Nookie River Monster BA / PFD

Reading another thread relating to buying a BA it prompted me into getting round to reviewing some of my kit. Its very difficult buying paddling kit 'blind' without the benefit of experience. With that in mind hopefully this will help someone to reaching a decision on purchasing a BA.

The need was for a BA for use during a Swift Water Rescue course and for general open boating and river work. To have a chest harness and plenty of buoyancy for white water 'play' out of the boat. I approached Keith at Bear creek and several other retailers at the outdoor show 2006. The River Monster being one suggestion amongst others. I chose this because of value for money (being the archetypal Yorkshire man with short arms and deep pockets) comfort, features, build quality, chest harness and comfort.



This is the manufacturer tech spec;

SIZES
S/M Small/Medium
L/XL Large/Extra Large

Does exactly what it says on the tin. For white water use its fantastic, the shoulder straps are ideal and sturdy enough for being dragged out of fast moving water. The array of straps offer bags of adjustment The crab park is fantastic allowing for the 'additional' cow tail and river crab to kept parked tidily until needed and a quick pull deploys it with ease. This can be used either left or right handed and prevents having something else to snag on the BA. the pocket with inner mesh pocket fits plenty although the reinforced lip can prove to be awkward when climbing into a raft from the water, especially when full. Little details I like are easy to handle zip toggles, easy to find chest harness release and the crab park.



What don't I like? well apart from the pocket protrusion, not much. It would benefit from a knife pocket, this I have overcome with the addition of a mobile phone pocket from a cheap ruck sack as seen in the picture.



A minor point but the quick release buckle had a sharpish edge that did scratch my arm up a little when paddling, however 1 minute with sand paper resolved this. It is also incredibly awkward to pull on over a rear zipped dry suit but I dare say that will be the same with all pull over BA's.

It keeps your torso warm when its cold, it also keeps your torso warm when its warm so bare this in mind. As a dedicated open canoe BA its probably not ideal as a front zipped touring BA with pockets would be more comfortable, but I'd rather be safe than comfortable, besides its comfortable enough to wear all day, its just the dry suit issue really. Its been tested time and again and I am confident that when it matters its more than up to the job. So would I recommend it? certainly, fantastic value for money 70nm BA. Go but one today, it may save your life some day.

This review was first posted on our forum so if you have any comments or questions post them HERE

Song of the Paddle; The Call of the Open Canoe