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Gear Garage Q & A Tuesday Show | August 29th, 2023

Courtney Sweeney / Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Middle Fork
Gear Garage Live Show
Gear Garage Q & A Tuesday Show | August 29th, 2023
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This week's podcast is the audio version of Zach's live Q&A show, where he answers submitted questions we receive from viewers.

Check out our sponsor GoRafting.com

Questions that Zach covered this episode

Topic: Footwear and Apparel Recommendations

Hi guys, I'm a recent subscriber and am enjoying your videos. I'm doing a private trip down the Middle Fork starting Oct. 6. I have two questions. I understand we can expect rain and maybe even snow on the trip. What footwear do you recommend? I know I'll be pushing off rocks and warmth is an issue so I'm thinking about the NRS Storm Boot or Workboot. Thoughts?

Second, in terms of clothes, I have an old splash suit. I also have a pair of Simms fly fishing pant waders (pants only as opposed to chest waders) that I thought I could pair with a high quality Arcteryx raincoat with hood. I would wear layers underneath as needed. Thoughts on this? I looked at your website and I don't believe you sell apparel. Finally, I look forward to taking a trip with you in the near future. I'm 68 so I must act fast. Thanks again.

Topic: Notification of Upcoming shows

Hi Zach, love your shows. Question about notifications of upcoming shows. I have missed the last couple of live Q & A shows. My preferred platform is Facebook but haven’t been getting notifications lately. I see they are posted after the live event nut no prior notification. Is this a change in where or how you notify? If so, what is the best way to receive notifications?

Topic: First MFS Trip

Hey Zach, Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the Gear Garage channel! You inspired confidence and passion to make my first trip down the Middle Fork, and we dealt with the portages in the upper section too! We decided to launch from Boundary with a 16' round boat and 3 duckies lightly loaded, no cooler or dry box. We made it through and ran into your crew at Indian and chatted with Brodie briefly as he wanted to hear about our adventure.

We played leap frog with your trip the rest of the way down and I have some photos of them at camp I'd love to share. I learned a lot on the trip and had a blast despite the difficult conditions and rain in the early days. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience, it is much appreciated. I felt like I knew the rapids after watching so many videos but the MFS is a fun challenge!

Topic: Belly Bands

Did your group rig lines under their boats on the Grand to help someone climb on if there was a flip? Would you run cam straps bow to stern, rig loops of webbing through the lacing in the floor, or rig a line side to side? Also, someone suggested adding a tag line as well since the Grand is so wide and the current so strong. Would you add a tag line to a raft (I’ve only seen them on cats)?

Author

Courtney Sweeney

Courtney Sweeney grew up in Texas, and has spent the last decade living in different areas of the Rocky Mountains and on the West coast. She enjoys both melted and frozen water, rafting in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Connect with Courtney: 

  • YouTube
 
 

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Disclaimer: River conditions, obstacles, and rapids can vary for a variety of reasons. Please combine this general information with good judgment and your own river reading skills.


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