Search found 2401 matches

by Cowper
Sat Oct 20, 2007 10:38 pm
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: Apparel Question
Replies: 9
Views: 2657

I'll probably pickup a neoprene hood at the local dive shop too. That way I can try it on with my helmet. Most dive hoods are pretty thick, restrict your flexibility more than you want for paddling, and will fit under your helmet only if it is really loose when you are bare headed. Check out those ...
by Cowper
Thu Oct 11, 2007 7:38 pm
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: Chaco Sandals Delamination Problem - Company Makes Good!
Replies: 6
Views: 7395

Chaco Sandals Delamination Problem - Company Makes Good!

On our Grand Canyon trip, my only footwear was a pair of Chaco sandals purchased in May of this year. Since my last pair lasted for over a decade, I thought my chances of needing "spares" was near zero. I was wrong. By about day 3 the shoes had delaminated and on one, the vibram sole was a...
by Cowper
Tue Oct 09, 2007 11:04 pm
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: GPS
Replies: 15
Views: 6139

Had been looking at the Venture Cx ($175 at amazon). One reason is it has a card slot for expanding memory. Not sure whether this really expands the memory or just allows you to load into internal memory from memory cards. Ok my question. Do you prefer the Venture HC ($159 at Walmart) because of th...
by Cowper
Mon Oct 08, 2007 11:19 pm
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: GPS
Replies: 15
Views: 6139

OK, outdoors as primary focus, features for auto use not important to you. Here's a cut-to-the-chase recommendation: Garmin eTrex Venture HC. Price is very reasonable; small, waterproof, can download enough topo maps to cover Arkansas or any one state you might be vacationing in at the time. Doesn't...
by Cowper
Sun Oct 07, 2007 6:26 am
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: Cold Weather Clothing
Replies: 12
Views: 3813

Also, I was thinking about adding a neoprene hood or helmet liner to the order. Anyone tried any of these or a similar item that you like (they're at the bottom of the page)? http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1768 My helmet is a model without drain holes, and I have a full drysuit,...
by Cowper
Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:22 pm
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: Cold Weather Clothing
Replies: 12
Views: 3813

Unless you know you are very warm blooded, I would go with the 3 mm wetsuit. The jacket is a good choice. You won't get the full benefits of the breathability when worn over the wetsuit which does not breathe, but when worn alone in less extreme weather you'll be glad it breathes. You also need a po...
by Cowper
Thu Jul 12, 2007 9:01 pm
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: Kayak Advice
Replies: 3
Views: 2573

http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/prodigy-10 Perception says: The Prodigy is ideal for many types of water…lakes, ponds, sounds and slow, deep rivers. If you're really wanting to run some II's and maybe a III now and then, this boat seems more tuned towards the fishing and flatwater end of the spectru...
by Cowper
Wed Jul 04, 2007 11:31 pm
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: Paddle feathering
Replies: 3
Views: 2284

I want the feather that requires the least wrist rotation. Zero degrees, you might be thinking... Not so, at least not for me. Everyone knows that with a 70 to 90 degree offset, you must cock your wrist "backwards" to take a stroke on the offside. But I find that If I get less than 30 degr...
by Cowper
Sat May 19, 2007 10:42 am
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: Vibram Fivefingers
Replies: 18
Views: 5481

I applaud new and innovative products, and I'm sure for some folks this will be the best thing since sliced bread, so if you're one of those folks, I'm OK with that. That said, for me, I've been tempted to go to those mitten style gloves for harsh winter paddling. Everyone who has them says mittens ...
by Cowper
Mon May 07, 2007 8:43 pm
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: Boat sizes
Replies: 3
Views: 2967

I'm not sure exactly which models you mean, because on their website they call them 14', 16', and 17', but list no 15' model. Their 16' model is really 15'-9", so I'm thinking maybe that is what you were referring to. Their 16' model, which is 15'-9" long, is based on the old Blue Hole OCA...
by Cowper
Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:42 pm
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: River Runner/Playboat vs. Creek Boat
Replies: 6
Views: 4506

Based on past experience and other comments, I'd say go with the Fun or maybe even a 4Fun. The creek boat won't play and surf as well, and based on boats and rivers you mention, I don't think you'd have to paddle a creek boat to step up to the rivers you named. On Fun vs. 4Fun, ask yourself, are you...
by Cowper
Fri Apr 20, 2007 6:36 pm
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: Solo canoes
Replies: 9
Views: 5778

If the pack canoe is the one I think it is, the sides are extremely low - good for keeping the weight down, but makes the boat very borderline for use on moving water because even small waves will wash in over the sides. My wife briefly considered an Old Town Pack canoe, but ended up getting a Wenon...
by Cowper
Sun Jan 21, 2007 8:54 pm
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: What's the BEST creekboat for AR?
Replies: 15
Views: 9983

Not to sound old fashioned here,but would those boat do well for the ladies? Smaller people (regardless of what genetic factor caused them to be smaller) may find many of the popular creek boats a bit too big. The one down side to a high volume creek boat is that there is a lot of surface area for ...
by Cowper
Sun Jan 21, 2007 8:59 am
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: What's the BEST creekboat for AR?
Replies: 15
Views: 9983

Aw, gee, ask an EASY question next time. :lol: Test drives are good, but I find that test drives in a pool don't always tell me what I need to know about how the boat will handle on moving water. I'd say it is really more about what creeks you want to do, and your personal paddling style. Micro-cree...
by Cowper
Fri Dec 01, 2006 5:55 am
Forum: Gear Review
Topic: Waterproof / Water-Resistant Digital Cameras
Replies: 94
Views: 39392

Wow, that is a good link on batteries - those who own a camera with a Li-ion battery should take the time to at least browse it. For those not into metric yet, 25C = 77 degrees F, 40 C = 104 degrees F. This means, bringing your camera into the house for storage in summer, leaving it in the car in wi...