Re: [Paddlewise] inflatable pfds

    I just recently bought another pfd and the included pamphlet now lists
them as a "Type V Hybrid Inflatable Device".
    They would be the least bulky of PFDs to wear, so you might be more
likely to wear it.  But as pointed out, they're a high maintenance item,
which the others are not.
    They require active use by the wearer.  If you get whacked on the head
or are otherwise unable to deploy it (say, for example, insulin shock), it's
the same as not wearing one.
    Hypothermia is the number one killer of outdoorspersons.  A foam pfd
does offer a modicum of extra thermal protection even when not in the water.
    I just don't like the tradeoff.  I wear a pfd for safety, so creature
comfort is low on my decision criteria list.  So is additional action in an
emergency.
-----Original Message-----


>On Sat, 27 Feb 1999, Alice J Bennett wrote:
>> does anyone have experience with inflatable pfds?  I know they're no good
>> for whitewater but I've seen several at West - both for "inshore" Type
III
>> with 22 lbs flotation and for "offshore" with 35 lbs flotation.  Most
>> everyone uses the usual bulky pfds but is there a reason other than
custom
>> why the inflatables aren't used?
>> Alice Bennett
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>until recently, they weren't approved by the coast guard!! i used them in
>the navy. only "used" one once, during a demo. it worked and was
>comfortable. They require a _lot_ of care from the user _if_ you want them
>to work, at least that was my experience. you have to double check them
>everytime you put them on, etc.
>
>mark
>
>#------canoeist[at]netbox[dot]com----http://www.diac.com/~zen/mark ----
>#
>mark zen                      o,    o__              o_/|   o_.
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>
>Rocky Mtn Sea Kayak Club, Colorado River Flows, Poudre Paddlers
>The Colorado Paddlers' Resource, Rocky Mtn Canoe Club Trip Page
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