Gear Garage Live Show | March 25th, 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
Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode
Topic: Steve
Hello!
I’m curious what is Scuba Steve constructed out of? I’ve been trying to find a good way to simulate an unconscious swimmer.
Topic: Best in the West
Have you seen the bracket from Oars for the (2nd) Best in the West river trip? I’ve got my thoughts about the bracket and some of the results. I was curious if you’ve seen it and what you think of how it’s played out?
https://www.oars.com/best-in-the-west/?
Topic: Watershed Fabric
I seem to recall from Gear Garage vids late last year or early this one that you mentioned Watershed Drybags is coming out with a new-and-improved line of drybags with improved/burlier fabric. Any updates on this?
I have a Chatooga duffel that I use and really like but also have a Grand Canyon private trip this fall (late October launch from Lee's Ferry) - thinking that a Colorado or Mississippi duffel with enhanced fabric could be just the ticket for my primary dry duffel for that trip and beyond.
Thanks much for any insight! A GG member happy to support the channel/podcast and NWRC...
Topic: Boat Recommendation
I love your knowledgeable videos.
Wondering if you care to share your thoughts on a couple boats I am looking at. I’ve owned a drift boat for two decades and buying my first raft to access more difficult water for Spey fishing away from the crowds. I’m looking at an aire 130R and an aire super duper puma. I most often fish the upper sandy, upper Clackamas, and lower deschutes. Spey fishing is done while wading so not looking for all that fishing crap on my boat. Just a simple NRS big horn frame with an anchor drop. I’ll do overnighters on the deschutes but only a couple of nights. I’ve usually got one or two other people with me, but we take lightweight backpacking gear.
I have one more question for you guys that I’d love to hear you explore… comparison of an Aire Tributary 14 vs. Aire 143d. The wireframes on these boats seem similar to me, but I’m a novice. The 143d is ~$2200 more. Weight and width…
The Trib is 136#s vs the 143d at 114#s as they have different weight fabrics. The Trib is 6’10 wide vs. 143d at 6’6.
Is 6’10 and heavy a big deal? Again I’m trying to create a great boat for an NRS big horn frame to float the upper Sandy, upper Clack and do multi days max to the mouth on the deschutes… Spey fishing.
Thank you!
Topic: Illinois Shuttle
I was wondering how much time needs to budgeted for driving from Kerby, Oregon to the Miami Bar put in. Google maps says 20 miles and about 55 minutes. Is this your experience?
Also, on highly unpredictable and fickle drainage, how we looking for flows for late April, early May?
Topic: R2 on the MFS
I'm going to buy a raft rather than rent one for a MFS trip in early July. I'm torn between the Hyside Mini Max or the Max 12. We are very experienced kayakers and will be packing light, and there will be oar rigs to carry some bigger group stuff if needed. Are the oar rigs going to leave us in the dust? Any thoughts on the MiniMax vs the Max 12? After the one trip down the MFS, the boat will be spending the rest of its life on NC/WV rivers. Thanks
