ADH-Test: Skwala Wading Jackets – RS & RS Outpost Compared

With the RS series, Skwala Fishing sets standards in terms of performance, material technology and durability. The US brand pursues an uncompromising approach: maximum function with minimum weight and a design that proves itself on the water as well as in the rough and tumble of everyday outdoor life.

We have been using both jackets this season and would like to introduce you to the Skwala RS Outpost and the Skwala RS wading jacket - two models that are based on the same technological platform but have different purposes. In our videos, we present all the details of both jackets and show you which jacket suits your fishing.

Skwala RS Outpost - Insulation & weather protection in one system

The RS Out post is a hybrid solution for anglers who are also out and about in cold, wet and windy conditions . It combines a fully waterproof shell with integrated 3DEFX+™ synthetic insulation (150 g). This insulation is breathable, fully stretchable and zonally positioned, allowing the jacket to keep you warm while allowing full freedom of movement.

The outer fabric is made from a 100% nylon PrimeFlex stretch woven textile laminated with a Toray® Entrant® microporous membrane . This combination of materials ensures outstanding breathability and reliability in constant rain. The water-repellent DWR finish prevents the jacket from becoming soaked - a decisive advantage during long sessions.

The Outpost has numerous functional pockets: two chest pockets with YKK® AquaGuard® zips, full-length pass-through pockets for access to underlying layers and your waders, an internal pocket and fleece-lined hand warmer pockets. In particular, we have found the ability to access the pockets of the waders without opening the long front zip of the jacket to be a valuable bonus when winter fishing for pike.

Despite its high thermal performance, the jacket remains surprisingly light (approx. 850 grams in size L) and offers very natural movement when casting thanks to the stretch material.

In short, the RS Outpost is ideal for fishing at low temperatures, e.g. for pike, huchen, grayling, sea trout or steelhead. It is the perfect choice for any situation where you need a single jacket that provides both insulation and weather protection. This is almost unique on the market!

Skwala RS wading jacket - the highly functional shell

The classic Skwala RS Jacket deliberately forgoes insulation in favour of maximum breathability, flexibility and versatility. At only approx. 600 grams, it is noticeably lighter than the Outpost and is perfect for fly fishermen who want to adapt their layering flexibly.

The jacket consists of a robust 3-layer Toray Entrant® microporous laminate construction, combined with a100% nylon 2-way mechanical stretch face textile and a pleasantly smooth nylon tricot backer. This combination ensures that the jacket moves very smoothly, even when several layers are worn underneath.

The features of the RS are almost identical to the Outpost:
Two chest pockets, side pass-through pockets for quick access to waders, an internal pocket and fleece-lined hand warmer pockets. The AquaGuard® YKK zips ensure a high level of waterproofness.

The focus of the RS is clearly on performance: it has been developed for maximum mobility and dynamic movements - without stiffness or unnecessary bulk.

The RS Jacket is the all-round wading jacket for the whole year: in summer as a light rain layer, in autumn and spring in combination with a mid-layer, in winter with a thicker fleece and base layer or over an insulating jacket. The choice is yours!

RS vs. RS Outpost - similarities & differences

Both jackets...

• utilise the same premium Toray Entrant® membrane technology,
• are designed for adverse fishing conditions ,
• have YKK® AquaGuard® zips,
• offer excellent freedom of movement thanks to stretch materials
• and have an almost identical set of pockets.

There are minor differences in the cuffs and the design of the hood. While the normal RS has double cuffs to prevent water from entering the sleeves, the RS Outpost has normal cuffs with Velcro fasteners. However, they are lined on the inside to keep your hands warmer on cold days.

The hood of the normal RS wading jacket from Skwala is separate from the high stand-up collar. This allows you to close the jacket completely without using the hood. With the RS Outpost, on the other hand, the hood is integrated into the collar, giving your head even better protection from wind and snow.

The biggest difference, however, is clearly the insulation:
The Outpost actively warms - the RS is designed for layering. This means that both jackets cover different but complementary areas of use.

Which jacket suits your area of use?

If you are often out and about in cold weather, strong winds or constant rain - and like to wear just one jacket for everything - then the RS Outpost is the right choice.
It offers shell + insulation in one system and saves you additional layer management. It wears like a normal jacket and is as comfortable as a sleeping bag thanks to the soft inner material.

However, if you are looking for a particularly lightweight, versatile and breathable jacket that you can use all year round, then the RS Jacket is the better option.
It's perfect for varying temperatures and for fly fishermen who like to decide for themselves how much warmth they want to add through layering.

Conclusion: Two jackets, two purposes - both at the top level

The RS series impressively demonstrates how modern waders can be: technical materials, sophisticated functionality, maximum comfort and real practicality for fly fishermen.

The RS Outpost stands out once again because, thanks to its minimalist design and high-quality 3DEFX+™ insulation, it not only impresses on the water, but is also suitable as a fully-fledged winter jacket away from the fishery. Its unobtrusive look, warm construction and robust outdoor materials make it a companion that is just as popular for everyday wear as it is for fishing.

The RS Jacket, on the other hand, remains the flexible high-performance shell for all year round - ideal for anyone who values breathability, freedom of movement and customisable layering on the water.

Both models set technical standards. In the end, the choice just depends on how and where you fish - and whether you prefer to wear your warmth in the jacket or in your layers.