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From: Keith Kaste <kkaste_at_slip.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] bail out pack
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 17:12:38 -0700
There's an interesting article in the June issue of Sea Kayaker
describing the use of a bail out pack.  Megan and I have kept items
described here in small water proof bags on deck.  The fanny pack
concept is a better idea.  We got Platypus Web Foot Sport fanny packs.
They have 7 liter capacity instead of the suggested six liters, but they
are quite nice, and they include holsters for two water containers.  To
the list on page 44 we would add water, energy food (like Clif Bars),
rope or line, duct tape, and for expeditions, maps and sun block.

The author speaks of heavy gauge surgical tubing for a fire starter
fuel.  Does anybody out there recommend this?  If not, what is the best
fire starter under the circumstances of a bail out?

Thanks,

Keith Kaste

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From: Joy E. Hecht <jhecht_at_capaccess.org>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] bail out pack
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 20:46:31 -0400 (EDT)
On Mon, 11 May 1998, Keith Kaste wrote:

> There's an interesting article in the June issue of Sea Kayaker
> describing the use of a bail out pack.  Megan and I have kept items
> described here in small water proof bags on deck.  The fanny pack
> concept is a better idea.  We got Platypus Web Foot Sport fanny packs.
> They have 7 liter capacity instead of the suggested six liters, but they
> are quite nice, and they include holsters for two water containers.  To
> the list on page 44 we would add water, energy food (like Clif Bars),
> rope or line, duct tape, and for expeditions, maps and sun block.

Fanny packs for this purpose make sense, but where does all of that gear fit 
if you're wearing them while you're paddling?  In lieu of a seat back?

And if you're in the water with it, how much does it reduce your 
buoyancy, especially the two liters of water in the bottles?


Joy Hecht
Arlington VA

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From: Fred Brown <jfbjr_at_mindspring.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] bail out pack
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 22:06:28 -0400
I'm thinking water would have neutral buoyancy in water.  Two liters of fresh
water, whilst swimming in salt water, should actually add buoyancy.

Fred

Joy E. Hecht wrote:

> On Mon, 11 May 1998, Keith Kaste wrote:
>
> > There's an interesting article in the June issue of Sea Kayaker
> > describing the use of a bail out pack.  Megan and I have kept items
> > described here in small water proof bags on deck.  The fanny pack
> > concept is a better idea.  We got Platypus Web Foot Sport fanny packs.
> > They have 7 liter capacity instead of the suggested six liters, but they
> > are quite nice, and they include holsters for two water containers.  To
> > the list on page 44 we would add water, energy food (like Clif Bars),
> > rope or line, duct tape, and for expeditions, maps and sun block.
>
> Fanny packs for this purpose make sense, but where does all of that gear fit
> if you're wearing them while you're paddling?  In lieu of a seat back?
>
> And if you're in the water with it, how much does it reduce your
> buoyancy, especially the two liters of water in the bottles?

> Joy Hecht
> Arlington VA
>
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From: Joy E. Hecht <jhecht_at_capaccess.org>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] bail out pack
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 23:38:11 -0400 (EDT)
On Mon, 11 May 1998, Fred Brown wrote:

> I'm thinking water would have neutral buoyancy in water.  Two liters of fresh
> water, whilst swimming in salt water, should actually add buoyancy.
> 
> Fred

Oh, for _dumb_!


Joy
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From: Keith Kaste <kkaste_at_slip.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] bail out pack
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 20:54:26 -0700
The article shows a picture of the fanny pack being worn by a paddler.  The
strap is at stomach level so that the pack rests on the rear deck.  This might
create an impediment to completing a screw roll, but should probably be okay for
the C to C.  There may be a buoyancy penalty to pay for carrying this pack so
you probably need to make choices on what is essential, and one would hope you
are wearing a wet suit and PFD.  In a worst case scenario, if you are separated
from your boat and cannot recover it, then you are on your own to get to shore.
The first thing you would want access to from the pack would be the sea seat to
get you out of the cold water.  Now the buoyancy issue of the pack becomes less
of an issue.  Once on land you may need to set up a survival outpost.  That
fresh water is going to be mighty welcome.  The two water containers of the Web
Foot are only one half liter each.  Still I think that's better than nothing at
all.  Also, the fanny packs are not water proof so we have the items in little
water proof bags inside the pack.

Keith Kaste

Joy E. Hecht wrote:

> Fanny packs for this purpose make sense, but where does all of that gear fit
> if you're wearing them while you're paddling?  In lieu of a seat back?
>
> And if you're in the water with it, how much does it reduce your
> buoyancy, especially the two liters of water in the bottles?
>
> Joy Hecht
> Arlington VA
>
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From: Philip Wylie <pjwylie_at_planet.eon.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] bail out pack
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 19:26:24 -0600
Why not use a candle? You can shave the thing so that
pealings deposit on the kindling and help to get it 
going. Once you have larger kindling and sticks just
place the rest of the candle on the wood and Volla!

Regards,

Philip

Keith Kaste wrote:
> 
> There's an interesting article in the June issue of Sea Kayaker
> describing the use of a bail out pack.  Megan and I have kept items
> described here in small water proof bags on deck.  The fanny pack
> concept is a better idea.  We got Platypus Web Foot Sport fanny packs.
> They have 7 liter capacity instead of the suggested six liters, but they
> are quite nice, and they include holsters for two water containers.  To
> the list on page 44 we would add water, energy food (like Clif Bars),
> rope or line, duct tape, and for expeditions, maps and sun block.
> 
> The author speaks of heavy gauge surgical tubing for a fire starter
> fuel.  Does anybody out there recommend this?  If not, what is the best
> fire starter under the circumstances of a bail out?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Keith Kaste
> 
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From: JCMARTIN43 <JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] bail out pack
Date: Tue, 12 May 1998 11:08:34 EDT
In a message dated 98-05-12 00:00:47 EDT, kkaste_at_slip.net writes:

<< The article shows a picture of the fanny pack being worn by a paddler.  The
 strap is at stomach level so that the pack rests on the rear deck.  This
might
 create an impediment to completing a screw roll, but should probably be okay
for
 the C to C.  There may be a buoyancy penalty to pay for carrying this pack so
 you probably need to make choices on what is essential, and one would hope
you
 are wearing a wet suit and PFD.   >>

It's a good article.  There have been similar ones --- with a somewhat
different inventory of supplies --- in past magazines, Sea Kayaker included.
The physical restraint provided by that pack is probably not too bad; I have a
Lotus "Strait Jacket" PFD --- the best sea kayaker's flotation and storage
device I've seen yet! --- and bought a throwbag holder which straps on to the
back of the PFD in the same location shown in Doug Alderson's article.  It
holds a little less volume than the fanny pack shown, but it's close, and,
functionally, it emulates the article closely.  With that bag full of stuff, I
have no problem rolling of doing lay-back braces, and --- possibly an
improvement on the fanny pack --- it's <always> with me!  Downside, it's not
as easily removable or relocatable, but I'm a creature of habit: I kinda like
to know that I have to grab one item --- my PFD --- to have all the emergency
and backup stuff I'm going to need.

Jack Martin
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From: <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] bail out pack
Date: Tue, 12 May 1998 12:50:09 -0700
JCMARTIN43 wrote:

> I have a
> Lotus "Strait Jacket" PFD --- the best sea kayaker's flotation and storage
> device I've seen yet! --- and bought a throwbag holder which straps on to the
> back of the PFD in the same location shown in Doug Alderson's article.  It
> holds a little less volume than the fanny pack shown, but it's close, and,
> functionally, it emulates the article closely.  With that bag full of stuff, I
> have no problem rolling of doing lay-back braces, and --- possibly an
> improvement on the fanny pack --- it's <always> with me!  Downside, it's not
> as easily removable or relocatable, but I'm a creature of habit: I kinda like
> to know that I have to grab one item --- my PFD --- to have all the emergency
> and backup stuff I'm going to need.

I just got a Strait Jacket too (probably needed a real one for quite a
long time :-)).  It does look good.  I have yet to purchase that holder
you mention that fits on the back.  I am not certain however that on
higher boats such as the ones I paddle, it will clear the seat back.  I
will give it a try at some point.  It is a very comfortable vest with
impressive pockets on the front.  Plus it has more flotation in front
which means it is more likely to float you face up, something many Type
III's will not do.

I had a similar idea in my newsletter about four years ago from a
reader.  What he did was to take a ssimilarly equipped fanny pack and
snake the straps through the armholes of the PFD.  This way there is not
sewing or fixing an existing PFD not equipped with pack loops like the
Lotus Design ones.  And it will clear the seat.  You could leave it
attached and have it with you all as Joq likes.

ralph diaz
-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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