10-18-2003, 10:13 PM
[cool]What's the matter, FB2? You runnin' outta gas luggin' that heavy old tube around?
As I have stated in quite a few places, when discussing the things to look for in a craft, weight can be a consideration. And, the heavy butyl rubber inner tubes still used in many round models are definitely heavier than the thin walled vinyl air chambers included on most newer models.
You have one of the "big man" tubes...with a 22" inner tube. I got the top of the line quality, so there is a lot of rubber in it and it is heavy. I'm guessing it weighs about 4 pounds. That is a lot of extra weight to carry very far...especially if you have other gear too.
The only place I know that they sell vinyl bladders is on this web site: [url "http://www.shopoutdoors.com/floattubes.html"]http://www.shopoutdoors.com/floattubes.html[/url]
They have a 22" vinyl air chamber for the Caddis Pro Line II that will fit your tube. You have to write or email them for exact prices and specifications. They only quote $25 to $45 on their site...plus shipping.
If you get a price quote, also get a weight on the vinyl bladder. It should weigh no more than a pound or so. Otherwise, you will spend more money for very little weight savings.
The other thing to consider is that the vinyl air bladders are not as tough as the inner tube rubber. They will puncture more easily...from stickers on the bank and from dropping perch or other spiny fish on them.
If you want to do some hiking into the Uintas, you might want to save a few dollars and get a superlight tube. Some models are very light and fold up into a backpack easily. But, you still have to have fins and waders. Those high mountain lakes are cold...all year.
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As I have stated in quite a few places, when discussing the things to look for in a craft, weight can be a consideration. And, the heavy butyl rubber inner tubes still used in many round models are definitely heavier than the thin walled vinyl air chambers included on most newer models.
You have one of the "big man" tubes...with a 22" inner tube. I got the top of the line quality, so there is a lot of rubber in it and it is heavy. I'm guessing it weighs about 4 pounds. That is a lot of extra weight to carry very far...especially if you have other gear too.
The only place I know that they sell vinyl bladders is on this web site: [url "http://www.shopoutdoors.com/floattubes.html"]http://www.shopoutdoors.com/floattubes.html[/url]
They have a 22" vinyl air chamber for the Caddis Pro Line II that will fit your tube. You have to write or email them for exact prices and specifications. They only quote $25 to $45 on their site...plus shipping.
If you get a price quote, also get a weight on the vinyl bladder. It should weigh no more than a pound or so. Otherwise, you will spend more money for very little weight savings.
The other thing to consider is that the vinyl air bladders are not as tough as the inner tube rubber. They will puncture more easily...from stickers on the bank and from dropping perch or other spiny fish on them.
If you want to do some hiking into the Uintas, you might want to save a few dollars and get a superlight tube. Some models are very light and fold up into a backpack easily. But, you still have to have fins and waders. Those high mountain lakes are cold...all year.
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