The New Patagonia Rio Gallegos waders

Salmon Junkies Tackle and Gear

https://youtube.com/watch?v=B23_FVxR2yo%26w%3D550

A couple of weeks ago during the “Safe The Blue Heart of Europe” campaign, I was able to try Patagonia´s latest and totally updated super waders called Rio Gallegos. The Patagonia Rio Gallegos waders deliver a new and great fit with tons of brainy features that create a very multitalented wader that will make it the life very difficult for other “Top end” Waders model out there.

Last year Patagonia introduced what they called a “Wader Task Force”. Basically, Patagonia realized that they had a warranty issues regarding their waders and began an investigation into the source of the issues. The new 2016 versions of their waders are the conclusion of their hard work. What they have come up now is probably the most feature-rich and pleasant waders on the market today.

Beside the great fit I learned fast to appreciate the removable kneepad combined with anatomically curved knees, together with the clever placed inside pockets as well the outside

Further details: Patagonia´s highest-performing, most durable, feature-rich waterproof/breathable waders with a TIZIP® waterproof front zipper have been updated with a more trim upper-body fit that still layers easily; new interior daisy chains for tools and drop-in pockets for organization; and more streamlined, anatomically fit booties with a poly-grid lining and gravel guards with a flat-panel construction that reduces wear.

The Rio Gallegos Zip-Front Waders bring the convenience of a waterproof front TIZIP® zipper to the toughest, most puncture-resistant, waterproof/breathable wader. Now they’ve been reengineered from the booties up. The Rio Gallegos Waders are still built from the tested-and-proven 4-layer H2No® Performance Standard fabric package using Single Seam Construction to route critical seams away from areas of high wear, but now Patagonia have streamlined the entire feature set for a new level of comfort, performance and durability. Patagonia started by removing two inches of fabric from the hip, waist and chest for an improved fit that still easily accepts layers for long, cold sessions. Patagonia re-patterned the crotch so it’s no problem to swing a leg over gunwales, which brought more articulation to the leg for those moments when fishing brings you to your knees—like keeping a fish wet during the photograph and release. If you fish in and out of boats, you’ll appreciate the new flat-panel gravel guards: they drain water more quickly than our old design, in addition to better resisting abrasion and wear while hiking or wading. The improved booties have a more anatomical, sock-like fit and are made from a denser 4mm neoprene that resists compaction better over the long haul and have a poly-grid lining for added comfort. The innovative internal suspension system allows easy conversion to waist height when you aren’t wading deep. Outside, there are two handwarmer pockets and two stash pockets with water-resistant zippers. Interior gear storage includes a waterproof, flip-out welded TPU pocket, two new drop-in stretch pockets and two internal daisy chains for tools. Other fishing-friendly features: center-back hanger loop for easy drying; stretch wading belt with low-profile buckle; removable knee pads; and a raised Fitz Roy Trout logo tops it off. Field repair kit included.

  • H2No® Performance Standard polyester microfiber shell, with a proprietary waterproof/breathable barrier and C6 DWR (durable water repellent) finish; highly durable and puncture-resistant fabric has no multiple layers or added weight
  • Submersible TIZIP® front zipper is fully waterproof; waist-mounted EZ-Lock suspenders allow easy conversion from chest to waist height; full elastic belt
  • Innovative SSC (single seam construction) seaming completely eliminates seams from highest wear points on inside of legs
  • Interior organization: welded TPU-waterproof zippered pocket flips out for easy access; two drop-in stretch pockets; two internal daisy chains for tools; center-back hanger loop for easy drying
  • Exterior organization: chest handwarmer pockets; two stash pockets with water-resistant zippers; laser-cut Hypalon® utility keeper on suspenders allows easy access to tools, nippers
  • Articulated legs; removable foam knee pads
  • Anatomically fit left and right booties have a lower volume, more sock-like fit and are poly-grid-lined for added comfort; resilient 4mm neoprene resists compaction for greater durability
  • H2No® Performance Standard shell. Upper: 4-layer, 5.8-oz 100% polyester microfiber high-density taffeta. Lower: 4-layer, 9.1-oz 100% polyester microfiber high-density double-weave taffeta. All with a waterproof/breathable barrier and C6 DWR (durable water repellent) finish
  • 1,315 g (46 oz)

Patagonia has a very strong reputation for quality when it comes to its fly-fishing apparel and other clothing, and the Rio Gallegos only add to that reputation. I think that Patagonia´s Rio Gallegos waders will turn out as a true winner.