Cold weather testing on the Astral Green jacket.

[737driver]

I did some below freezing testing on the tri-glide and release buckle on the Astral Green jacket. There have been issues reported with this buckle when paddling in icy conditions. However, this is not a problem specific to this jacket. It can happen to any of them. I highly recommend that you free the buckle and release of ice before you attempt to tether into anything. It took significant force to free the webbing when the tri-glide was frozen. https://vimeo.com/119024979

[Sir Kayakalot]

Wow. Thanks for the heads-up Clay. I was not aware of this myself.

Tommy

[ShayA]

Nice work on the test.

[Twindad]

Clay, when did you do the test? Falls race?

[737driver]

No. Did it last week. Pfd was frozen in the freezer.

[magicmike]

If I remember right, Rob asked Tom about this issue and was told that once the buckle hits the water, (which will always be above freezing), it should release with no problems. Maybe one of them will post up to elaborate. Did you test it after submerging in water? -M-

[737driver]

Yes. It does release in water, but I wanted people to be aware that it will hang up unless it is submersed. Such as boat towing or anchoring in for a belay.

[magicmike]

Thanks for all of your hard work in the field of Swiftwater rescue. -M-