Patagonia’s wader line up gets an upgrade for 2025. Three mens waders are offered, including the Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip Front. I had a chance to wear the Traverse Zip Front on a recent trout trip in Argentina, see video below. I found the waders to fit much better than previous iterations of Patagonia waders.
A good fitting wader is critical to comfort as well as long term wear and tear. The Patagonia design team has re-patterned seams for reparability, mobility and reduce seam stress. A gusseted crotch and articulated seat and legs make stepping up and out of the water easier than with previous waders. One of the most noticeable and fit friendly features was a widening at the bootie/ankle transition so slipping into the wader bootie is much much easier. Getting out of the wader was as easy as gently stepping on the bootie and lifting my leg out. I can’t remember a wader that was so easy to get out of!
The Traverse Zip has a YKK Aquaseal submersible zipper, a super proven waterproof zipper. Elastic suspender straps can easily be lowered for waist to chest adjustment. A killer pocket design includes two YKK reverse coil zippered stretch stash chest pockets, one quick access drop in stretch pocket, and one zippered security stretch pocket.
Other Notes on the Traverse Zip Front: I wore a MRM or Medium body, Regular inseam(32″) and Medium Bootie(9-11) I am 6ft, 180 and have a 10.5ft street shoe. The total weight of the waders is approximately 45oz, compare that with the Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip at 52.9oz. The Traverse Zip’s upper and lower is made from 5.6oz vs. the Expedition Zip which is 9.4oz on the lower and 5.6oz on the upper.
