LAST autumn and winter I was lucky enough to fish in a pair of Fjord Viking waders. I hadn’t had much to do with Fjord products but these waders offered exceptional comfort and some innovative features that proved very practical. I told the guys at Blue Damsel – the Aussie distributors of Fjord products – that a pair of waders really needed to be complemented with a pair of matching wading boots and they said they were in the works. Looks like the wait has been worthwhile.
I’ve recently had the opportunity to field test the new Karve wading boots from Fjord and I’m as impressed with these as much, or more, than I was with the Viking waders.
The first thing I noticed about the Karve boots was the weight. They felt considerably lighter than the wading boots I’ve been wearing for the past four seasons and a quick check on the kitchen scales revealed they were actually 500 grams lighter. Now there are a few big advantages in that. Some of our autumn and winter fishing involves reasonable hikes and carrying half a kilo less on your feet makes things a hell of a lot easier and less tiring. If you travel internationally that 500 gram weight saving is a big plus in keeping you under the 23 kilo weight limit or allows you to pack a few extra bits and pieces.
Now some experienced freshwater anglers may equate a lightweight pair of wading boots with inferior quality or cost saving measures, but the weight saving here is actually due to innovative materials and technology.
Karve wading boots have a Vibram Carrarmato Idrogrip compound sole, compared to rubber on most wading boots. This material is very light and durable. It is a mountain climbing sole material and the only sole material that has climbed every one of the top peaks around the world. The promo material also says Karve’s Vibram Carrarmato lugs provide better traction on moss, silt, weed and slime than other outer soles – I’ve got no doubts about this claim. These soles are a revolution in wading boot weight, grip and durability.
The Karve uppers are made of synthetic leather that is also lightweight and quick drying. The uppers are neoprene lined with closed-cell foam for comfort. They also feature a reinforced toe box and heel for added durability and abrasion resistance. Add to this a stainless steel speed lacing system and you have a very practical pair of wading boots that are perfect for lake or river fishing in autumn and winter.
These are not some cheap, also ran, pair of boots. They are possibly the lightest and most innovative wading boots on the market.
Check out Fjord Karve boots at www.fjordflyfish.com
