Bouyancy Aid - Equipment

Items
In front pocket
In front external accessory pocket
Shoulder straps
In internal pouch (behind zip)
In front pocket

Roll of repair tape.

Wound dressing.

Large heavy duty poly bag (cut head and arm holes and it'll act as an emergency poncho).

 

Garmin 725e marine VHF (leashed)

Combined LED torch & emergency strobe.

Watch.

Spare leash - useful for securing things like a head torch, hat etc.

"Leatherman"
(copy - £2.99 special offer with petrol!).

Kutmaster one-handed opening stainless steel folding knife (leashed).

Day/night hand flare.

Signal mirror.

Whistle.

Lendal Padlok key. (All leashed).

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Platypus drinking tube - the bladder is in the pouch on the back of the BA.
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Other Kit / Notes

The BA is a Kokatat MS Fit. Although marketed as being designed for women, it's unisex.

The radio and knife leashes are on clips so they can be easily removed as necessary. The knife is never used as a utility knife so it is guaranteed to always be sharp and the leash is adjustable for length. Some people feel that having a knife on a leash is unsafe - the argument being that if you are being tossed around in the water with an open knife swinging on a leash then you're likely to get injured. I suggest you make your own choice as to whether to leash or not. I also carry another folding knife in my kit for everyday use in camp.

The "Leatherman" has a wrist loop. I also carry a genuine Leatherman in my kit. I don't mind losing a £2.99 "copy" overboard, but would mind very much if I lost the real one.

Mike Buckley - April 2008