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ACCESSORIZE FOR SPRING KBOMB


gearbag


RESCUE GEAR TO FLIP OVER, PLUS PISS OFF YOUR BOSS AND GET PHAT, NOT FAT


BOMBER GEAR


Like any good accessory, Bomber Gear’s KBomb skirt turns heads and can be personal- ized to match the rest of your outfit. This one’s not all fashion though. Bomber Gear returns to the paddling scene (again) in 2012 with a new, complete line of dry and safety gear. The KBomb features Teflon-based ink injected directly into the pores of the neoprene— science-speak for a seriously dry skirt that’s more durable and better looking than plain old, all-black neoprene. The KBomb’s rubber rand is combined with heavy-gauge shock cord for an easy-to-install deck that seals tighter than Tupperware. High Sign: Graphics look bomber. Low Sign: The Teflon ink run- ning up the waist tunnel reduced the four-way


stretch, even skinny publisher, Scott, had to work to pull it over his hips. www.bombergear.com. $180


NRS CAPTAIN RESCUE KNIFE


The hooked tip is what really sets the Captain apart—no sweat slicing snagged line in a panic. The folding ser- rated blade opens singlehandedly and you’ll never have to worry about acciden- tal stabs or loose screws again—its blunt tip doubles as a slot screwdriver. The butt also houses a built-in glass-breaker. And, because NRS knows every captain deserves a beer after a hard day’s paddle, there’s an in- tegrated bottle-opener in this Captain’s soft- grip handle. High Sign: Enough functionality to satisfy MacGyver (too bad he didn’t care for alcohol). The glass-breaking tool makes us want to buy one for the glove compart- ment too. Low Sign: The folding blade is not as robust as a fixed blade and requires one more step in a rescue. www.nrsweb.com. $40


Digital Extra: To watch this new gear in action, go to Rapidmag.com/0044 or download the Rapid app.


H2O


RESCUE GEAR GUIDE’S SHARPSHOOTER


CHA CO PONSUL BULLOO


Sport sandals hit the mainstream in the early ‘90s. Twenty years on, workplace fashion police still shudder when they make it into the office—another reason why paddlers can’t hack it in the nine-to-five world. The Ponsul offers Chaco’s renowned arch support, Vibram outsole and familiar strap adjustment system. The capable hybrid also has a Lycra upper that allows water to flow but keeps river debris out, and closed toes so you’re protected against unwanted exposure on the river or at the office. High Sign: Water-ready, slip-resistant soles. No more sand and pebbles wearing through dry suit booties. Low Sign: Doesn’t score any more points for off-river fashion. www.chacos.com. $TBA


Stuffed with 75 feet of 1,600-pound tensile strength, 5/16-inch WaterLine, the Sharpshooter had us feeling con- fident on the river. A great choice for guides and rescue professionals, H2O’s double-stitched heavy-duty Cordura throw bag also comes with a quick-release belt for waist-wearing, reflective taping and a luminary pouch for glow sticks. No second- guessing needed—all of H2O’s kit is designed by whitewater rescue pros and stitched and stuffed in America. High Sign: Built for real life rescues, not just to satisfy legal boating require- ments. Low Sign: The blue bag we demoed isn’t super high visibility—the orange option is the better bet. www.h2orescuegear.com. $80


—Michael Mechan www.rapidmag.com 23


PHOTO: DAN CALDWELL


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