A pin kit is the collection of equipment that you carry to aid in a whitewater rescue that may or may not involve a pinned kayak or canoe. Within my paddling group there will be several variations of this kit, it is important that the group is not reliant on one persons kit as it may be that person or that persons boat that is in need of assistance.
The areas in which you paddle may also dictate the type and amount of kit you carry.
We were lucky enough to get hold of a Palm Equipment Riff PFD for review at Unsponsored. The one we have here is in Palm’s signature Jet Grey colour way.
The Riff is of a slab design with a side entry system. The buckle side entry is a convenient feature that allows the user to easily put on and take off the Riff. It is designed to be simple and easy to use, ensuring that the user can quickly get in and out of the product as needed. This feature is particularly useful when you are trying to negotiate a drysuit zip when putting a PFD on.
We have a photo comparison of three lots of safety tape/slings.
The Palm Safety Tape which is 5m in length, the Whetman Python which is also 5m in length and the new Palm Cobra which is 4m in length. All three have been coiled up nice and tight without being ridiculous.
Safety Tape/Sling Comparison
From left to right – Palm Safety, Whetman Python, and Palm Cobra. All are fitted with a DMM Boa.
Purchased from WWTCC this week, we have a Palm Equipment Cobra sling in for review.
Space saving compared to the other two Palm Equipment tapes and super strong the Cobra looks like a great bit of kit to have in your PFD rescue gear. Although it looks like a dyneema climbing sling the Cobra should not be used for climbing. I suspect that this is due to the dynamic forces that kit endures during a climbing fall.
Now this new outfitting from Pyranha looks amazing. The new Pyranha Elite outfitting is a complete redesign for Pyranha and includes some new materials.
Features five attachment points for knife, lights, or strobe and extensive 3M® reflective accents to increase visibility in low-light conditions.
Hand warmer pocket features 4-way stretch double knit polyester lining that’s soft against the skin; pocket doubles as quick storage for webbing or gloves.
Strap garages and a deliberately placed lash tab reduces snag points.
The Orbit Fit System layers multiple pieces of lightweight closed-cell foam cut to precise specifications to create a unique, flexible, pre-curved shape that effortlessly conforms to your body.
Graded Sizing takes into account the appropriate amount of flotation needed for individual body types resulting in a better-fitting, more comfortable life jacket for all.
Sustainable construction combines a recycled ripstop nylon shell with a recycled nylon inner that protects the fully recycled Ethafoam shims.
AirMesh lining on the lower back adds ventilation and helps manage moisture.
Side entry, with adjustments on shoulders, side and waist to secure the life jacket and customize fit.
Silicone-coated inner waistband helps hold the PFD in place when swimming.
Sizing
Chest
User Weight
XS/M
30″ – 38″
90 – 150lbs
M/L
36″ – 46″
90+lbs
XL/XXL
44″ – 56″
90+lbs
This PFD will be available in early 2024 and is expected to retail at around $229.95.
The new NRS Vector PFD picks up from where the Zen and Ninja PFDs left off. Both PFDs had a superb fit and if the Vector fits at least as well it will sure to be a winner.
The Vector uses the Orbit Fit System designed for overall comfort, allows for full range of motion, and eliminates the need for excessive tightening.
The NRS Vector PFD will be available in three sizes and three colours. Colours include black, red and the citrus yellow/green shown above. The Vector comes in three sizes as detailed below.
We’ve just about hit that time of the year in the UK when it gets darker earlier and earlier, the weather has begun to turn and the water is that little bit colder. It’s a great time to start to look at your cold weather paddling gear and assess whether it is going to be up to the job.
Cold Weather Paddling Gear
Being cold is not just uncomfortable it can also be life threatening. Having the right gear for the right conditions is key at any time of the year but the margin for error during the colder seasons is much tighter.
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