Does anyone know if there are pfd kits that are built into hydration backpacks out there?
If we cannot find anything does anyone know anyone who can custom build these for downwind/ocean paddles?
It shouldn't be hard to attach one of the inflatable bum-bag type to a Camelbak.. It sounds like a good idea.
DJ
The bum bag PFD is very light duty, the next level up inflatable horseshoe (gas and manual) are better built, and if you put them into a waterproof marine bag and place that in your backpak/hydro it stays dry and lasts longer. That's what i use and never have to wash it every time. Pricing as about the same.
It folds in half so is quite small un-inflated.
R
This is the one
What I am looking for is an all in one system ie a pdf and hydration backpack. If things are seperate it is too easy/tempting to leave the pfd behind.
Not likely to exist as type 1, maybe not pass Aust Marine Safety Std
The negative buoyancy of the hydro pack will work against it.
A hydration backpack is a pfd yes?? could you not just modify it so if you need it as a floating device that you could just blow air back in to it and fill the bag with air?? That's just of the top of my with out really thinking or looking to see if it would work....
Jacko
You will find it's actually the other way around. There are after market hydration packs made specifically for mounting on PFD's, but nothing integral i can find
A hydration pack is certainly useful to use as a floatation device, as Jacko says. I am looking for something that goes a little further than this. A type 1 PFD needs to be able to have bouyancy behind the head and this is what I woulkd like to see built into a hydration backpack.
Go read the PFD standards and see if it's possible to comply.
Your best bet is to start with a PFD of choice and attach required hydration.
The most comfortable are the Mocke Surf Ski life jackets that the Ski racers wear in all World Cup races. http://www.themockes.com/pic_detail.php?pic=148
Not type 1 but you can wear it all day and doesn't interfere with paddle stroke.
My little bum-bag PFD is so small it can be worn around your waist and also wear a Camelbak without effecting each other.
DJ
MM
SOS Marine Australia do a PFD which fits a hydra pack in the back and comes with a padded drinking tube and pockets as well.
I tried to upload a pic and am new at this, hope it works. You would need to wear a rashy underneath it. upon pulling the toggle they are gas activated. They are classed as PFD 1 as well. They are very comfy and tough.
better pic on this linkhttp://www.sosmarine.com.au/Pages/Defence/Police/Police%2010%20Water%20Police%20PFD-1%20Safety%20Vest.htm
Hey Lacey.. Most of them sit very high and tight'ish under you're arms.
The one I use lets you lower it so you don't look like 'Harry high pants'.. and mine only costs $140.
The pocket on the back is for a hydration drink bladder.
DJ
Ultra trekhttp://www.ultrapfd.com.au/default.asp?PageID=64
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something i have discussed with og sup is in qld, a full pdf would probaby cause you to overheat. a dark rashie is too hot in summer. hence, we are looking for minimal upper body coverage. thats probably not a concern for the southern states i'm guessing
cheers
Guys...before you get too carried away with current gear, a new Aust standard 4758...regarding pfds....is now in.. check it out.
cheers
lacey
I have the same pfd as DJ and honestly it does not bother me at all.
I am only 70 km below you on the map so it's not a matter of climate
In fact there are 2 layers of foam in the front and in the back
I did cut the thread and put some velcro instead so that I can quickly choose to use it as a camel pack with no flotation but enjoy the pockets in front to put things like a phone or put back the foam so it floats.
I don't like it with 2 layers of foam because it's too tight on my upper body but if you put only 1 layer in front 1 layer in the back it's very confortable and it floats enough for me
Thanks for everyone's feedback. With more of us looking we might just find what we need out there.
There are a few things that we need to look for:
1) Ideally it should be a PFD type 1, so that we cover all bases. A type 1 has neck support and is designed to keep you floating face upwards with your head above water. Some of these great options that have been sent in are Type 2 and 3
2) There has to be freedom of movement under the arms, due to the nature of our paddling stroke.
3) Ideally it should be 1 single system, but if we cannot find one we need to find 2 components that fit well together.
4) It needs to be light (some of these gas filled ones are simply too heavy)
5) It needs to be affordable.
Imo, the Pinnacle II is too expensive (A$1499) and looks like it could be restrictive on the sides
the Trek is too expensive (A$2260) and looks like it could also be restrictive on the sides
The combo of the combination of the SOS 5114 and SOS Hydropack looks ok. I will try and get some prices on these. As they build gear for the military they may have what we are looking for.
The gear from Canoeing Downunder looks pretty good (and reasonably priced) but I could not find a Type 1 system.
This is what they have:
I will keep looking...
Mikeman, what your looking at is the Model number, not the price.
I just picked up the Trek for $130.
Looks like good quality for a fair price...
Cheers
Hey Lacey,
I agree with DJ have a good long look at the Trek, I have used it quite a few times and found it did and excellent job.
Phill
Mikeman, I have the Pinnacle ultra and I find it to be fine. What you can't see in the picture is that the sides are mesh at 17cm high and 32cm long. You can adjust these with two straps. I tend to paddle with these two loose and the bottom one firm but comfortable. There is also heaps of adjustment in the shoulder straps. I use a 3L bladder from a camelbak in the hydration pocket. Due to padding in the front to make you float on your back it may seem to be bulky but it doesn't restrict my paddling style. This vest is the PFD type two. I think you may need a neck support on a life jacket to get it to rate as a PFD type 1 but I could be wrong.
Thanks, everyone. Sorry about getting the pricing structure of the Pinnacle and Trek wrong.
That Pinnacle Ultra certainly looks pretty close to what we need. Although it is Type 2 we might get away with it. Perhaps we could convince the manufacturers to add in a neck support system to make it a Type 1. Mayby this could be self inflated (or fold downwards) to keep it out of the way.
i will have a look at a ultra pinnacle today. a place called aqua sports and dive on the goldie are listed as having them.i'm not that fussed on wearing them, but have been told they are no problems, so it will be good to try one on myself
cheers
