Finntrail Wading Gear
A Fresh New Way To Stay High And Dry
Story By: Keith Hook
Photos By: Brandon Bunch
Living life adventurously gives us frequent opportunities to reach outside our comfort zone and experience what this world has to offer. There is so much to do and explore in so many places, especially when you utilize a side-by-side to get you there. From the desert terrain of the southwest to snow-packed trails of the midwest, it’s easy to say you’re ready for anything imaginable with little to no preparation. I mean, how different can it all be? Well, we can tell you that mud is like nothing else, and it requires some very specialized gear. Some of the obvious requirements are tall tractor-like tires and high-clearance suspension components, but there’s something that is far more important than those items… Wading gear! Keeping high and dry is the key to success in the mud. If you’re not waist-deep in mud at some point, you’re not doing it right. If you’re not prepared, it can certainly turn you from mud happy to sickened sloppy in seconds.
Not that we’re muddin’ pros by any means, but all those that are, have reminded us that wading gear is crucial to a good ‘ol mud ride. We’ve battled the thought to own conventional waders. The bulky one-piece rubber legging-like design keeps you dry yet creates a swampy environment of its own from body perspiration thanks to the lack of breathability where the sun don’t shine. We weren’t willing to go without but knew that there had to be something better out there.
We were approached by the European-based company, Finntrail, after we published a story about our experience in the mud. They have been manufacturing and designing specialized off-road wading gear for more than a decade, and we instantly recognized their efforts. All their fabrics are insanely durable and waterproof, yet lightweight and breathable, along with a slew of other amazing design advantages including, our favorite, separated boots. The waders have an integrated neoprene sock, but then, you insert your foot and lace up the hiking boot completely separate so that it flexes with your ankle and your foot moves independently from the leg. From integrated dry storage to magnetic flaps to protect the waterproof zippers, they have truly thought of the extreme conditions this gear has to endure, yet not make it miserable to move around in.
Finntrail has a full line of jackets, waders, boots, and even snowmobile gear worth taking a look at. There’s no wrong turn when you consider that this gear is designed to work, and it offers a 12-month guarantee to boot. They may be new to the North American market, but they are no stranger to the tech and advancement of how to have a muddin’ good time!
Find all the details and where to purchase this amazing gear at https://finntrail.com/
