of
gloves without adding bulk), and a zippered stash pocket for valuables on the left hand side.  The addition of a
fishing tool dock and pack loop attachment on the suspenders allows you to customize various chest style packs, including the new Patagonia Stealth Switch packs in 3L and 5L sizes.  These packs seamlessly integrate using the loop attachments for those days we only need a small fly box, tippets and floatants…but more on those in a later blog post.