Re: [Paddlewise] Opinions on double "foldables?"

Dave Kruger wrote:
> 
> ralph diaz wrote:
> >
> > MSN/RiDem wrote:
> > >
> > > Next year I am hoping to purchase a "foldable ", probably a double based on
> > > the following needs. Have been looking (on line) at the Klepper  Expedition
> > > II, or Folbot Greenland II. [snip]
> > > Mostly I am seeking strong opinions, to weigh against my own still yet
> > > uninformed opinions. (I am a big fan of the dialectic!) [snip]
> >
> > If money is no object, then I would think the Klepper Expedition double
> > would be the best choice of the two you are considering.  This is not to
> > knock the Folbot Greenland II.  It is an excellent boat and certainly
> > would do just fine in the situations you describe.  But the Klepper is a
> > better boat.  Folbot never claims to be building a boat as good as the
> > Klepper at a third of the price. [snip]
> 
> > Packing gear into a closed space.  If you set your mind to it, there are
> > ways of getting everything in via the cockpit.  There are a number of
> > hints in my book.  Basically, shove things in with a paddle half and
> > string tethers from the bags you shove furthest in, so you can retrieve
> > them latter.
> 
> No quarrel here with Ralph's comparison of Klepper and Folbot.

I am happy about that.  Sometimes one puts a comparison of two models in
such a perspective as I did and then some people wind up saying that I
am trashing Folbot, which I never do.

> 
> Just a small addendum to my earlier post:  The Greenland II is much easier to
> pack than the Kleppers, I imagine (I have no personal experience with Klepper,
> though I have watched companions pack them).  The reason is that the forward
> and rear decks of the G II can be **unzipped** easily for packing while the
> hull is fully assembled.  No strings or push-the-bag-in-with-a-paddle
> folderol.  Allows for more efficient packing, also.

That is certainly a positive element of the Folbot.  It aids in assembly
too.  If one absolutely wanted greater access to the decked areas of
Klepper, one could buy the double with zippered decks.  These are
offered both as a factory option and as an add on by the Klepper Repair
Service in Colorado.


> 
> Even so, I imagine you would be using the spaces to the sides of both paddlers
> for storage, whether in a G II or a Klepper (either of the versions Ralph
> mentioned).
> 
> Ralph, maybe you should speak up about some of the Long Haul side storage bags
> -- a real advantage for expedition-style stuff like the Dempseys do.

I am not certain what Long Haul (an offshoot of the Klepper Repair
Service in Colorado) is doing with bags of late.  I heard they dropped
the waterproof ones and are pointing people to some other supplier.  But
Long Haul does produce a range of sizes of cockpit bags with
non-waterproof zippers.  The bags clip on to cockpit crossribs and long
pieces and are placed right alongside you.  Very handy for things you
might need while underway such as a warm top or rain gear, if not using
a paddling jacket.  Also Voyageur dry bags and Gaia Dry Bags have straps
that will fit around the ribs and long pieces just like the cockpit
bags.  YOu generally run these alongside where your legs are.  You can
literally line the entire area of a Klepper or Folbot double with
cockpit bags (for access to things needed along the way) and strapped
dry bags (camping gear, food etc).  Between the cockpit area of these
doubles and all the available tie-ins there plus what you store fore and
aft, you can carry an enormous amount of stuff.  You can also sit on
Voyageur Bags like the Caboose and store clothing there.  Just let air
in or out as you wish to lower or raise your center of gravity.  Many
paddlers leave their seats and seatbacks at home and use bags to
substitute for them and add to their storage capacity.

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."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************