Using the goods... Astral Aquavest300

[sbratt]

I don't mean to hijack the thread here. It seemed like a time to mention this. I've taken a old skirt and sewn on 2 straps to hold a rope bag inside the boat (between my thighs). I did this to always have a full size rope with me (not a huge fan of the waist bags). The next progression (due to worries about lose ends) was to do a neoprene pocket that will hold a full size bag (a full lid that snaps in to keep everything inside). I was thinking to keep it under the skirt but will weigh the option of putting it on top now.

[deepsouthpaddler]

good discussion. I wear a salamander waist bag and generally I like it. The problem with the rope paying out unintentionally is an issue as Ture points out. I had this happen several times when the rope got pulled out while bushwhacking on scouts / portages. I got back in the boat not seeing the rope dangling.

The only thing I don't like about the astral pocket throw bags is that you don't have the pocket anymore for all your other gear. I usually keep a bunch of misc stuff in there, but I guess I could work with the bag. The bag seems very short though.

My only issue with the astral vest is that the shoulder straps don't always stay snugged up tight. I like to wear the vest high since I have the waist bag, and the shoulder snug lines don't really hold it up high too well.

Anyway, two separate rescues in one rapid without getting out of your boat is f'ing awesome. Good job.

[GAtoCSU]

Originally Posted by deepsouthpaddler

good discussion. I wear a salamander waist bag and generally I like it. The problem with the rope paying out unintentionally is an issue as Ture points out. I had this happen several times when the rope got pulled out while bushwhacking on scouts / portages. I got back in the boat not seeing the rope dangling.

The only thing I don't like about the astral pocket throw bags is that you don't have the pocket anymore for all your other gear. I usually keep a bunch of misc stuff in there, but I guess I could work with the bag. The bag seems very short though.

My only issue with the astral vest is that the shoulder straps don't always stay snugged up tight. I like to wear the vest high since I have the waist bag, and the shoulder snug lines don't really hold it up high too well.

Anyway, two separate rescues in one rapid without getting out of your boat is f'ing awesome. Good job.

It's interesting to compare it to the salamander waist bag. With the obvious drawback that you mentioned (it coming undone which I have seen, especially the tow part) the other boater that was with me was shocked at how fast I was able to get the tow harness on the loose boat as well as how fast I got the rope out and to the swimmer.

He said that he wouldn't have been able to get either done as quick as I did with the Astral system.

As for pockets, I use them on my drysuit and my drytop (not with the new IR top but with my old Kokatat) to hold stuff like contacts etc. I keep my pin kit in a pelican case in my boat.

Scott

[crackeryaker]

Originally Posted by Ture

I have the same PFD. I have the throw rope in a pouch on the chest and I used it on Bailey last weekend to snag a swimmer.

I used to use a salamander throw bag on my waist but it doesn't fit with the back of this PFD, which goes pretty low.

I really like the idea of a throw rope on your body. The way the Astral one is stowed, the live end of the rope is down inside the pocket at the bottom and there is no chance of rope coming out and snagging. With a salamander around my waist I feel like there is a risk of the live end of the rope coming out of the bag and snagging.

I use the Mongo waist bag (closer to a standard size bag) under my skirt with the bag in front. This was something Mather shared in his abridged swift water class, I like having a decent bag on my body. He also suggested always bringing your paddle with you when scouting, as it is a great extension to your arm if you are trying to help a swimmer.

The idea of having gear on your body seems like a good idea as well. In NZ a lot of the local boaters had this high-riding backpack/pouch that they would carry good-soled sandles, survival gear inside of, in-case they lost their boat. Seemed like a good idea on more wilderness runs.

Sounds like fun day at pineview! How is the upper at 1.1 worth the drive?

[jballen1]

the loose shoulder strap problem can easily be fixed by tying in the drawstring on the back.

[IkayakNboard]

Originally Posted by deepsouthpaddler

My only issue with the astral vest is that the shoulder straps don't always stay snugged up tight. I like to wear the vest high since I have the waist bag, and the shoulder snug lines don't really hold it up high too well.

The Astral vest is designed to be lower on your body, with the intention of your head floating higher above the water when swimming. This would also be the reason for having the custom throwbag in the chest area, as you really can't fit the waist bag if you're wearing the vest properly.

The only thing I don't like about the Astral vest is the placement of the knife holder. But it isn't that big of a deal since I can still access it, and having it sideways doesn't seem to be too in the way.

Perhaps the best feature of the vest is when you're on the flatwater paddle out, and remove the throwbag...you get a perfect beer can pocket:

[holley]

Originally Posted by jballen1

the loose shoulder strap problem can easily be fixed by tying in the drawstring on the back.

I asked Toepper about this and he said not to tie the pull chords because the vest won't function properly. I believe the straps are designed that way so when they are pulled, the waist tightens...for instance, if someone pulls you out of the water by your straps, the vest will tighten around your body so it won't pull over your head. He would have a better explanation, but that's generally the idea. That's why it is sometimes hard to take it off at the end of the day, when you pull it over your head with the straps.

I do like my Astral rescue vest as well, but it's a little chunky for someone my size. They didn't make a lot of the women's style rescue vests so I just got a men's XS-M, and although it fits, I feel like I carry a lot with it on. I decided not to get the rope for that reason...with my knife and all my other stuff in the front pocket, it already feels like a lot of bulk. I originally thought the only difference with the women's vest was that it had the boob shelf, but I wonder if it is also has a bit lower-profile fit. That would be nicer.

[SummitAP]

I like my 300R...

Their new Green Vest doesn't seem to really have much over it... they say it is more adjustable and ergonomic but my 300R offers pretty good freedom of motion. I just wish I didn't lose all my storage space with the throwbag in the front pocket.