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EQUIPMENT SURVIVAL TIPS
by Kokobob
While water is our best friend on the river and the more of it the better; keep in mind that both on and especially OFF the
river, water can take a toll on your equipment. The longer things are wet, the quicker their materials can break down, Some things to think about after your river trip that will insure that your gear gives you
years of excellent service.Leaving things wet for any length of time can cause serious decomposition of fabric and strength. Always open you dry box and alone moisture to evaporate and dry the gaskets.
Leave the box open so that pressure is off the gasket, this way you save the sealing quality of your gaskets. Rinse your PFD and throw bags and allow them to dry between trips, the bacteria in river water will cause a protein to build up on rope and fabric that will cause dry rot. Rinse your binders and straps the same way ; sand and grit can build up in the gates and cams cause real problems. Wet suits, Fuzzy Rubbers, Slash Tops and Bottoms will have the same problem with bacteria build up and lose there water shedding capabilities, especial GoreTex. Hang them so that air can circulate through the layers. Boots, rinse them in a mild detergent, the Fungus is Among us. A good idea is to put some Gold Bond Powder in these, but ONLY when they are dry and then shake out the excess. Always open and leave open your dry bags and rinse them if they leak. For rubber and neoprene, a little Armor All or 303 will give long life to this type of material.
No chlorine base soaps on your fabric stuff. It will kill the life instantly. Rinsing stuff in a bacterial soap and a touch of Frabreeze or Downy will help knock off the
mildew and odor, not that we worry about ODOR?
We spend a lot of buck for good quality gear and it should last up a long time, if we take care of it....haha... Losing stuff happens...wearing
out stuff happens...that is beyond our control, but wear and tear is totally an individual's maintenance of their equipment. More helpful hints in the next exciting addition.
Safe paddle'n....KOKOBOB
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