First Impressions
Dang, the Sage Swiftwater softshell jacket is good looking. And functional. And well constructed. And has more pockets than you can possibly fill. And sheds water. And . . . you get the idea. Out of the box, the Sage Swiftwater jacket sets a new benchmark for fly fishing outwear that can be worn in some of the worst conditions on the river yet is attractive enough for around town.
Features
Let’s start with the pockets. There are more on this trim jacket than on just about any other jacket I’ve ever seen. On the upper chest, there are three – two hidden behind softshell fabric panels that are large enough for fly boxes, and a third welded napoleon pocket on the left side. On the left sleeve there’s an additional welded pocket behind a contrasting fabric panel. Two hand warmer pockets include a nice plush lining. And on the interior, there’s a zippered security pocket for your wallet, keys or cell phone.
Sage constructed the Swiftwater from Polartec® Windbloc® fabric. I typically associate the Polartec brand with fleece so don’t be fooled here, this jacket is definitely not fleece nor is it lined with fleece. It’s a single layer softshell, windproof and waterproof.
Fit
Sizing of the Sage Swiftwater is accurate. No need to order up or down, and you should be able to get several extra layers underneath. The jacket sits just below the waist and the sleeves include hook and loop adjustments to customize the fit. There’s also adjustments at the waist and collar to further tweak the fit.
Final Verdict
Nice jacket. I think it’s one of the most stylish and versatile around. I purchased one for my father recently and will add additional feedback to this review as I get it.