07-02-2004, 10:38 PM
[cool][#0000ff][size 1]I wouldn't recommend carrying your craft in a partially inflated or uninflated mode. Air it up tight and it will provide better balance and rigidity. And, you won't have to mess with getting the air chambers straight when you are ready to go fishing.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you use a frame or that strap arrangement, you can carry the tube with either the top or bottom up against your back. I recommend the latter, and use bungee cords to lash down your net, basket and other loose items...as in the pic below. I have a basket of fish covering the home made stretch cord bungees.[/size][/#0000ff]
![[Image: gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=5386;]](http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=5386;)
[#0000ff][size 1]Finally, it is a pain carrying everything in your hands. I still carry my rods and fins in my hands, and my battery in a pocket on my fishing vest. TubeBabe doesn't have the hand strength to carry all that load a long ways, so I rigged up a waist belt for her, using an old skin diving belt I had. She straps the fins and the battery around her waist and carries only her rods in her hands...after getting the Fat Cat balanced on her noggin with the tump line.[/size][/#0000ff]
![[Image: gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=5385;]](http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=5385;)
[#0000ff][size 1]Batteries do not usually come with carrying handles. I added one, using nylon rope and the all purpose duct tape. Quack Quack. You don't have to watch out for acid spills when carrying or using the SLA batteries, so they ride fine hanging on a belt. You could also use a heavy mesh contractors' belt, or anything else that would hold your gear and ride comfortably.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Still another alternative would be to hang a strap across your chest "bandolier" style, with the fins and battery, etc., hanging off to one side. This is not nearly as comfortable on a long trek.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If nothing else, going through this exercise will make you think carefully about what is vital and what is not absolutely necessary on a tubin' trip. Those extra six packs don't look so good when you gotta think about how you are going to carry them...and how much weight is involved.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][size 1]If you use a frame or that strap arrangement, you can carry the tube with either the top or bottom up against your back. I recommend the latter, and use bungee cords to lash down your net, basket and other loose items...as in the pic below. I have a basket of fish covering the home made stretch cord bungees.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Finally, it is a pain carrying everything in your hands. I still carry my rods and fins in my hands, and my battery in a pocket on my fishing vest. TubeBabe doesn't have the hand strength to carry all that load a long ways, so I rigged up a waist belt for her, using an old skin diving belt I had. She straps the fins and the battery around her waist and carries only her rods in her hands...after getting the Fat Cat balanced on her noggin with the tump line.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Batteries do not usually come with carrying handles. I added one, using nylon rope and the all purpose duct tape. Quack Quack. You don't have to watch out for acid spills when carrying or using the SLA batteries, so they ride fine hanging on a belt. You could also use a heavy mesh contractors' belt, or anything else that would hold your gear and ride comfortably.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Still another alternative would be to hang a strap across your chest "bandolier" style, with the fins and battery, etc., hanging off to one side. This is not nearly as comfortable on a long trek.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If nothing else, going through this exercise will make you think carefully about what is vital and what is not absolutely necessary on a tubin' trip. Those extra six packs don't look so good when you gotta think about how you are going to carry them...and how much weight is involved.[/size][/#0000ff]
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