Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Pants Review: My Colorado Fishing Verdict

The Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Pants have been a great fit for my summer fishing: they give me more warmth and protection than wet wading without the bulk of full waders. I would recommend them to anglers who spend time in cold mountain water, hike between runs, and do not expect to wade deep. They are less compelling if you routinely need chest-high protection or are shopping strictly on price.

This review reflects my use during the 2024 summer season in Colorado and on an Alaska trip. Fit, comfort, river conditions, and product specifications can change, so treat Patagonia’s current product page as the source for available sizes and features.

Why did I choose the Swiftcurrent Wading Pants?

When it comes to outdoor adventures, finding the right pair of pants can make all the difference. After seeing my friend Antonio rock them on the Big Thompson, I decided to test out the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Pants for my 2024 summer fishing adventures in the Colorado backcountry. While I enjoy wet wading in the summer months, there are times that higher mountain rivers are still too cold (for me) and wearing full waders just aren’t comfortable during the hot summer days. These waders are the perfect alternative when the river flows are lower and deep wading isn’t required. With Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee, these pants promised durability, water resistance, and the comfort I was looking for. Here’s how they performed in real-world conditions.

How did the design and features hold up?

The first thing I noticed was the sleek yet functional design. Patagonia lists the fabric and its H2No® Performance Standard on its product materials; my experience was that the pants balanced durability and stretch well. The reinforced knees were especially useful while kneeling in the water, climbing riverbanks, and bushwhacking through trees.

There are two large hand pockets that I found myself using more than I expected. During lower flows, I stored my phone there for quick access. Note that these pockets don’t have zippers and any valuables you put in them have the potential to fall out. The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish was a game-changer, keeping me dry even during unexpected splashes from the river.

How did the fit work for me?

Comfort is key when you’re spending all day outdoors, and the Swiftcurrent Pants didn’t disappoint. They had a comfortable fit and enough stretch to allow for a full range of motion. I was able to hike, squat, and climb over rocks without feeling restricted. The pants also come with articulated knees, which made bending and crouching feel natural.

Despite the durability, they felt lightweight and breathable, even on a warm day. I didn’t experience any chafing or discomfort, even after wearing them for several hours straight. Note that I always were some type of light weight pants under my waders. I don’t like the feel of the waders against my skin when I wear shorts.

I’m 6’0, 190 lbs so I went with the LRM size. I have the MRM’s for my full size Patagonia waders. They’re comfortable but a little snug so I decided I wanted just a slightly looser fit with these pants. It’s up to you what your fit preference is and you can check out Patagonia’s sizing chart that’s linked from here. I’d recommend finding a local fly fishing shop near you and try them on if possible. If you’re in the northern Denver area, you can’t go wrong visiting James and team at Arbor Anglers.

Size	Waist	Inseam	Foot Size
LRM	34” - 36”	32	9 - 11
MRM	31” - 33”	32	9 - 11

How did they perform on the river?

In terms of performance, the Swiftcurrent Pants exceeded my expectations. The water resistance was especially impressive. I tested them while wading in shallow water and had no issues with them soaking through. The material dried quickly once I was back on dry land, which is always a plus in unpredictable weather.

The breathability was also noteworthy. While the pants kept me dry and warm during the cooler morning hours, they remained comfortable as the temperature rose throughout the day. Whether I was walking through brush or casting from the shore, they felt durable enough to handle the rougher parts of the terrain without any snags or tears.

Did they hold up over a season?

After a summer of fishing, hiking, and a trip to Alaska, the pants showed no signs of wear. The reinforced knees held up well, even after kneeling on rocky surfaces and boat decks. The stitching seemed high-quality, and despite being scraped against rocks and branches, the fabric remained intact. These pants are clearly built for longevity.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

• Durable, waterproof material
• Lightweight with excellent stretch and mobility
• Comfortable fit with padded knees
• Quick-drying and breathable

Cons

• On the pricier side but that’s not uncommon for Patagonia gear

My final verdict

Overall, the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Pants earned a place in my summer fishing kit. They performed well for hiking, shallow wading, and long Colorado days where full waders felt like too much. The price is high, but the comfort and durability made the trade-off worthwhile for me.

For examples of the conditions where I used this setup, see my fishing reports from Clear Creek, Ranch Creek, and the Taylor River.