Gear Garage Live Show | March 11th, 2024
This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater.
Topics and links that Zach talked about this episode
Questions that Zach covered in the Q&A section of this episode
Topic: 1998 Hyside
I have been paddle guiding, rowing, and kayaking for over 20 years. Most of my rafting experience is class 3 and 4.
I have a 1998 Hyside raft. The floor is intact and does not leak but the i-beams have all blown out. I have been continuing to use it on class 3 water since the i-beams failed. Obviously it does not track as well as it used to, but it still seems fine overall.
Do you think I should be concerned about anything? Do you think that this floor situation will cause the raft to perform significantly worse in class 4 water?
Given the age of the raft, I don't plan to spend $1,000 for a new floor. The yellow rub strake is starting to peel off and I expect that over the next few years, other parts of the raft will slowly begin to degrade.
Topic: What boat to buy for rafting and fishing?
I won the lottery! I pulled a permit for the Middle Fork. Late July. Hell has frozen over.
Looking to buy a boat that can take us down the MF, but also be reconfigured for fishing. Live within a few hours of NRS HQ, in case that is a deciding factor.
I heard you say everyone should be in a 16'. All my friends have 14's. We sometimes share trailers, etc. Should I take that into consideration
Topic: Drug Dogs on the Middle Fork
Apologies for the taboo question, but here goes. I saw this link on Reddit discussing drug dogs and agents on the MF. Can you share your experience?
Topic: Favorite Folding Knife
I have been watching way too many of your Gear Garage videos on knives. This is after I purchased the new NRS Pilot folding knife, which I am not able to easy deploy in a safe way. Anyway, I am just going to ask: At this time, what is your favorite go to folding knife?
Topic: Groovers
Montana is removing the pit toilets on one of its Permitted Rivers this year. I've watched your videos on the Selway Fab Riverbank Groover. I bought one, there are a couple of things I don't like about it. But I'll leave it at that.
I plan to use the 780 microbiologic chemical. Do you find that strong enough throughout a MF trip? Or do you add something extra everyday?
My trip will be 15people 5days. Almost everyone will be first time Groover users, so smell is going to be an issue for them. Hoping to get buy with 1 vault. If not 5gal bucket and gamma will be the backup vault.
Also with the pit toilets some of ladies would discard their "products" right into the pit toilets. I want to eliminate any chances of that happening in my groover. What's your system for Feminine hygiene at the groover in bear country?
Scat machine or Rv hose, Which do you prefer with the Riverbank?
Thanks for all that you do I really appreciate it and I'm sure many others do aswell.!! I've learned a wealth of knowledge just from your channel!
On a side note where's Aaron and Steve? I enjoyed the banter and debates. It was quite comical and informative at the same time.
