The Swiftcurrent Expedition in its non-zip build — Patagonia's toughest all-season wader, minus the front zipper. Fifty grams lighter, one fewer component that can ever fail, and a slightly friendlier price for the same shell and the same reinforced lower body.
The Expedition's defining feature is its two-weight construction: a light 5.6 oz, 50-denier upper paired with a 9.4 oz, 100-denier lower. That heavier bottom half is where waders actually wear out — knees, shins, brush on the walk in — and reinforcing only that area keeps the whole garment from feeling like armor.
Fabric: 4-layer H2No, 100% recycled PET polyester throughout, waterproof and breathable, DWR made without intentionally added PFAS. Fair Trade Certified factory. 1,500 g.
Features
- Fully adjustable quick-release suspenders; chest-high to waist-high conversion; Secure Stretch wading belt included
- Removable foam kneepads
- Two handwarmer pockets with zip flaps
- One large zippered stash chest pocket
- Inside: drop-in pocket, zippered stretch pocket, and a removable fully submersible TRU Zip waterproof pocket
- Anatomical low-volume booties; heavy-duty ankle scuff guards; tool dock, pack loops, center-back net loop
Non-zip or zip-front? Honestly, most anglers who try a front zip keep buying front zips — it makes layering and streamside relief far easier on a long day. Choose the non-zip if you want the lightest possible Expedition, you fish in country where a zipper is one more thing to abuse, or you simply do not need it. We stock both, and the zip-front page is on our site if you want to compare.
Honest note: not insulated. All-season here means durable and breathable across a wide range — your warmth comes from layers, and this fit leaves room for them.
The size code, decoded
- First letter — body: S, M, L, X (XL), 2 (2XL), 3 (3XL)
- Second letter — length: X extra short, S short, R regular, L long, K king (extra girth)
- Third letter — bootie: S (about 6–8), M (about 9–11), L (about 12–14)
So MRM is medium body, regular length, medium bootie. The bootie letter is the one people get wrong, and it throws off your wading boot fit as well.
Come get measured. Call 970-964-9991 or stop in — we will size you properly, match the bootie to your boots, and order any code that is not showing on the selector. This is the one purchase we would really rather you did not guess at.
Guarantee: Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee, no time limit — repair, replacement, or refund. They repair waders where they can, and a Tenacious Tape field patch does not void it. Bring them by and we will start the claim.
Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.
