We test: Grundéns Vector wading set
Founded in 1911 in the small fishing community of Grundsund on the west coast of Sweden, Carl A. Grundéns began producing waterproof oilskin jackets to protect North Sea fishermen from the demanding weather conditions. Today, we find this protection in Grundéns' modern waders. In the harsh conditions in Iceland, we took a closer look at the waders and wading jacket from the Vector series and show you in this video what makes the combination of reliability and functionality so special.
Years of experience and state-of-the-art technologies
Proven protection and tried and tested functions from commercial fishing meet the latest technologies and the progress of the times. This is the best way to describe Grundéns' sophisticated waders.
Everything that has been tried and tested over many years in commercial fishing - such as perfectly fitting neoprene sleeve cuffs or a cut of the clothing that stands for more mobility and longer durability - has been adopted. At the same time, the waders offer features that are absolutely up to date - both in terms of materials and manufacturing - so that Grundéns clothing offers far more than just good rain protection on the fishing boat.
Grundens comfort and fit
The Grundéns Wading Mobility Patterning stands for comfort and unrestricted freedom of movement - both in the water and on land. This special fit is characterised by a slightly wider cut, which ensures that you can move freely at all times. Whether you're kneeling on the gravel bank or lunging through the undergrowth, the Vector garment won't hold you back in your thoughts or movements.
What may seem a little generously cut at first proves to be a real advantage when you wear it: you enjoy full freedom of movement when fishing and at the same time benefit from longer product durability, as the crucial seams are subjected to less stress.
Materials of the Vector wader
The brand new, 4-layer, puncture-resistant laminate ensures that the waders last longer in the undergrowth and you have less to worry about when wading. Of course, they are also highly waterproof thanks to the ultra-tight poly-nylon outer fabric. With a 4-layer bi-component laminate, they offer a waterproof rating of 30,000 mm, even when fully immersed. The waders are closed with a 100% waterproof TI-Zip MasterSeal zip, which is fully submersible and also makes getting in and out much easier. The waders are combined with an ergonomically designed, anatomically moulded, size-adapted sock made from dual-density TiAlpha neoprene. This not only ensures a high level of comfort, but also keeps the feet warm at low temperatures.
Practical features of the Vector Zip Stockingfoot wader
- Vertical zip: The full-length zip makes it easy to put on and take off the waders, even with wet hands.
- Waterproof chest pockets: The chest pockets with waterproof zips provide secure storage space for important items.
- Large pocket on the back of the waders: Unique pocket on the back of the waders, previously only known from wading jackets.
- Handwarmer pockets with drainage: The handwarmer pockets are equipped with drainage openings to wick away moisture and keep your hands dry.
- Adjustable straps: The straps can be individually adjusted to ensure a secure fit and high wearing comfort.
- Neoprene foot sections: The anatomically moulded neoprene foot sections provide warmth and comfort, even during extended periods in the water.
- Reinforcements in exposed areas: Robust reinforcements on the knees and thighs increase durability and protect against abrasion.
- Gravel Guards: The Gravel Guards prevent dirt and stones from entering the waders and thus protect against damage.
- D-ring for accessories: An integrated D-ring offers the option of securely attaching accessories such as nets or tools.
Materials of the Vector wading jacket
The Vector Wading Jacket from Grundéns is made from a high-quality 3-layer nylon laminate that has been specially developed for use in demanding conditions. The outer layer is extremely hard-wearing and resistant to abrasion, while the waterproof membrane (20,000 mm water column) provides reliable protection against rain, splash water and spray. At the same time, the breathable layer (approx. 15,000 g/m²/24 h) ensures that excess heat and moisture escape from the body to the outside, keeping the wearer comfortable even during long periods of use.
Practical features of the Vector Wading Jacket
- Large, waterproof front pockets: Two spacious pockets on the front that can be closed with a zip.
- Grunden's fleece-lined hand warmer pockets: Two fleece-lined pockets with drainage openings keep your hands warm and dry.
- Grunden's Shingled Neoprene Cuffs: The innovative cuff design ensures your sleeves stay sealed when submerged in water.
- Grunden's three-point hood: The adjustable hood can be customised and protects you from wind and rain.
- Grunden's thoughtful pocket placement: The high placement of the pockets allows easy access, even when wading deep.
- Grunden's Placketed Centre-Front Zipper: The concealed front zip protects you from wind and rain.
- Fly patch on the outer arm: A place where flies do not come into contact with the arms or straps of a rucksack etc.
Grundens Bedrock wading shoe
In combination with the Grundens Vector wading shoe, we have found a suitable set to comfortably withstand even the toughest conditions.
The durable construction of the Bedrock wading shoe with a water-friendly synthetic upper and scratch-resistant rubber inserts in high-wear areas minimises wear and tear, extending the life of the wading shoe.
The ultra-comfortable, moulded EVA midsole provides lasting support throughout the day, even in rough terrain on and in the river, coast or lake. The wading shoe is also ingeniously padded, which on the one hand supports comfort but on the other hand also offers safety in the field, so that your ankles are always well padded.
Conclusion
Grundens is clearly a meeting of two worlds - in a positive sense. Both in terms of functionality and appearance, you quickly realise that something timeless and ingenious has been produced here that is both reminiscent of days gone by and extremely modern.
This can be seen, for example, in the look, fit and colours of the clothing. Everything is a little more muted and calm than perhaps with some other manufacturers, but that is precisely what makes it so timelessly ingenious. In addition to the look, the fit of the clothing also quickly makes it clear that comfort and durability take precedence over style and design. This does not mean that Grundens clothing is not stylish, but before a cut is too body-hugging, it tends to be slightly wider in order to significantly extend the durability and lifespan of the product. The less stressed areas suffer from constant wear and tear, the longer a product will last - a particularly big advantage if you want to protect yourself from the wet element of water.
When it comes to the function and features of jackets, trousers and shoes, Grundens is more than just in the here and now. All pockets and tool stations are positioned exactly where a modern fly or spin fisherman needs them. The pockets are not bulky, are well protected and in the right position. Even the fly patch on the outer arm is an extremely smart choice: There the flies are undisturbed by the movements of your arms, even carrying a rucksack does not disturb the drying patterns on the outer arm.
What is also current, but has been carried over from the Grundens past into the present, are various features that were indispensable in commercial fishing for years. These include, for example, the neoprene arm cuffs or the shielding of the hood. Everything has been tried and tested for years on the toughest seas on the planet and can now be found in Grundens' modern waders and jackets for sport fishermen.
And this is the best way to describe Grundens products: The tried and tested has been adopted and transformed into a timeless, modern and ingenious product in the here and now.