View Full Version : Whats in your lifejacket
huntersforge
16-05-2009, 15:56
As there has been a few threads recently on the subject of canoes being used in conjunction with us guys getting our bushcraft fix I am curious to see if anyone else carries extra stuff on / in their pfd . Or is it just me being over prepared :o
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh283/huntersforge/P5150519.jpg
Small led torch
Rescue knife
Emergency whistle
First aid kit
I dont remember Burt Reynolds having most of that?
Youre missing the Compound Bow with fishing set-up and wetsuit tank-top.
In all seriousness , good set up , can't think of much else you may want to take? Small hi power strobe??
I've got nothing on mine yet but I don't have all the pockets either on my Yak like those Rangers have. I do like them though so I might have to treat myself one day.
I do have a little neck knife on me and usually a whistle though.
Dave_the_Pilgrim
16-05-2009, 17:51
Nothing wrong with your setup for wild waters but the knife might get you into trouble in more populated locations.
At sea or in remote waters I carry a strobe, mirror and flare kit as well as wear my camelbak and wear a dry or semi-dry suit if the temperatues are chilly. On English waters I often don't even wear a PFD if they are not wildwater. Especially in summer.
Dave
John Fenna
16-05-2009, 18:40
As a level 4 coach I always wear my PFD and it contains...spare nicotine gum, a folding knife with fire steel, a fixed blade rescue knife, whistle, lengths of cord for easy deep water rescues, some snacks and a bit of warm wear - hat and gloves, notebook, pen, crabs and slings, van keys.
I designed and made my own PFD that even when loaded (it can take more!) it exceeds the bouyancy needed to get EU rating.
w00dsmoke
16-05-2009, 20:03
I don't wear one....:nana:
I wear a paramis RAIDER manual gas life jacket. It has a knife on the belt at the back, strobe and nothing else on it.
PFD's are pretty crap in keeping anyone afloat if they're big and it gives me security when your paddling in winter often in the sea or on big open water. And they are far better to paddle in than a pfd. (not to mention the extra bouyancy one gets while trying to get into a canoe or kayak.)
huntersforge
16-05-2009, 20:38
PFD's are pretty crap
Woooah put the brakes on fella , Just asking if you carried any extra gear when paddling :confused:
Singeblister
16-05-2009, 20:43
I have smokes phone knife and fire kit all in water tight containers on mine :)
I have smokes phone knife and fire kit all in water tight containers on mine :)
smokers phone knife? or is that a spelling mistake
Singeblister
16-05-2009, 23:03
smokers phone knife? or is that a spelling mistake
you havnt seen a smokers phone knife ? ray mears uses one google it
you've got to be taking the mick now i can't find owt :)
sandbender
17-05-2009, 07:13
I always wear my PFD regardless of where I'm paddling. The pockets carry...
A small head torch.
A Benchmade rescue knife.
A whistle.
A small first aid kit.
A healthy chew bar or two.
And a notebook/pencil.
A small fire making kit.
And the water bladder pouch on the back usually contains a lightweight spare sun hat and mosi net..
The explorer on the right belongs to a friend who carries much the same, but with two knives!
I've tried MagiKelly's gas life jacket and it is very comfy, but I don't find my PFD's to be particularly uncomfortable or lacking in buoyancy and prefer the simplicity of a PFD.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/sandbender/canoeing/delta.jpg
Although it is handy to know that all this stuff is to hand if your canoe is chopped in half and you manage to make it to shore afterwards, all these pockets can get in the way when your trying to pull yourself back aboard especially if your a little exhausted from descending a particularly wild bit of water.
(my Woodlore 'smokes phone knife' is a drawer queen and is never used)
:D
John Fenna
17-05-2009, 08:05
I all these pockets can get in the way when your trying to pull yourself back aboard especially if your a little exhausted from descending a particularly wild bit of water.
The PFD I designed has the pockets set slightly wide so that, even with my gut pushing forward, the pockets are out of the way, avoiding pocket/gunnel conflict!:o
If I swim a bit of wild water I let my buddies take the strain by giving them the chance to practice their rescue techniques.......:rolleyes:
Self rescue is a skill that should rarely be needed as a safe paddler should have someone there to assist them - or be close to the bank for a quick empty out and bank re-entry!:D
photos of my PFD
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u142/johnfenna/BAfront-1.jpg
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u142/johnfenna/BAback-1.jpg
It has side and shoulder adjusters, side opening pocket - lower back, top opening pocket - upper back, top right pocket for whistle, top left attachment point for strobe, twin zipped front pockets, twin zipped lower "box" pockets, nappy straps, waist strap, mesh lining and mesh pannels in all the pockets.
Comfortable, freedom of movement, LOADS of buoyancy and does not get in the way during rescues - but no CE stamp....
Nothing wrong with your setup for wild waters but the knife might get you into trouble in more populated locations.
At sea or in remote waters I carry a strobe, mirror and flare kit as well as wear my camelbak and wear a dry or semi-dry suit if the temperatues are chilly. On English waters I often don't even wear a PFD if they are not wildwater. Especially in summer.
Dave
No PFD? well, hope your lucky, every time, all the time, because it only takes on bit of bad luck for you to end up cold stone dead on a mortuary slab.
Pessimist? no, just spent alot of time as a student in an accident department that was near a 'nice safe river'.
sandbender
17-05-2009, 08:41
...but the knife might get you into trouble in more populated locations...
I have often wondered about this, has anyone had their collar felt for having a rescue knife on their PFD? When paddling in the UK I've always presumed that this would fall under 'having a good reason' but I'd be curious to know if anyone has had any bother.
"No PFD? well, hope your lucky, every time, all the time..."
Many people choose not to wear one and hopefully that is an informed choice, I always wear mine and will not take to the water with others who aren't wearing one.
-----
That is a great bit of kit John, you should go into production, get Ray to wear one on TV and you'll be quids in :D
w00dsmoke
17-05-2009, 11:08
PFD's are pretty crap
Woooah put the brakes on fella , Just asking if you carried any extra gear when paddling :confused:
What I said was, "PFD's are pretty crap in keeping anyone afloat if they're big". And as a big chap...I offered an alternative and what I carried on it Which was a knife and a strobe on the back .:rolleyes:
As for phone, well it's waterproof and in my pocket along with my waterproof lighter. I have a grab bag with anything else which is red and will float with flares, blizzard bag etc in it.
I had the brainwave of storing a few "wetfire" tablets in my Delta PFD (scenario = dumped in cold water, lost all gear, very cold, need to get fire going etc). Unfortunately, the mice in my shed loved the taste of the tablets and can smell them even through their foil wrapping, and ate the tablets and my PFD. Tip : don't try this !
I have often wondered about this, has anyone had their collar felt for having a rescue knife on their PFD? When paddling in the UK I've always presumed that this would fall under 'having a good reason' but I'd be curious to know if anyone has had any bother.
Certainly does fall under 'having a good reason', especially if it is a 'sensible' blade and not some 12 inch monster bowie knife.
No magistrate in the land would have an issue with carrying - my mother in law certainly agrees and she is a J.P of 18+ years practise.
John Fenna
17-05-2009, 17:08
Many people choose not to wear one and hopefully that is an informed choice, I always wear mine and will not take to the water with others who aren't wearing one.
-----
That is a great bit of kit John, you should go into production, get Ray to wear one on TV and you'll be quids in :D
My attitude exactly!
I thank you for the kind comments but unfortunately when I tried to get the design into production I was told that I would have to produce X number of them for "testing to destruction" and consisantcy of quality to get a CE aproval stamp. I do not have the dosh or machinery for that so I am stuck!
The outer fabric was originally a Decoy bag and the Mesh a Ghilly suit......:cool:
scoops_uk
17-05-2009, 18:18
A bouyancy aid is not meant to make you float, it's meant to aid your bouyancy. Hence the name. They are intended to allow easy movement and enable swimming. They are suited to activities where you may be in the water on repreated occasions.
A life-jacket is an emergency device, it has a buoyancy distribution sufficient to turn the user to a position where their mouth is clear of the water, even when they are unconscious. Swimming in an inflated life-jacket is harder than in a bouyancy aid, as the jacket is designed to float you on your back. Also once inflated a life jacket has to be deflated and re-packed before it can be used again and is therefore not suited to an occasion where there is a possibility of repeated "swims".
IMHO they are designed for different purposes and are generally not interchangeable depending on personal preference.
Scoops
w00dsmoke
17-05-2009, 18:44
A bouyancy aid is not meant to make you float, it's meant to aid your bouyancy. Hence the name. They are intended to allow easy movement and enable swimming. They are suited to activities where you may be in the water on repreated occasions.
IMHO they are designed for different purposes and are generally not interchangeable depending on personal preference.
Scoops
Bouyancy = floating in the water-not sinking. Bouyancy aids are rated for the weight of the user. The heavier the user the more bouyancy required for the user to float more easily. People are naturally bouyant and even more so when treading water etc but a bouyancy aid allows the person to conserve energy and float easier than without.
I'm a big guy and I've yet to find a bouyancy aid anywhere with enough bouyancy to be of any use to me. In fact they have proved more of a hinderance in and out of the water, constrictive, uncomfortable etc hence the use of a life jacket.
As someone who rarely intends to have repeated swims, sometimes crosses open water, even in the sea, with a canoe or touring kayak; for me a gas inflatable life jacket gives me the security that I require with the comfort that I need to when paddling. Sure it breaks away from accepted practice within the BCU etc but worldwide this is not unusual. I can easily get back into my kayak wearing the life jacket and the canoe and have the option of inflating it if and when the need arises. It's horses for courses at the end of the day.
A bouyancy aid is not meant to make you float, it's meant to aid your bouyancy. Hence the name. They are intended to allow easy movement and enable swimming. They are suited to activities where you may be in the water on repreated occasions.
A life-jacket is an emergency device, it has a buoyancy distribution sufficient to turn the user to a position where their mouth is clear of the water, even when they are unconscious. Swimming in an inflated life-jacket is harder than in a bouyancy aid, as the jacket is designed to float you on your back. Also once inflated a life jacket has to be deflated and re-packed before it can be used again and is therefore not suited to an occasion where there is a possibility of repeated "swims".
IMHO they are designed for different purposes and are generally not interchangeable depending on personal preference.
Scoops
Did you write all of that because your pissy at the thread title? amazing.
So scoops, whats in your PFD?
scoops_uk
17-05-2009, 19:08
Bouyancy = floating in the water-not sinking.
...
As someone who rarely intends to have repeated swims
Aid = help or support (http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/aidx?view=uk)
It's generally the unintended that causes problems.
My comments are only made out of concern for your well being, not for an argument. Wearing something is definitely a huge improvement on wearing nothing. Whether it's a life-jacket or bouyancy aid, to quote the RNLI it's useless unless worn.
Scoops
w00dsmoke
17-05-2009, 19:18
My comments are only made out of concern for your well being, not for an argument. Wearing something is definitely a huge improvement on wearing nothing. Whether it's a life-jacket or bouyancy aid, to quote the RNLI it's useless unless worn.
Scoops
Thanks for your concern bud but I grew up with canoes and have canoed and kayaked for a very very long time and done some very serious trips with level 5 sea kayak /canoecoaches who were more than happy at my set up. In fact as someone with a disability they were most impressed and I feature in quite a few presentations.
So don't judge everyone on your own circumstances bud, try wearing another persons shoes first. You'll find my justification and explanation for what I wear while on the water is exactly right for my circumstances.
scoops_uk
17-05-2009, 19:31
Did you write all of that because your pissy at the thread title? amazing.
So scoops, whats in your PFD?
No, I wrote it because I wanted to contribute to the discussion.
My bouyancy contains a couple of snack sized mars bars.
Scoops
scoops_uk
17-05-2009, 19:38
So don't judge everyone on your own circumstances bud, try wearing another persons shoes first. You'll find my justification and explanation for what I wear while on the water is exactly right for my circumstances.
Did I judge you? I stated some facts on the equipment and then gave my opinion qualified as my opinion.
I'll take my cue to exit. :(
Scoops
Hi Huntersforge,
I have a knife, fire kit, torch / strobe, a wee tube of honey, whistle, a rolled up fishing line and a hip flask of high sugar rum - I think the only drinky-poos that wont lower your body temp!!!
Should be able to survive with that for a while... or at least be happy whilst I die.
Also carry in my head the movie Deliverance and a willingness to run like the wind from some of the "locals" that I see. ( Well I do have a murty purty mouth ).
Goatboy.
Scots_Charles_River
17-05-2009, 20:01
I have a Lomo quick release rescue knife and a muesli/eat natural bar and an orange rescue whistle.
My neighbour is a PC in Central Scotland and said the knife is fine as it's 'the intent' in the eye of the law. Ever since the Gendarmes arrested raft guides when I was a guide on the Durance in the french alps, I have worn a knife. They were arrested for not wearing one and being a guide. As soon as you have any rope, inc. the painter, you need a knife.
Wild Water is less bouyant as it has more air in it than flat or sea water.
Nick
Spaniel man
17-05-2009, 20:22
What's in mine (not including the rolling baccy):D
http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/spanielman/IMG_0038-1.jpg
Asa Samuel
17-05-2009, 21:01
I've not been on a really long trip but if I was I'd carry:
Knife, whistle, firesteel, choccy bar, small torch and a small med kit.
johnnytheboy
17-05-2009, 21:13
Mines doesn't have any pockets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I fell left out now
I wish my pfd had a couple more pockets. Very nice vest JF, do you make your boats as well?
Let's see, I've got: fire, phone, 1st aid, food, whistle, mirror, sheet of plastic, small cordage, rescue knife, monocular, ipod(for head winds), a means to purify h2o, sunscreen, lip balm,etc, etc; basically I try to cram a survival kit into the pockets and on my person just in case I become separated from my boat.
I have absolutely no intention of getting separated from my boat, but I think of all the possible survival scenarios, "wet, cold, and boatless" is probably the most likely(for me) and immediately trying. Losing my backpack(and it's contents) while hiking is not a very likely scenario but dumping a canoe and watching it blow away faster than I can swim or take off down river leaving me up ship creek , well I see how that could happen.
I need to figure out a place to hide a key on my vehicle, for now I also keep a car key in my pfd.
crazydave's link to a Canadian NFB film, "Survival in the Bush" goes right along with this thread, granted the film deals with the 'deep' bush but it can still be a long way to the other side of the lake, or loch if appropriate. If I get to go deep boonies(pretty please) I'm now sold on carrying a hatchet and will have to sort that out.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=539518&posted=1#post539518
dragging on,,, here's a link to an article called, "Surviving when the Gods play''. This is from the Watertribe website which is of possible interest to paddlers here. The article shows the author's pfd setup and has some advice on how to deal with hypothermia after a swim. There are some other good articles mainly centered around an expedition-style small boat race held in Florida.
http://www.watertribe.com/Magazine/Y2002/M12/SteveIsaacWhenGodsPlay.aspx
John Fenna
18-05-2009, 11:02
I wish my pfd had a couple more pockets. Very nice vest JF, do you make your boats as well?
I helped make my first real canoe - plywood stitch and tape - but now I have three more - 2 plastic and one glass which are all bought in, but heavily modified in the fitting out to take a home made sailing rig, more comfortable seating etc.
After reading this thread I think I will add a small "Ouch Pouch" and survival tin to my PFD kit for wilder paddles.....though my boat is always packed for trouble and I have YET to lose one on the water...
I think the most likely place one can lose a boat, is on the drive to and from, trailering and cartopping.
I knew sailing had to figure in there somewhere;) . I guess it's on another thread but I think canoes and kayaks (and now packrafts!) are ideal vehicles for bushcraft travel, bicycles being another favorite of mine.
I used to be pretty casual about pfd use. I'd put it on when I was cold, take it off when I got hot. A couple of years ago my mom got a little lake kayak and I showed her how to get set up. "Yes mom, you MUST wear one at all times, it's such a simple thing, can't have you drowning cause everyone will blame me". So I have gotten into always wearing one, walk the talk and all that.
Dave_the_Pilgrim
18-05-2009, 13:49
No PFD? well, hope your lucky, every time, all the time, because it only takes on bit of bad luck for you to end up cold stone dead on a mortuary slab.
Pessimist? no, just spent alot of time as a student in an accident department that was near a 'nice safe river'.
Steady fella !! I make an informed choice based on my assessment of the risks. Even with a PFD there is a risk you will die. Drawing the line on where risk is acceptable is a personal decision. I wear a helmet always whilst out on a bike. I do a lot of climbing too and always wear a helmet. Even on Via ferratas in Europe where the locals rarely wear them. When I was younger I used to solo climb. My risk thresholds have changed with time and will continue to do so as i re-visit every activity I do. I always carry a PFD so if conditions change I can adapt. Risk is part of the enjoyment for some of us.
You'll be demanding next that all bushcrafters wear NOMEX whilst near open fires !! :-)
If I were you I'd be more concerned about the proportion of people who carry knives on them whilst canoeing/kayaking. Normally they are to cut ropes if you are caught up in some loose line. what else do you need a rescue knife for ? They don't cut wood well. And the guy who has two in his vest needs to ask how he is going to use both at the same time ..............
Dave
Guys this is a thread on buoyancy aids, lets keep it away from judging others and more on being informative, personal risks are down to the individual, as long as they're not pushing it on others lets leave it be and get back to the original thread... what do you carry on yours.
Mines doesn't have any pockets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I fell left out now
I wouldn't worry, mine doesn't have any either. Saying that I've got a chest pouch that will clip on to it with most of the contents being in small exped dry bags.
Chainsaw
18-05-2009, 17:06
knife, whistle, firesteel, camera.
That's all folks.
Cheers,
Alan
PS the rest is in a 100L rucksack :D
Grooveski
18-05-2009, 18:58
Knife and there's a whistle and quite often a midgie net in the little inside pocket.
Gailainne
18-05-2009, 19:14
Nothing....yet
But you've reminded me to get myself and it sorted before this weekends expedition.
Thinking more about it, with the separated from canoe scenario I think I'll see if I can stick a net pocket on the back of mine, all the stuff you don't need until you reach shore. My small divers knife will be getting zip locked on the front, whistle and light around my neck.
Hmm interested little project to look at and refine during the summer, nice one.
Cheers
Stephen
redandshane
18-05-2009, 19:27
Am I wrong? but I reckon a safety knife a whistle and maybe a torch if light is likely to fade on the PFD are enough everything else can be stowed elsewhere
-Please enlighten me if I need any more actually attached to PFD and it is useful/practical in reality
And dont get me wrong I have plenty stowed elsehere; because I can
My PFD is ex MOD off e bay so nothing fancy going on except a plastic sleeve for my name on the back
Grooveski
18-05-2009, 20:26
.......whistle and light around my neck.
Aye, round the neck.
So when folk ask you why you have a knife on your jacket you can say it's to cut yourself down from low hanging trees. :D
Seriously, not loose ropes round the neck.;)
If I were you I'd be more concerned about the proportion of people who carry knives on them whilst canoeing/kayaking. Normally they are to cut ropes if you are caught up in some loose line. what else do you need a rescue knife for ? They don't cut wood well. And the guy who has two in his vest needs to ask how he is going to use both at the same time ..............
Dave
I would suggest that if you don't know what a Mora knife is then you shouldn't be on a Bushcraft site!!!! As you say the rescue knife doesn't cut wood so I would suggest that the Mora knife is there TO CUT WOOD!!! Think about it for a minute your out in the middle of no where and you go over loose your canoe and kit, do you not think that it would be helpful to have some gear with you on your person to allow you to survive if need be?? Why do you think the Military go on about having their skeleton order which them at all times?? Or why do the Scouts have a motto "Be Prepared'?
Oh I forgot that you are the sort of person that can assess the situation, cut loose your bags with your tent, stove, kitchen sink and then put on his PFD all before he hits the water??
Don't be so short sighted eh! :nono:
andywinkk
18-05-2009, 21:19
you havnt seen a smokers phone knife ? ray mears uses one google it
Did you order me one john ?,
scrogger
18-05-2009, 21:24
Damn!! now im going to have to buy more kit!! lol
good excuse though!!
Scots_Charles_River
18-05-2009, 21:27
The rescue knifes, like my wee lomo one, are for cutting yourself and other loose from entaglements etc.
Could also create feather sticks, strike a firesteel, cut a bit of apple, slice a flapjack, stir yer tea.......
Nick
I would suggest that if you don't know what a Mora knife is then you shouldn't be on a Bushcraft site!!!! As you say the rescue knife doesn't cut wood so I would suggest that the Mora knife is there TO CUT WOOD!!! Think about it for a minute your out in the middle of no where and you go over loose your canoe and kit, do you not think that it would be helpful to have some gear with you on your person to allow you to survive if need be?? Why do you think the Military go on about having their skeleton order which them at all times?? Or why do the Scouts have a motto "Be Prepared'?
Oh I forgot that you are the sort of person that can assess the situation, cut loose your bags with your tent, stove, kitchen sink and then put on his PFD all before he hits the water??
Don't be so short sighted eh! :nono:
Richie I asked that we remain nice after the last few posts, this wasn't really necessary, now can we stop getting personal and get back on track - kit people carry on buoyancy aids. If everyone had the same kit this forum wouldn't be necessary and life would become incredibly dull.
If anyone has comments against an individual, lets try discussing it to them in PM and keep this thread informative.
Many thanks
Matt
jdlenton
18-05-2009, 22:19
My PFD has in its various pockets
Orange bivi bag in the back pocket for the water bladder
Insect repellent spray in one of the small travel bottles from boots
sun cream spray again in one of those natty bottles
one small bottle alcohol hand gel
match safe and vaseline impregnated cotton wool in separate water tight container fixed with small maillon ot pocket eylet
two screw gates
one 2m sling around the waste
mobile phone in water proof carrier
benchmade griptilian ritter grip
East Coaster
19-05-2009, 00:40
I carry a rescue knife, whistle and snack bar in one pocket, and in the other, a small waterproof bag containing a firesteel, lighter, mini torch and mobile phone. I sometimes wear my gps round my neck.
I think given a rescue situation the most usefull item would have to be the mobile phone (obviously only if you're in a signal area! :o )
I wouldn't half mind an epirb for sea kayaking reassurance but they cost the earth :eek:
Jolly good topic,
Don't do much touring in the open canoe [yet]
More time spent sea kayaking, but I always carry;
EZ out gerber folder [w/blunt tip]
stainless shears
silva hand held
whistle
vinyl tape&duct tape [for repairs]
Butane lighter
waterproof AA flashlight
chemlight
ginger, sweets
water proof FA kit; ibuprofen
antacid
antihistamine
All kept tethered and stowed in my pockets.
I used to have a frost knife in it's sheath fixed to web loops in front. It came adrift during some assisted recovery practice and now lives at the bottom of a lake.
Dave_the_Pilgrim
19-05-2009, 16:49
I would suggest that if you don't know what a Mora knife is then you shouldn't be on a Bushcraft site!!!! As you say the rescue knife doesn't cut wood so I would suggest that the Mora knife is there TO CUT WOOD!!! Think about it for a minute your out in the middle of no where and you go over loose your canoe and kit, do you not think that it would be helpful to have some gear with you on your person to allow you to survive if need be?? Why do you think the Military go on about having their skeleton order which them at all times?? Or why do the Scouts have a motto "Be Prepared'?
Oh I forgot that you are the sort of person that can assess the situation, cut loose your bags with your tent, stove, kitchen sink and then put on his PFD all before he hits the water??
Don't be so short sighted eh! :nono:
Read my words - I said on quiet still rivers. For example the CAM or the Broads or canals. Houses everywhere. No need to go all survivalist there is there ? If I were wilderness paddling (as I used to do when living in Canada) I would wear a pfd and carry all sorts of kit as the fast flowing river takes your canoe/kayak away from you and it really was in the middle of nowhere. On a river in the UK and with flotation bags in my yak and not really in the middle of nowhere I would consider wannabes like yourself are just play-acting posers. The military (and I was once a soldier) are in a different place and context. There is a time and a place for everything and everyone. Even yourself.
Wanna comment further let';s go to PMs and not bore these good folk.
Dave
Richie and Dave_the_Pilgrim, don't bother taking it to PM guys, it's not worth it, best to just leave it and get on with life :D Make sure you don't post in this thread again though, unless of course it's constructive because you'll be carded if you carry on sniping at each other.
Relax, read some other stuff etc :beerchug:
scoops_uk
19-05-2009, 22:52
two screw gates
one 2m sling around the waist
I'd forgotten those. Back when I used to do a lot of flatwater tuition they were *the* most useful bit's kit to have handy. Used 'em almost every week.
Scoops
jdlenton
20-05-2009, 23:02
I'd forgotten those. Back when I used to do a lot of flatwater tuition they were *the* most useful bit's kit to have handy. Used 'em almost every week.
Scoops
have to agree wouldn't leave home without them :D
wistuart
21-05-2009, 12:41
From memory so may have missed one or two items.........
On PFD:
Whistle;
rescue knife;
torch (with strobe function);
diffuser for torch;
signal mirror;
spare compass;
Hydration bladder in rear pocket.
I always wear a waist tow belt and use that to clip on to my kayak if the wind is strong enough to risk seperating me from the boat in the event of an unplanned swim.
In a small drybag on my deck I keep:
Gloves;
Neo skullcap;
Sun hat;
Snacks;
Sunglasses;
Binos;
Flares are stored in a platypus bladder under the deck;
I keep additonal essential/emergency gear in a grab-bag in my cockpit, including:
Blizzard bag;
firesteel + waterproof matches;
cordage;
Mora;
energy bars;
first aid kit;
multitool;
spare torch;
Money;
Phone;
500ml water;
Mossie headnet;
Insect repellant;
Sunscreen;
Bungee cord, plastic sheet, duck tape and other sundry repair items;
On my wish-list:
VHF;
Sprayhood;
EPIRB.
My main waterborne activity is touring/sea kayaking and my kit is adapted for what I perceive to be the potential risks specific to that.