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Category: Gear (Page 130 of 135)

Pin/Rescue Kit Part 1 – Climbing Tape

8 January 2012 / / 0 Comments

Tubular tape can be purchased from most climbing shops off the real for £2 or less per metre. You can also purchase 4m (newer models 5m) of Palm tubular tape for around £14 from most kayak shops!

I carry a 5-metre length of 25mm tubular tape for use in rescue situations, lowering boats etc.

My 5m tape rolls into a coil with a diameter similar to a CD/DVD disk. It can be used as a short throw line, tied into a sling around a tree or even turned into a make shift sit harness. The Palm version is supplied with a stitched in loop which makes adding a carabiner into the system really easy.

Tape should be tied using a tape knot (aka a water knot) to prevent any slippage – click here to see how to tie the water knot.

Bombergear K Bomb

3 January 2012 / / 0 Comments

Bombergear have had a pretty bad wrap since the problems with the Koldfusion Technology (unfair given the quality and warranty on/of the new kit). However the Bombergear decks have always had a solid construction and reputation. The neoprene used is top notch and all seams have been glued and taped. Areas at risk of significant wear are re-enforced with kevlar!!

I have owned two K Bomb decks over the last couple of years and have only had to change decks when I have changed boats. The deck itself goes on easily even when sat in a swirling eddy with one hand grabbing onto the bank! But at the same time it stays put once in place.

The grab handle is stiffened with a plastic handle and snugly fitting fastex buckle. Both of which allow the deck to be hooked or fastened onto the PFD whilst out of the boat.

PeakUK Gear Bag

3 January 2012 / / 0 Comments

Getting a decent sized bag to store all of your wet kit in can be quite a task. Especially if you are working on a budget and yet don’t want to use a polythene bag! One possible option could be the PeakUK gear bag. The bags are made from two pieces of PU coated nylon so the bag is both tough and waterproof. However, the seams are not taped – therefore theoretically leakage is possible, although I have not experienced this problem (UPDATE – The new bags are now fully taped).

A single piece of webbing forms the two grab handles and wraps itself around the bag giving it full support and allows the bag to cope with wet kit without it falling apart. The top of the bag is closed via a simple cord and cord grip system. The bag is large enough to quite happily cope with a full load of winter paddling kit with room to spare. Essentially this is a very simple, functional and effective piece of kit. It does the job well, comes in a variety of funky colours, so what more could you ask. No doubt a worthwhile value for money buy, great for carrying kit and great for storing kit (I own a couple myself). Check out your local PeakUK dealer for current prices and colours.

Todays DIY

1 January 2012 / / 0 Comments

I have more off cuts of silnylon, pertex, ripstop nylon than you could shake a stick at. I therefore thought it was about time that I made something with them. So despite making UQs, TQs and tarps for a couple of years today was my first crack at some stuff sacks.

These ones are black silnylon with dyneema drawcords. The largest one I have made today is 9 grams. This is probably more to do with the cord lock!

This one contains my Marmot waterproof

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HF Occoee PFD – Review

1 January 2012 / / 0 Comments

The HF Occoee is a slab design PFD with a simple no frills approach. The fit is extremely good with the soft foam molding to the bodies shape easily. It doesn’t feel bulky or restrictive in any way. Adjustment is made by four cinch straps (two under each arm).


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DAM Watersports – DamX 3000 series dry cag.

1 January 2012 / / 0 Comments

I got this cag some months ago now and wanted to wait until I had really tested it before I wrote a report. The thing that attracted me in the first place was the price: £105(GB) including delivery for a made-to-measure cag is the best I have seen anywhere! This, coupled with the fact that the materials are guaranteed and the maker himself (Andi Riley) assured me that this would be drier/more durable than KOGG, Bomber Gear, PeakUK etc. I just had to have one.

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Happy 2b Aegis helmet

1 January 2012 / / 2 Comments

Product – Happy-2b Aegis helmet, Full cut model with total ear protection.
Size – Large
RRP – €170 direct from happy-2b.com
Nearest rival: Sweet Rocker

I’ve owned only a light freestyle lid for the last while, and an impending trip to the French Alps meant I had to invest in a good strong full coverage creeking helmet. I certainly got one in the Happy 2b Aegis.

Happy 2b Aegis
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Happy 2b – 12b Helmet

31 December 2011 / / 0 Comments

Happy – 2b is a relatively new company based in Europe (sunny Holland) that manufactures high quality composite helmets for the skateboarding and paddlesport markets. Getting hold of one of these helmets in the UK is pretty difficult but their on-line ordering system is A1- being both secure and quick. I managed to pinch one from a mate of mine for a weekend of paddling.

At this point I should make it aware that the helmet I tried out was not CE approved although all things being well future ones will be.I decided to look at the 12b mainly because I like the look of this model in comparison to all of the others currently on the market (CE approved or not). The shell of the helmet is made up of a carbon/aramid/fiberglass blend. This basically means it’s light but extremely tough.

Happy 2b - 12b Helmet
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Happy 2b – Skook Helmet

31 December 2011 / / 2 Comments

I have now had a Skook (small shell) for approximately four months and so have had a good while to get to know the ins and outs of the helmet. I’ll be reviewing the design in four main sections: construction/safety, outfitting, look, and availability/price. I’ll also be comparing it to a few other helmets I know of.

Happy 2b - Skook Helmet
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Robson Pogo

31 December 2011 / / 0 Comments

From Robson:

“This is the expedition white water paddle, proven on the Tsang Po river. Heavy duty, medium sized blades in a classic asymmetric shape. The Pogo is a versatile white-water paddle and has been our best-selling paddle for years.”

Robson Pogo

Specs:

Characteristics: Rodeo, white water, all round
Length: 190cm –202cm
Blade size: 42cm x 19.5cm
Weight: 930g; 32.8oz
Blade Material: Fibreglass or Carbon pressure moulded
Shaft: Sky Epoxy or Carbon Kevlar.

I’ve had these blades for about 3 months now, and I’ve given them a pretty hard time, and they have stood the test of time.

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Waterstick Zen Pro-Bend

31 December 2011 / / 0 Comments

I have had the paddle for about a month and a half now and so far have been very impressed. I ordered it through Pyranha with 12 degrees feather and a length of 191cm.

When I first unwrapped the paddle the first thing I noticed was how light it was, its lighter than any paddle I had previously tried, so was very impressed by that. It also looks quite different due to its unusual carbon weave look and dimpled grips.
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Immersion Research Full Conditions Cag

31 December 2011 / / 0 Comments

You’ve probably read many cag reviews where the user has just recieved a spanking new cag, taken it off down to the water and had the driest/warmest kayaking experience ever!

Immersion Research Full Conditions Cag

Therefore I have waited a number of weeks and have paddled for many hours wearing the Immersion Research Full Conditions Cag and yes its been the driest/warmest kayaking experience ever! but seriously here’s what I think;

Construction is pretty good, evidence of this can be seen clearly when you check the inside of the cag out. The taping is a master piece, no skimping here. Nice wide tape well secured!

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