Grundéns has released a new line of stockingfoot waders and wading boots under its new Boundary Wader Collection, which is part of the company’s new Fly Collection.
This news is a big deal for a few key reasons.
First, Grundéns has been making high-quality fishing apparel and footwear for years — including waterproof rain gear. This means Grundéns has the experience and means to produce rugged, waterproof gear.
So far, so good.
Second, Grundéns new Boundary Waders and Wading Boots are high-quality waders aimed at taking on the fly fishing industry’s best competition produced by Simms, Orvis and Patagonia. These aren’t cheap waders mass produced with the Grundéns logo slapped on just before leaving a factory. New competitors hitting the market at this level with the market reach to compete are rare.
The new Grundéns Boundary Zip Stockingfoot Waders use waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX Pro fabric.Third, Grundéns uses GORE-TEX Pro waterproof, breathable fabric. GORE-TEX fabrics are consistently considered some of the best, if not outright industry-leading waterproof, breathable fabrics to use in outdoor apparel. The GORE company essentially licenses its fabric technology as well as scrutinizes the results to ensure that every garment produced with GORE-TEX meets its high standards for quality. By the time a garment with GORE-TEX reaches a store for sale, it’s usually in the top of its class for functionality as well as fit and finish.
All of this indicates a serious level of investment by Grundéns, which leads us to believe that its new Fly Collection of fly fishing-aimed apparel and gear will likely grow over time.
Meanwhile, what about the new Boundary Collection waders and boots?
Grundéns Boundary Waders
Grundéns has released three new Boundary Wader versions, two for men and one women’s specific model (right).The core of the new collection starts with three new wader versions:
All three use GORE-TEX Pro fabric and have similar designs. The ‘Zip’ version has, you would expect, a waterproof zipper. The key benefits of the Boundary Zip Stockingfoot Wader is easier entry, exit, and calls of nature. The only major drawback to zippered waders is the increase in cost over non-zippered versions. A minor drawback is the lack of a pass-through hand warmer pocket (because the zipper gets in the way).
In all three versions, you get 4-layer legs for extra durability and 3-layer uppers for better breathability and mobility. Grundéns says the design of its articulated curved seams are new to the industry and provide excellent agility and comfort. Most high-quality waders these days have very good articulated knees and gusseted crotches, so it’s hard to say if Grundéns design is significantly better. The most important takeaway here is the inclusion of articulated seams because they’re much more comfortable and nimble than what you typically get with cheap waders.
Editor’s Note: For more detail, read our new in-depth, field-tested review here:
Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Waders Review
Cool New ‘Suspenders’
We’re particularly interested in trying out the new Grundéns fused contour suspender system. Grundéns says its design is inspired by climbing harnesses and is made to increase all-day comfort while casting and rowing. Compared to most wader suspenders, the Grundéns suspension system has wider, almost pre-curved straps with adjustment in both the front and back.
For fly fishers who want to attach a net in the back, Grundéns included a rugged D-Ring.
Titanium Booties?
The anatomical booties in the Boundary Stockingfoot Waders might feature an industry first: two titanium layers. The interior layer is designed to reflect body heat back to you while the exterior layer is designed to keep the cold out. If you struggle with cold feet — or spend all day swinging flies for steelhead in frigid water — these might be the waders for you. We’re definitely interested in trying them out and seeing if they make a noticeable difference in frigid water.
The New Boundary Wading Boots
The new Grundéns Boundary Wading Boot corrosion resistant and saltwater safe.Grundéns new Boundary Wading Boots are made with a premium waterproof full grain leather upper. For extra durability, Grundéns has added a complete perimeter scratch rubber overlay to protect the toe and sides. The Vibram Idrogrip rubber outsole delivers a good blend of traction with durability.
For extra traction, Grundéns offers a new add-on accessory: a hexagon-shaped HEXAGRIP Cleat and Stud System you can screw onto the soles.
The hardware in the boot is corrosion resistant and the boot is saltwater safe.
To learn more, check out the Grundéns wading gear and fly fishing apparel on the Grundéns Fly Collection page here.
