MidCurrent Tested and Trusted: Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry 5-Pocket Pants

The author wet-wades on Denver’s South Platte River. Photo: Jay Riley/Orvis

Wet-wading season is just around the corner, and I honestly cannot wait to skip the hassle of wadering-up in the morning cold, then stripping down, hanging, drying, and repacking after a long day on the water with clients. There’s nothing quite like the simple pleasure of feeling the cool water on a warm day. My go-to pants for wet wading over the past few seasons have been the Jackson Quick-Dry 5-Pocket Pants from Orvis.

When it comes to heavy-use wet wading pants, the key features I look for are durability and comfort. The Jackson’s four-way stretch fabric checks both boxes—and it’s recycled, which is a nice bonus. Whether I’m hopping in and out of boats or trudging through mud flats, these pants allow full range of motion without binding. Plus, the diamond-gusseted crotch means I won’t embarrass myself with ripped pants in front of clients while scrambling up steep banks.

The Jackson Quick-Dry 5-Pocket Pants combine comfort and performance.

The material is plenty durable and holds up well, even when you’re pushing through brush and willows on the hike in. After a full season of regular wear, they’ve proven to be highly stain-resistant, and all seams, zippers, and buttons are still intact and functioning properly. They’re also breathable enough that I don’t end up swampy on hot days, yet they provide enough coverage for cooler mornings and rainy weather. With UPF 50+ protection, even when wet, they offer ample sun protection for tropical trips or sunny days at home.

I found them to be true to size and was pleased to discover they come in longer inseams. Many wet-wading pants only range from Small to XL, which can end up being too short for those of us on the taller side.

So far, the author’s pants have stood up well to brush and brambles. Photo: Jay Riley/Orvis

As the name suggests, they are indeed quick-drying, so you won’t be left a soggy mess on the drive home from the water. The pocket layout is well thought out, and the zippers on the rear and side pockets prevent anything from flopping out and sinking or floating away. The fifth pocket, located on the rear outer thigh, is perfectly positioned to hold a standard pair of pliers, making them easy to access when needed.

Not only are they wrinkle-resistant, but they also travel well, making them a great choice for destination fishing trips. The modern, tapered cut is a far cry from the tan, billowy parachutes that used to be the standard in fishing pants. The narrower cuff helps keep sand and gravel out of your wet wading shoes, too. You could easily wear these pants to dinner after a full day on the water—just keep the fish slime to a minimum! The available colors are classic and clean, making them suitable for any outing.

The 5-pocket pants are stylish enough to wear out to a restaurant after a day on the water.

Overall, the Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry 5-Pocket Pants are a solid choice for any angler looking for comfort, utility, and style on and off the water. They’ve certainly earned their spot in my fishing program.

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