C ULTIMATE The
ANYON RIG
frame to the raft, we chose beefier 1.5-inch NRS HD straps ($7.00–$11.40 each). We used clove hitches to prevent slipping and so the straps remain on the frame when it is removed. We positioned the buckles so the direction of pull to tighten is toward the center of the boat. This allows us to tighten the frame on the water from inside the raft. Once the frame is secure, we used our K- Pump 40 hand pump ($160) to hard blow the raft, further tightening the frame. For the Cataract oars, we sourced NRS
CARGO We started with the Cambridge Weld- ing aluminum dry box ($393) that we sourced directly from AIRE. The box is 15.5”x15.5”x40” and drops perfectly between our raft tubes with an inch to spare on each side. We liked that the box comes standard with custom welded brackets so it hangs from two crossbars. We chose Yeti’s Tundra 110 ($449.99) as our cooler, 110 being the volume in quarts. Our raft has the width to accommodate a Tundra 120 or 125, but the 110 was spe- cially designed for rafting. Yeti worked with guides to design a cooler that fits in standard aluminum frames and nests so that the frame doesn’t bump the latches and you don’t bump your knuckles when opening the lid. As far as we’re concerned, Yeti builds the most rugged coolers on the market. If we were running an 18-day trip in the Grand Canyon we’d mount a second 110. Duffels offer better accessibility and who
needs backpack straps to carry gear 25 yards up the beach? We ordered a couple Water- shed 105-litre Colorado duffels ($149.95 each) for personal gear. As a day deck bag for hiking shoes, sunscreen and other fiddly bits, we ordered the large Watershed Tramp Mesh Duffel ($69.95), although we could have gotten away with their smaller MD ($54.95). We’ll stuff the rest of the camping gear in less expensive dry backpack-style NRS Bill’s Bags ($69.96 to $94.95).
THE BUILD Building the frame begins with setting the outer rails in place and lying the crossbars roughly where you think they will go. The first big decision is where to set our
NRS eight-inch-tall oar stands ($94.95/pair). We centered the oar stands on the frame— the neutral position for a gear boat. If we were to have a crew of bow paddlers, we’d move our rowing position back.
34 RAPID EARLY SUMMER 2012 Instead of a guide seat, we opted to use
our dry box with a one-inch foam pad ($69) we sourced from AIRE. Jeff told us that our seat should be set so that when you pull on the oars your butt is not rolling off the back, and when you push hard on the oars you are not sliding off the front. The position of your foot rail depends on the length of your legs. After a test run, I realized I needed to come forward on the seat to get closer to the oar stands due to my short torso. I had to push the NRS custom foot bar ($134.95) forward to give me more leg extension. Once you find the right spot, either leave the frame assembled, or mark it with a Sharpie to remember the perfect spot. The placement of the foot bar dictates the
position of the forward box, in our case the Yeti cooler. We sandwiched the Yeti between two crossbars and slung it using an NRS adjustable cooler mount ($74.95). On a custom fabricated frame, build- ers use aluminum checker plate to create gear or walking platforms along the length of the frame. NRS uses modular side rail racks ($69.95 each) made of marine-grade plywood topped with a no-slip protective surface. These running boards make moving about the raft easier and safer. Ahead of the cooler, we had room to rig an
NRS Campsite Counter ($245). Talk about a multi-tasking piece of gear. It’s a folding camp table, a bench in the raft and could be used as a makeshift backboard. Under the table we hung a small NRS cargo net (with- out straps $54.95), forming a hammock-like storage area for smaller items and bags. In the stern, behind the dry box, we slung a large NRS cargo platform ($54.95) that hangs like a trampoline and acts as a suspended floor. This is where we’ll pile the bigger dry bags, strapped down or covered with a cargo net. Making sure the frame was still centered
front-to-back and side-to-side, we ratcheted it tight and prepared the straps. To lash the
Atomic aluminum oarlocks ($74.95/pair) fastened using stainless springs and wash- ers ($6.95/set) and, instead of split rings, we ordered fancy lynch pins ($1.50 each). We chose threaded Sawyer Cobra Scull Lock oarlocks ($59.99 each) to use with the Sawyer SquareTops. We double-checked that both sets of oars can be used in both types of locks and we ordered a spare of each. The one-piece Sawyers come ready to go
pre-roped and with rubber oar stops. Our Cataract SGGs took a little more setting up. First, we installed the molded oar sleeves ($14.95 each), which protect the oar shafts when rubbing against the oarlocks. Then we slipped on the large plastic oar stops ($29.95/ pair). We put on the NRS oar tethers ($39.95/pair), which are leashes for the oars in case we blow them out of the oarlocks, and snapped on the Cataract Magnum blades. Sitting in the guide position, we measured up the oars. After one day on the water, I figured that I wanted my hands closer together. I reset the oars, leaving just enough room for my thumb knuckles to pass by one another. Finally, we added a set of Cataract counter- weights ($69.95/pair), making the oars feel almost weightless. What a difference these will make on a long trip. Before our test run, we hung our spare oars with NRS oar keepers ($19.95/pair). We installed our NRS bow line and flip lines, and clipped in our throw bag. The rest of the gear we’ll test on our first real multi-day in our ultimate canyon rig.
RULES OF RIGGING
• If you open it, close it. If you loosen it, tighten it.
• Pad sharp edges to protect you and the boat. • Run straps through items rather than just over them.
• As much as possible, strap items individu- ally. If one strap blows it will not compro- mise the load.
• Rig to flip.
KEEP STUFF OFF THE FLOOR As a general rule, suspend all gear from your frame because: • The floor needs to flex and bend over waves. • This shares the load along the full length of the raft.
PHOTO: MICHAEL MECHAN
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