It’s typically suggested to keep away from video games referred to as “live bait.” Notably if you’re the bait in query, and it’s as irresponsible because it sounds: leaping boat-less into whitewater, tethered to a throw rope, and aiming to seize an unconscious boater. For this to be secure, you want a rescue vest — a specifically souped-up PFD — and never a small quantity of confidence.
Fortunately, my Kokatat HustleR Rescue Vest was greater than up for the duty. This “game” is basically solely “fun” on this managed state of affairs (my current swiftwater coaching course). And, since I wouldn’t wish to mess up the maneuver in actual life, now was the perfect alternative to behave like a human claw machine and observe.
After checking my buckles and taking a deep breath, I clipped into the throw rope. My shore workforce braced themselves, and I efficiently dragged a person (100 kilos or heavier than me) to security. Throughout the complete course of, the HustleR carried out splendidly.
I put the HustleR via the wringer this spring, paddling the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers in Oregon and through my current swiftwater rescue course, the place it was each comfy and succesful. I examined the vest paddling class I-III whitewater and thru a handful of rescue workouts.
In brief: The HustleR PFD ($289) is constructed for intermediate and superior paddlers with rescue coaching and is designed to arrange gear for environment friendly motion on the water. A wise minimize retains the majority down when paddling, and for many who steadily paddle depraved water, this vest is a winner.
There are many PFDs available on the market, however just a few true rescue vests. To see how the HustleR stacks as much as these and others, take a look at GearJunkie’s Finest PFDs Purchaser’s Information.
Adjustable shoulder straps permit paddlers to regulate for chest dimension
Massive entrance pocket retains objects properly organized and drains simply
A knife tab can maintain your raft knife from getting torn off whereas paddling
Detachable rescue belt
Lengthy, further materials on the tow strap (which could be minimize down)
The vest itself could be cumbersome to tug on
Some knives are too giant to be appropriate with the knife tab
Claire Barber
Kokatat HustleR Rescue Vest: Overview
The HustleR is a step up from typical PFDs and incorporates a number of particular rescue options; (picture/Claire Barber)
First, a Primer: PFDs vs. Rescue Vests
A “rescue vest” typically has rescue gear for recovering gear and swimmers whereas on a river. An everyday PFD is not going to be geared up to deal with rescue maneuvers. If you can be frequenting class II rapids and above steadily, it’s all the time a good suggestion to take a Swiftwater Rescue course and put money into a rescue vest.
The primary function of a rescue vest is a rescue belt, which is specifically designed to hook up with a “pig tail” or tow line to haul gear or swimmers. If, for instance, a kayak flips and the paddler moist exits, you need to use your tow line to take the kayak again to shore.
Alternatively, the rescue belt also can join a rescuer to the tip of a throw rope and rescue a swimmer or gear (“live bait”). The belt has a fast launch if issues get snagged or the water will get scary.
A rescue vest may also produce other distinctive options, like spots to stash tow tethers and strengthened shoulders or stress factors. A rescue vest just like the HustleR ought to solely be utilized by correctly educated paddlers.
Security Capabilities on the HustleR
The short-release harness system permits for superior rope work throughout rescues; (picture/Claire Barber)
This vest is a workhorse when it’s important to rescue a swimmer, gear, or your self. Its considerate group retains gear the place you need it, and its low-profile match makes me really feel nimble whereas offering loads of flotation and safety on my again.
Floating via rapids throughout my swiftwater coaching, I felt fully supported and buoyant. My face and higher physique might pivot, and I might swim with and with out a paddle. Paddling to shore and into eddies was unhindered. My arms have been in a position to catch and deal with a throw bag comfortably.
On shore, the vest is as low-profile as on the water. Positive, my chest is puffed out (it’s simply how PFDs work), nevertheless it was simple to behave quick on land. The vest even held as much as being dragged throughout a boulder when my workforce dropped me — on accident.
A stable rescue vest shouldn’t impede your swimming, and the HustleR is well-shaped; (picture/Claire Barber)
Plus, the protection system itself is adjustable. The tow/security belt is totally detachable, which is nice for flat, low-risk days, and it simply reattaches when you’re prepared for a day with whitewater.
One minor flaw is that the protection belt may be very lengthy. That is nice for dimension accessibility and adaptability, however the belt ought to finally be minimize down. Take a look at how a lot of that tail you really want (adjusting for layers). Reducing the remaining off will scale back the time you’ll have to fully be launched from the system.
Once more, I like that this permits paddlers to regulate for their very own dimension desire, but when not modified appropriately, it might scale back the effectivity of the discharge system.
It’s within the Particulars
The clamshell pocket on the entrance of the HustleR wrangles your entire river necessities; (picture/Claire Barber)
The place the HustleR actually shines is in its particulars. The vest has a conveniently lined lash tab for knives (since everyone knows getting in/out of a raft will rip them off), and the shoulder adjustment straps could be simply tucked away so that they keep out of your face. The rugged Cordura shell will final for years (mine nonetheless seems model new) in the event you dry and take care of it appropriately.
The clamshell pocket retains my cellphone, carabiners, keys, and snacks organized and safe on the water. Plus, in the event you paddle with a tether, there’s a spot to stash the attachment up prime to maintain it from snagging or getting in the best way.
Match & Mobility
The match of the HustleR collects the majority of the float decrease on the torso, leaving good house for paddling; (picture/Claire Barber)
The vest itself rides low on the chest and supplies ample room for motion. I really like how properly the shoulder straps modify, particularly since I usually take away and add layers from float to drift, although the sizing doesn’t work for everybody. The curved foam paneling retains the vest from feeling too cumbersome, though different vests have decrease profiles (just like the Astral GreenJacket).
Pulling the jacket on and off can be a wrestle, however it’s higher if the vest stays on than if it desires to come back off. Most of be aware is that the HustleR usually suits people with busts significantly better than its counterparts (just like the GreenJacket) due to its adjustable shoulder straps.
Room for Enchancment
Regardless of all of its appeal, this vest has its quirks. Should you anticipate that you just’ll be utilizing the protection belt, guarantee that it’s minimize to dimension. Additionally, if you’re actually bothered by flapping straps, then look elsewhere. This vest stows straps properly, however it may be a course of to get them completely coiled and out of your face.
The Astral GreenJacket, by comparability, doesn’t have this difficulty since your clavicles would not have rigidity straps driving on them. My largest gripe is how troublesome the vest is to tug on/off. If you’re nursing any shoulder mobility points, keep away from this vest.
Kokatat HustleR: Conclusion
The HustleR is a superb choice for whitewater paddling, and it survived the challenges of my swiftwater rescue course; (picture/Claire Barber)
The Kokatat HustleR Rescue Vest is a workhorse that may final season after season. The Cordura shell material holds as much as put on and tear and drains and dries rapidly. The vest was dry each day of my swiftwater course and has but to develop a odor (I even by accident left a soggy Buff within the pocket for per week).
The vest itself is overkill in the event you’ll be on flat water and will not be rescue educated (go for the common Hustle PFD as an alternative). Nonetheless, it’s price having in the event you’ll be in something consequential, particularly you probably have a swiftwater course on the books.
Additionally, it’s price testing the HustleR with a few of your equipment in tow (primarily, not all knives match within the built-in pocket). For these with tight shoulders or who’re used to a side-entry PFD, this vest will really feel clunky when eliminated. It’s undoubtedly not a dealbreaker, however the vest was not designed to be elegantly eliminated.
Regardless, the HustleR Rescue Vest is a mainstay within the paddling neighborhood. Its considerate design will increase ease and luxury on the water, and whereas it won’t match everybody or jive with each system, the vest is a must-try. As a result of when it really works, it simply works properly.
