Grundens is a brand most closely associated with the fishing industry. I’m not talking about those professional bass fishermen, I’m talking Deadliest Catch type commercial guys that need rain gear on a whole other level. While that’s what they’re most well-known for around most circles, the fact of the matter is they make gear that suits bass fishermen just fine – and a lot of it translates well to the job site. That’s where we meet Grundens Storm Rider jacket and bib pants.
As one of the newest solutions in their sport fishing line, I want to see how well it protects in rough weather in general and if it’s another product I can count on for rainy days on the job site.
Setting Expectations
Living in Florida, I don’t exactly encounter Alaskan crab fishing weather often. Well, ever, as a matter of fact. The Grundens Storm Rider rain gear isn’t designed for that level. There’s a microfleece lining that will offer some resistance from the cold, but you’re going to rely on what you’re wearing underneath the bib pants and jacket for your thermal protection.
With that understanding, this makes a solid three-season set for most climates. It’s a bit warm to wear in the summer for us in Florida, but it’s perfect for fall, through winter, and into spring. If you’re in an area with mild summers, it will still be comfortable through the warm months.
Now that we know when to wear Storm Rider gear, let’s look more closely at the details.
Grundens Storm Rider Jacket
It took a while for Florida to work up a good rainstorm for testing, but she finally blew off some steam and hasn’t let up since. The Grundens Storm Rider jacket has all the functional pockets you expect to find on any job site ready jacket: two front pockets and two large chest pockets give you plenty of storage.
The difference is that all four pockets are completely waterproof when you zip them up. The chest pockets have a mesh lining and the front pockets have a microfleece lining. There’s even a D-ring to clip small items on if you like.
You also get an open upper pocket on the left inside of the jacket and a smaller zippered pocket on the right inside.
The hood tightens up as expected while the main zipper comes all the way up your neck to reduce the overall area that rain has the chance to make it in.
One of the things I love about Grunden’s design in the Storm Rider along with most of their rain jackets is the neoprene cuff. It’s recessed into the sleeve to keep water from rolling down your arm while still allowing the main sleeve to extend beyond your wrist.
Grundens Storm Rider Jacket Features
- 15K mm waterproof 10K mvp breathable membrane
- 2-layer jacket with hung lining, waterproof front zipper
- 2 large zippered chest pockets with mesh lining
- 2 zippered front pockets with micro fleece lining
- YKK Aquaguard zippered hand pockets with internal push button hem adjustments filly adjustable hood
- recessed internal adjustable neoprene cuff, D-ring tool attachment, adjustable hem
Grundens Storm Rider Jacket Specifications
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, X2, X3, X4, X5
- Color: Black, Grey
- Price: $185.00–$195.0
- Check out the website
Grundens Storm Rider Bib Pants
Like the Storm Rider Jacket, Grundens Storm Rider Bib Pants are also more functional than you expect in rain gear. Starting at the top, there’s a large hook and loop front pocket. This one doesn’t really need a zipper since it gets covered by your jacket.
Moving down, there’s a kangaroo pocket for your hands with a microfleece liner and a D-ring attachment point below it.
In an unusual but welcome move, Grundens gives you a cargo pocket with a holder for your pliers on the right leg.
Perhaps even more welcome, these bib pants have a zipper fly – because sometimes the rain lasts longer than your bladder and it’s a pain to deal with most rain gear in the bathroom.
Grundens claims to be all about fishing, but the adjustable ankle closers on the side of each leg seem like they were custom-made for helping a Pro wearing boots. Maybe they’re more of a nod to Grundens’ Deck Boss boots, but they help the bibs fit over my Keen’s just fine.
Grundens Storm Rider Bib Pants Features
- Reinforced hems
- Reversible design
- Elastic suspender holder
- Two snap-gusset waist adjustments
- Low temperature resistance
- Rugged 610g/m2 PVC-coated cotton material
Grundens Storm Rider Bib Pants Specifications
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, X2, X3, X4, X5, X, ,TM, ,TL, TXL T2X, T3X
- Color: Green, Orange, White
- Price: $149.99–$194.99
- Check out the website
Let’s Talk Fit
When I first looked at the Grundens Storm Rider rain gear online, my first thought was, “man, these look bulky.” I went ahead and got the size that is supposed to be the best fit for me – large in both the jacket and bib pants. I went minimal at first, trying them on over a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. A quick look in the mirror and some feedback from my wife told me they weren’t as bulky as I feared. There’s definitely some room to layer underneath, but it doesn’t feel like they’re swallowing you.
With a ton of rain in the forecast, I put on a pair of jeans, a pullover, and boots to wait for the onslaught.
The pants slide on over my boots and jeans as easily as I can hope for, certainly with a nod to the zippers on the bottom of each leg. Adjusting the fit of the bib pants is simple and they’ll fit a pretty wide range of heights. The suspenders have a clip to easily get in or out of the pants – something you might take for granted unless you’re used to cycling bibs. I set the height to keep the hem about two inches above the bottom of my boots.
For the jacket, it’s mainly a matter of adjusting the pull cord for your hood and lower hem as you see fit. Since the bib pants come up as high as they do, you can leave the hem loose enough to allow plenty of airflow if you’re good with the temperature. There’s enough room to wear up to a medium-weight jacket underneath if you need to.
But Can I Actually Work in Them?
One of the major benefits of Grundens’ involvement in fishing is that their gear has to allow fishermen to move as much or more than we do on the job site. That’s the case with Grundens Storm Rider rain gear. The fit is loose enough to allow a wide range of movement and you’re covered well enough to keep from exposing your midsection, arms, or legs in the process.
Price and Value
At $185 – $195 for the jacket and $150 – $160 for the bib pants, Grundens Storm Rider gear is not something you pick up at your local Wal-Mart. The deciding factor for you will be whether or not you need the combination of protection, functional storage, and freedom of movement it gives you. If you’re waiting for an hour-long thunderstorm to pass, the answer is no. If you’re expecting to fish or work when the rain is forecast to last all day or all week, this is the rain gear that will help you enjoy the trip or get the work done.
The Bottom Line
For working both the job site and the mangrove islands, I really like what Grundens Storm Rider rain gear brings to the table. It’s a near-perfect three-season solution for guys that need to keep going no matter what kind of weather you’re pushing through.
