Gear Garage Live Show | August 13th, 2024

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater.

Topics and links that Zach talked about this episode

• New Flip Line
• Private Whitewater
• Answer Questions

Some of the Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode

Topic: Foot Cups

Hello! I'm a big fan of Gear Garage! I saw the video on foot cups which was great and I had a few more questions about foot cups. I manage a university student led outdoor recreation program. We have a 12' raft that has two thwarts. The center compartment is an awkward span for one paddler to use the thwarts to lock themselves in. We were thinking about putting a set of foot cups in the center compartment to help with the span issue, as well maybe fit two people on each side for that center compartment rather than jsut two. I would love any thoughts you all have on footcup placement, installation tricks, etc. that you might have for this situation.

Thank you for your help!

Topic: Raft Cleaning and Maintenance

Hey! I love your youtube channel. I just bought a 2022 Aire Tributary 16ft from my late neighbor. I was wondering if you had any videos or pointers on cleaning, polishing, or general upkeep outside of just keeping it out of the sun. I want to make this boat last a long time, so I want to be sure I'm taking care of it.

Topic: HIKO GUARDIAN 3.D PFD Review?

I know that many of us are still looking for a high buoyancy PFD that is more friendly to rafting and I came across the HIKO GUARDIAN 3.D PFD. This is a European company, and does not have US Coast Guard recognition, but I think that the ISO certification may satisfy rangers? Also, any chance you can get them to send one over for you to review? It appears to have some nice features, and, as you have mentioned before in previous reviews it actually DOES increase the amount of buoyancy as the size increases: 19.1 lb for lg/xl, and 20.23 lb for the 2XL.

One specific thing that I'd like to see tested is that the shoulder straps are "stretchy" which seems great for comfort, but potentially not great if someone is trying to pull you out of the water.