Clothing company Patagonia has put discarded nylon fishing nets to good use while producing a first-rate wading jacket. If you’re in the market for a new weather stopper, this is one that could make a difference.

Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket

The Patagonia brand has been one of the forerunners in producing greener and more sustainable fly-fishing products and their new Swiftcurrent wading jacket continues this ethos. It is produced from NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon made from recycled fishing nets, which helps reduce ocean plastic. The four-layer, 6oz, 70-denier nylon shell, which is waterproof and breathable, has a PFC (perfluorinated chemicals) free DWR finish, waterproof exterior zips and recessed watertight adjustable cuffs.

The large adjustable vented hood has a high integrated collar and stiff peak to protect your head and neck and is roomy enough to accommodate most headgear.

Two large, but low-profile zipped chest pockets allow enough watertight storage for fly boxes and tippet materials without many seams or flaps on which fly lines might snag. Two further zipped handwarmer pockets are positioned high for deep wading and have a half fleece lining for defrosting frozen digits. The whole garment is Fair Trade Certified sewn.

Inside, there’s a 15-denier circular-knit backer for added comfort. On the left is a zipped pocket for storing phones and personal items, and on the right is a mesh stow pocket. The internal zipped pocket has a handy clip-cord for keys, which should prevent nasty surprises when arriving back at a vehicle.

The adjustable drawcord hem gives a snug but drag-free fit and has a mesh retainer that allows quick and easy drainage.

Patagonia’s designers have purposely stripped back this jacket, with no large zips, D-rings or flaps to catch when casting. While it may appear to lack features found on other wading jackets – with just a single exterior tab on the right chest for attaching forceps – it has everything it needs to perform and loses nothing from its functional simplicity.

Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket, £360.
Available in sage khaki or forge grey (new 2024 colours). Sizes XS-XXL.
Contact: UK: 0800 0260 055
Web: eu.patagonia.com