Peak UK 15m Towline

The Peak UK Towline is a 15m towline system with the ability to be waist or deck mounted. It features a webbing waist belt with quick release buckle. The bag element is a large shaped pouch akin to a walking/mountain biking bum bag with a zip open top lid. This is made from sturdy fabric with hi-vis reflective tape on the outside. The ‘floor’ of the pouch is made from pastic grid material to allow drainage of any water from the pouch. There is a vertical synch strap running from the top lid down to base of the pouch which allows the volume to be reduced when stowed.

Looking at the actual towline, the red line has a larger non-snag snap gate at the towing end with a float in the line immeadiately behind it. There is then a section of line of a metre or so before the line is daisy chain coiled. The end of the daisy chain then features a smaller non-snag snap gate which keeps the coils in place allowing the towline to be used at around a 5m length. Unclipping this smaller snap gate allows the coils to pull free and the towline extends to it’s full 15m length. The towline is attached via a bungee shock absorbing loop (with rope back-up) to a stainless D ring which is fitted through both the waist belt and bag itself.

Adapting The Towline

Out of the packaging the Peak UK towline has a couple of aspects I wanted to adapt to enhance it’s use. I have made 3 key changes:

1. Moved the float just over 1/2 a sea kayak boats length down the line.
2. Changed the way the snap gate is attached to the line from a knot to whipped line
3. Diasy Chain coiled all the line from the float to the end of the line

This has ensured I have a clean line at the towing end, particularly when feeding the towline under deck lines to clip a second boat in a rafted tow situation. The original position of the float prevented this. The extra daisy chain coiling further shortens the line but retains enough length for short tows.

In use

I really like the size of the bag on this towline, plus the fact it comes with two really nice snap gates. Worn as a waist system it is unobtrusive when the bag is synched down. I wear it with the bag at the front, the towing snap gate clipped to my PFD ready fr quick deployment. Towing shorter or longer is comfortable. The bungee does a reasonable job at absorbing the bulk of the shock. Repacking the towline is nice and easy thanks to the large opening at the top of the bag. The quick release does it job – the large ball on the buckle makes it easy to locate. I’ve practised capsizing whilst towing and released the system with no hassle.

I don’t currently have a deck mount set-up rigged on my own boat and am jumping between so many different boats I prefer a system i can take with me however, the large velcro pads sewn on the back of this system look comparable to other deck mounted tow bags. It’s nice that this towline provides both options.

Summary

Full disclosure, I’m lucky to now be part of the Peak Professional Partner System which means I can buy Peak UK kit at a reduced price. However I chose and bought this towline at full cost before I became involved with Peak UK and after using a number of other towlines.

The main problem I encountered on the two other towlines I tried was the small opening to the towline bag which became too much hassle to deal with on the water. The wide opening on the Peak UK Towline is, for me, its major selling point. Add to that the nice stainless hardware and decent build quality and for me this is a cracking towline.

However, I would recommend folks consider the adaptions I made, particularly moving the position of the float to create a clean line at the clipping on end of the system. Alternatively, take a look at Level 5 Sea Coach, Kim Bull’s article on how he adapted his Peak UK Towline.

Images

Useful Links

Peak UK Towline – Peak UK Online Shop
Adapting Your Towline – Article by Kim Bull, Level 5 Sea Coach on adapting a Peak UK Towline.

Whilst 1:25 and 1:50 Ordnance Survey maps are superb for Sea Kayak route planning and navigation, Nautical charts offer another ‘view’ of the coastal landscape. ‘Understanding A Nautical Chart‘ by Paul Boissier is a new release from Wiley Nautical aimed squarely at helping people read and understand the huge array of data contained in a nautical chart.

I should be clear that this book does not teach the reader how to navigate. Instead it looks in great detail at what a nautical chart is, how they are created and then how to read and interpret the data within them.

Initial chapters set the scene of nautical charts: what they are, how they are created, basic history and types of projections. This is followed by a series of chapters, each dedicated chapters to different aspects of the information provided in a nautical chart.

The book makes use of a huge number of colour diagrams and sections of charts to illustrate the subject matter. The last section of the book contains a detailed, illustrated key to all the Admiralty Chart symbols and abbreviations as a quick reference.

Understanding A Nautical Chart is authored by Paul Bossier, an ex-senior Admiral in the Navy and now Chief Executive of the RNLI. It is obvious from the book that he really knows his stuff but what I also liked is the accessible style of his writing. The subject matter, may to some, seem quite dry but I found the book very engaging to read.

It would be all too obvious to state this book is for newcomers to Nautical Charts. However, the audience for this book is far greater. The book has more than enough detail to provide new information chart users of any experience and would provide a superb reference guide. At an A4, paperback size, it’s unlikely to be something you would carry on a trip rather, it would make a nice tool to utilise during the pre-trip planning. At £16-99 it’s not a cheap book (although Amazon currently have it on offer at £11-99) but certainly worth the investment if you are interested in expanding your understanding of Nautical Charts.

Final thoughts would be that, for those paddlers considering attending either of the BCU Navigation Courses, this would be a useful text to develop your knowledge of charts. It’s also worth considering knowing that 50p donation from every sale goes directly to the RNLI.

Useful Links
Understanding a Nautical Chart
– Amazon Bookstore Page
Wiley Nautical – Wiley Nautical Website
RNLI – RNLI Website

I reviewed the first edition of ‘South West Sea Kayaking‘ by Mark Rainsley back in June 2008 (see the original review here).

Roll on three years and Mark has completed a thorough update in the form of the second edition which is now available directly from Pesda Press or from a wide range of kayaking shops.

In terms of whats been updated, Mark posted the following on the Southwest Sea Kayaking website:

What’s different in the new edition? Overall, I made about 450 separate changes to the text;

Out of date information has been updated or removed.

All phone numbers and web links have been checked and updated. I couldn’t believe how many had changed, about half of the accommodation details for instance.

Removed references to out of date accommodation and added new ones, including coastal hostels.

Updated reading/ reference lists.

Where I could squeeze it in, I added extra details about areas and routes.
Reviewed some of the tidal info in the last two chapters (more info available now, it was previously a bit thin).

About half the photos have been changed – I feel that the overall quality is better now, including lots donated kindly by other paddlers.

I hope that this new edition is useful, and helps paddlers to get out and explore the fantastic south-west coast. Thanks to all who helped with the process of updating it.

Comprehensive stuff to say the least. Mark kindly forwarded a copy of the book to me as a thank you for contributing a picture for the Solent section of the guidebook and from reading through the second edition the updates have definitely kept this outstanding guidebook as a must have for anyone paddling in the South West area.

Useful Links
Pesda Press – Publishers of South West Sea Kayaking
Mark Rainsley’s South West Sea Kayaking Website

Last year, I spent some time I spent a few weeks paddling the Tahe Marine Greenland T for an Ocean Paddler Magazine review. Rich, the Editor, has kindly let me republish my review here.

About the test: paddling conditions and paddlers.

Having reviewed the Tahe Marine Greenland for Ocean paddler I was keen to try the Greenland T (Touring) model. The testing took place over two weeks with the Greenland T being put through it’s paces in a predominantly windy (F2-F5) Solent. The kayak was paddled by two paddlers with weights of 72 & 88kg. Inevitably comparisons have been drawn with the smaller sibling Greenland.

Manufacturer’s summary

Bow Front

“This kayak is a direct descendent of the traditional canoe inspired kayaks of Greenland, ancient boats that reached Central Europe as early as the 17th century. Our modern reincarnation uses the same classic low volume hull with a V-shaped bottom. Although this requires a level of proficiency, at the same time it delivers unmatched speed and performance on both calm waters and in the face of breaking waves. The Greenland’s cockpit space for your feet was carefully engineered, keeping in mind the characteristics and needs of the human body on long journeys. On trips that last several days the true wonders of this tradition inspired kayak clearly manifest themselves – speed, lightness and one very relaxed paddler.”

Design

Front Deck

Construction, finish, fittings and ergonomics

Rear Deck

The keyhole cockpit is nicely designed with largish thigh braces. I was pleased to discover that the cockpit coaming seems to be sturdier and less sharp than previous Tahe Marine boats I have paddled. With the Greenland T aimed at larger paddlers than the Greenland or those wishing to undertake extended paddling trips this cockpit is certainly a more comfortable and easier to use proposition than the ocean cockpit on the Greenland model.

Cockpit

The footrest provoked a mixed reaction. They were certainly easy to adjust and very nicely constructed however both paddlers commented that they felt a little too low to allow you to place your foot comfortably on them. Similarly the editor of OP mentioned that they felt slightly small when used wearing Mukluks. The bow of the Greenland T does however provide enough space to comfortably wear more substantial footwear than the Greenland.

Footrest

Another addition to the Greenland T is carrying toggles, vital if it is to fulfill it’s role as a touring kayak. These toggles are secured by lines to keep them flush with the boat.

Three kayaksport hatches provide access to the internal storage. The bow sports a 24cm round hatch, the stern a 15cm day hatch and a 44x26cm oval hatch. The increased volume of the Greenland T certainly provides reasonable storage with Tahe Marine giving it an approximate capacity of 135kg.

Performance

Rear Deck Lines

Once on the water you are struck by the sleek lines of the Greenland T. Despite the fact that is shares the same width as primary boat (a P&H Cetus) the fact that the deck slopes away to either side combined with the sharp bow and low waterline make you realise that you are sat in an very narrow kayak overall. The fit is snug but for the larger paddler significantly more comfortable than the ocean cockpit version of the Greenland. This is due to the larger cockpit and raised front deck. The padded seat is comfortable and over extended paddles a nice development. The back rest did it’s job but lacks adjustment and is something I would customise quite quickly. Smaller paddler I might consider a thin foam padding for the thigh braces however as a larger paddler I think this would make the Greenland T too tight a fit.

Hull

Speed wise, the Greenland T accelerates very well cutting through the water. It held a nice cruising pace easily and could hold it’s own in a short sprint. When really pushed over an extended distance, the shallow v hull starts to lift the bow and prevents the kayak from reaching very high speeds.
Paddling in light winds, the overall low volume does help prevent weather-cocking and the Greenland T held a nice true course. As the wind increased the large skeg copes well allowing the kayak to stay on course regardless of wind direction. The skeg controller was reasonably tight but has a positive action allowing you to make small adjustments easily.

Skeg Control

Rolling the Greenland T remains a joy. It is effortless to lay right back on the low stern and the sleek design allows for seemingly effortless rolls. The snug fit excentuates this allowing the paddler to really ‘fit’ the kayak.

The Greenland T is designed as a touring boat and the extra capacity is certainly welcome carrying kit. Tahe advertise the load range as being up to 298lbs however, I would say this is an optimistic extreme as opposed to optimum load, particularly when you compare it to British style kayaks such as the Nordkapp (optimum load range 160-290lbs) or the Cetus (optimum load range 143-297lbs). However, when compared to to the standard Tahe Greenland it is certainly capable of carrying kit for trips.

As expected, loaded up the initial stability of the Greenland T improves as does its ability to hold a course in wind. The cruising speed did drop but not significantly.

Tahe Marine Greenland T

Dimensions

Length: 545 cm (17’10”)
Width: 53 cm (21”)
Approx. capacity: 135 kg (298 lbs)
Cockpit: 82×45 cm (32¼”x17¾”)         
Weight: 
Retractable skeg                                
Fiberglass: 23-25 kg (42-46 Ibs)
Carbon/aramide: 22-24 kg (40-44 Ibs)
 
Storage:
Front: round hatch 24 cm (10”)
Day hatch: 15 cm (6’’)
Rear: oval hatch 44×26 cm (17”x10¼’’)
 
Conclusion

The high quality construction and finish at a remarkable price put a superb greenland style kayak into an affordable price bracket. Compared to the Greenlander or Bahiya the Greenland T may lack the thicker therefore tougher layup or more advanced outfitting, however this does mean it is up to 10lbs lighter and significantly cheaper. It should also be noted that Tahe offer a ‘heavy duty’ version and various outfitting extras/upgrades if required. |”For the larger paddler wanting to try a Greenland style kayak or the lighter paddler looking to extend their paddling range the Greenland T is real contender.

This ‘Guest Review’ which was kindly written by Sean Smith, better known to many as ‘Fat Paddler‘. You can find out more about Sean at the end of the review:

Introduction

Valley Aquanaut HV RM

Some manufacturers however are heeding the call of different sized paddlers. From Valley in the UK to Boreal Design in Canada, there is a new breed of boat on the market that comes in different paddler sizes. The Valley Aquanaut HV RM is one such boat.

About the Test: Paddling Conditions and Paddler

Valley Aquanaut On Beach

As a paddler I weigh in at a hefty 290lbs, at the high end of the Aquanaut’s capacity guide, and would consider myself at an intermediate skill level. I have had serious injuries in the past, including a shattered pelvis, that make kayak comfort imperative.

Manufacturer’s Summary

Valley Aquanaut Side View

With a slightly lower overall volume than the Composite HV, the PE model is ideal for paddlers requiring a fast and comfortable all-round sea kayak. Ideally suited to average sized paddlers and above, it can carry substantial loads for overnight trips and maintains a reassuring feel.

Design

Valley Aquanaut Top View

The hull maintains a shallow-V shape which gives the boat excellent secondary stability and reasonable primary stability. The cockpit is relatively small for an HV version but the front deck is high enough for the tallest of paddlers to house their feet comfortably. The back deck is nice and low and well suited to Greenland rollers.

Construction, Finish, Fitting and Ergonomics

Valley Aquanaut Cockpit And Rear Deck

The Valley seat system is excellent – it comes with seat padding, hip padding and an adjustable back-band. The comfort level is excellent but the design of the back-band needs further development. During a commando self-rescue in the middle of the shipping lane of Sydney Harbour I discovered the back-band has a tendency to fold under the paddler on the way back into the cockpit making a full re-entry impossible. I’ve since removed the back-band, finding if more comfortable to use without, and making layback-rolls far easier.

Valley Aquanaut Skeg Control

The front and rear hatches on the Aquanaut HV RM must be the most water-right in the world, because they are almost impossible to open and close manually! The day-hatch however is easy to use, although does seem to let a fair bit of water in during rolling.

The adjustable foot pegs are solid and easy to adjust. The bungee set-up on deck is good and works well to hold spare paddles, safety gear and more. The front and rear carry handles are easy to use. The Aquanaut also comes with a recess for a Silva compass which I had installed and find its position suitable for referencing whilst paddling amongst rough stuff.

Performance

Valley Aquanaut In Action

There’s a fair bit of rocker with the design which means tracking is not its strong point. With any wind a decent amount of skeg is required to maintain any tracking whatsoever. Whilst this is a weakness for the long-distance speed paddler, the manoeuvrability is perfect for close-in rock gardening.

Surfing is fairly easy with the Aquanaut. The flared bow keeps the nose from submarining too much when racing down waves and the stern profile works well to stabilise the boat when buried in a wave. Likewise the Aquanaut is excellent at picking up runners at sea and can gather considerable speed when running from wave to wave.

Rolling the Aquanaut is a breeze, even for a heavy paddler with limited flexibility like myself.

Conclusion

Sean & His Valley Aquanaut

On the downside, there are still some improvements required with some of the boat’s fittings, particularly the seat back-band and skeg-slider position.

But these tweaks aside, this is a quality product from Valley, which will promote good paddler habits and an adventurous spirit, and I expect to be paddling it for a while yet.

Score: 8/10

Specifications
Length: 536cm (17’7″)
Width: 57cm (22.5″)
Approx Capacity: 165-295lbs
Weight: 26.5kg (58lbs)
Construction: Triple layer Polyethylene

More information: www.valleyseakayaks.com

About The Reviewer:

Sean Smith, known to many as Fat Paddler, hails from Sydney, Australia. In a short space of time he has become extremely well known for his paddling exploits and charitable work via his excellent website www.fatpaddler.com which has one of the best tag lines going:

Fatpaddler.com :: Paddling Australia’s waterwa…..Hey Sausages!

If you’ve not experienced the Fat Paddler phenomenon I would encourage you to head over the www.fatpaddler.com and take a look.

Valley Aquanaut HV RM

Valley Aquanaut HV RM

Valley Aquanaut HV RM

Jeff Allen’s Throwtow Rescue System has been receiving a lot of interest recently and was featured in issue 23 of Ocean Paddler Magazine. I’ve now got my hands on one and will be putting it through it’s paces with a view to producing a full review in due course.

BCU Level 5 (aspirant) Sea Kayak coach Jeff Allen is well known amongst the Sea Kayaking fraternity for both his Sea Kayak expeditions and for Sea Kayak Cornwall which he runs with Simon Osbourne. One of his courses, Incident Management – Sea, Safety and Rescue, has led to a number of magazine articles and the development of the Throwtow Rescue System, a combined towline and throw line system.

The Throwtow is an interesting piece of kit. First impressions are of a functional design which favours usability and durability over fancy design. It lacks the modern curves, shaping and fashionable colour schemes evident in some Sea kayaking equipment, however this is in no way a criticism. A recently published video (see below) demonstrates how the Throwtow is designed to be used and each part of the system appears to have been carefully thought out to be hard wearing, adaptable and allow flexibility of use.

Rather than try to describe the Throwtow, I will leave you with the video, presented by Jeff Allen himself and a handful of images I have taken before taking the Throwtow out and about. Once I have given the Throwtow some extended use I will post up the review with full details. Stay tuned!

Jeff Allen Throwtow

Jeff Allen Throwtow

Jeff Allen Throwtow

Jeff Allen Throwtow

Jeff Allen Throwtow

Jeff Allen Throwtow

Energiser Lightsticks

These are simple LED lightsticks, one red and one green, running off 3 x A76 batteries (included). They are made of plastic and use a simple twist on/off mechanism. Threaded through a plastic loop on the top of the lightstick is a simple cord lanyard.

Switched on in the dark they produce a reasonable amount of light and are clearly visible from a reasonable distance.

Energiser Lightsticks

Whilst I have yet to make up my mind if they have a real use for night paddling at that price they are a no brainer. What I need to do now is work out if I can waterproof them suitably with some form of ziplock bag or small dry bag. If I can’t then all I’ve lost is the price of a good Caffè Latte and they might do for a few uses before the saltwater destroys them or as an emergency item in the end of a dry bag.

I’ll leave you to make up your own mind but they seem to be selling fast.

Energiser Glowsticks

Energiser Glowsticks

Energiser Glowsticks

Peak UK Adventure Zip

I’ve yet to review a badly designed one but have yet to find my ideal buoyancy aid, instead finding various features on each that I would like to combine to create the my perfect Sea Kayaking BA.

That is, however, until I got my hands on the Peak UK Adventure Zip as part of a set for an Ocean Paddler round up review. Could this be the buoyancy aid I have been looking for?

Features
The Peak Adventure Zip is a front zip PFD with a waist strap with buckle closure and 2 side tension straps. There is also a top buckle that helps close the PFD over the zip with a neat whistle built into the actual clip itself. The shoulders are neoprene with heavy duty webbing and are also adjustable to get a snug fit. On the left shoulder strap (as you face the BA) is a D ring and a special clip for the drinking tube from a water bladder. All the straps are easy to adjust even with cold wet hands with the ends of the webbing straps featuring rubber anti-fray fittings.

The Adventure Zip has 3 main pockets – a left and right front pocket and a rear pouch pocket designed. The two front pockets are large bellows style pockets (approx 18cm tall x 16cm wide) and have horizontal plastic/plastic coated zips at the top of each pocket. These zips are covered by a flap with stretch fabric in each corner to allow the flap to be lifted up and out of the way when accessing the pocket. At the middle of the flap is a reflective webbing loop to help moving the flap with gloved hands. The side walls of the pockets are mesh to allow water to drain out. Inside each pocket is a small webbing loop with a large clip for attaching items. The webbing loop can also be used to tie in equipment.

Peak UK Adventure Zip - Back Pocket

Peak UK Adventure Zip - Drinking Tube Clip

The fabric is very heavy duty ripstop cordura/nylon in a striking red colour-way and the grey webbing is similarly tough and heavy duty. Stitching and finish is superb and I could find not obvious ‘loose’ ends or imperfections.

Test Conditions

I’ve been using the Peak Adventure Zip as my primary buoyancy aid for a couple of months now on full day and short paddles during day and night and in a range of conditions from flat calm seas to blustery F5 with large wind blown swell. Equipment carried has been a VHF, set of mini flares in a small dry bag, mobile phone in waterproof bag, rescue knife, pencil torch, granola bar or mars bar, watch, compass and water bladder.

In Use

Peak UK Adventure Zip - Bellows Pocket

The webbing loops and clips provide ample tie in points and the top opening design means it is easy to select and access items as required without fear of them falling out as found on some vertical zipped pockets (Reed Aquatic Pro for example).

The Adventure Zip is very comfortable. I can adjust it easily to create a snug fit and with the front zip, removing/donning it on the water to adjust layers is simple enough. Whilst paddling it sits low enough down with enough clearance under the arms to prevent any rubbing or chaffing. It also allows for excellent mobility/flexibilty for more dynamic strokes and paddling.

For my low light/night paddling the reflective webbing strips on the front and rear are very welcome as its the light stick pocket although my use of a Kayalite means I have yet to utilise this pocket fully.

To date the Adventure Zip has proved to be extremely tough. The fabric and fittings are all suitably chunky substantial in design to withstanding heavy duty use. There are no signs of any wear or weak spots after 2 months of regular use (the BA has received a rinse in fresh water after each paddle but no other TLC).

At the end of yesterdays paddle (and after reading some discussion on the UKRSGB forums) I took the opportunity to swim a short distance and then perform a couple of self rescues (straddle and re-entry/roll) and was pleased with the results. Swimming was fine – the BA did stayed in place with virtually no riding up although this was over a short distance. I did not ‘dead hang’ in the water so could not comment on whether the Peak Adventure has a tendency to float you face up or face down.

Peak UK Adventure Zip - Whistle

I have found one ‘superfluous’ feature in the form of a whistle built into the top front clip on the buoyancy aid. Whilst is seems like a clever idea I remain unable to actually blow the whistle without cutting it of the buoyancy aid! Maybe some yoga sessions are needed. I would prefer to see a standard whistle on a cord attached at a sensible point on the BA.

Conclusion
The Peak UK Adventure Zip has hit the mark for me. It is the closest to my ideal design I have found with large enough storage capacity, sensibly sized opening to pockets, durable and tough fabrics and fittings and a comfortable fit.

It has plenty of well thought out features and extras, without being gimmicky (with the one exception of the whistle), that make the Adventure Zip a pleasure to use. The attention to details like rubber stops on the end of the webbing straps to prevent fraying, tags on zips to ensure they are easy to operate in the cold, using loops for pocket clips that provide extra tie in points all enhance the basic sensible and comfortable design.

At approx £120 the Peak Adventure Zip is not the cheapest buoyancy aid on the market but the features and excellent build quality fully justify the price tag. The fact that now the test period is over I am planning to contact Peak UK and purchase rather than return the review model Adventure Zip I think speaks volumes.

From Peak UK

• ISO Approved.
• High performance cut.
• Tough ripstop Cordura / nylon shell with neoprene shoulders and sides.
• 50-70N of self moulding soft foam.
• Shoulder, waist and side straps.
• Two front zip pockets with gear clips.
• Large back pocket for Drinks System (included) or flares.
• Internal mesh zip pocket.
• Reflective stripes.

Sizes: S/M. L/XL. XXL
Colours: Red / Grey
Uses: Touring. Ocean. Instruction. Adventure Racing.
Peak UK Website: www.peakuk.com

Purchasing:
The Peak UK Adventure Zip is available from Bournemouth Canoes for £119

Quick review here of a couple of essentials items for transporting and storing your Sea Kayak. I’ve already reviewed a couple of Lomo items (Kayak Gloves & Aqua Boots) and the over-riding impression you are left with is superb quality for astonishingly low prices. These two smaller items are no different.

Lomo Cockpit Cover

Lomo Deck Cover

In use, the cockpit cover is tight enough to remain in place at motorway speeds, but has more give than a deck making it easy to put on. The security strap is a decent length and I tend to thread it through my deck lines and clip it back to the buckle. When the Sea Kayak stored at home, I use the cover to keep creepy crawlies out of the boat however I do like to ensure the boat is clean and dry inside before using it so I’m not creating a breeding ground for mould.

At £15 it’s good value for money, the sort of money some companies charge for nylon versions. If you are in the market for a cockpit cover it’s well worth a look. Further details via the Lomo website.

Lomo Roof Rack Straps

Roof Rack Straps

The straps use 25mm wide high-strength polypropylene webbing and double-spring cam buckle and are 3.5m long. They are sold singly at £3.50, therefore £7 a set. I’ve been using my set for several months with no sign or any wear. Further details via Lomo website.

Jet Boil PCS

Description
The Jetboil Personal Cooking System (PCS) is marketed as a compact ‘food and beverage multi-tool’. It consists of a 1 litre pot, tall and thin in design. This pot is surrounded by a neoprene sleeve with a sewn in webbing handle. When in transit a heavy duty rubber drinking lid, similar to those found on thermal mugs, is attached to the top of the pot. A plastic measuring cup attaches to the bottom to protect the base of the pot.

Jet Boil PCS Heat Exchanger

The burner unit is a small push button ignition affair which screws directly onto the bottom of the pot. It is designed to accept a 100g gas cartridge. When not in use the burner/gas canister can be stowed inside the 1litre pot.

When in use the whole unit is firmly attached together and the neoprene outer/webbing handle allow the pot to be unscrewed from the burner and used as a mug/pot even when hot – the rubber drinking cap coming into play to prevent burnt lips.

In Use

Jet Boil PCS Full Kit

The Jetboil is simple to set up. Drop the burner unit/gas cartridge out of the pot. A half turn until the burner is attached to the base of the pot. Turn on the gas and push the ignition. This can all be done in seconds.

The burner is quite ferocious for it’s size and testing showed the published 2 mins for half a litre of water to be accurate. Similarly the published 12 litres per 100g gas canister was also accurate.

Jet Boil PCS Assembled

If you are looking to cook more advanced meals, then the standalone Jetboil PCS is limited on it’s own – it’s tricky to clean out after heating food directly in the pot. However Jetboil sell a range of compatible accessories such as larger/wider pots, frying pan etc.

The ignition works very well and the construction of the unit seems very robust. My only concern in use is the relatively high centre of gravity this design has on a small base ie: the bottom of the 100g gas canister. PCS sell a fold out base support which stabilises the unit and to my mind should really be part of the basic kit.

Conclusion

Jet Boil PCS Ignition

On a personal level, I now carry the Jetboil on every paddle, with a few cuppa soup and instant coffee sachets squashed inside the pot.

From the Manufacturer:
Our ultracompact 1 liter unit is ideal for dehydrated meals, coffee or tea on the go, remote worksites, and emergency kits. Travel light and prep easy. The Personal Cooking System (PCS) is a complete food and beverage multi-tool you can hold in your hand and weighs about a pound. Lights with the click of a button, and within two minutes you’ve got two cups of boiling water ready for coffee or a quick meal. Pack components, fuel and accessories into the Nalgene-sized cup for convenient transport.

Features:
◦ 1.0 Liter FluxRing® cooking cup with insulating Cargo Cozy
◦ Adjustable burner with push-button igniter
◦ Insulating drink-through lid
◦ Insulating measuring cup bottom

Weight: 15 oz (425 g)
Volume: 32 oz (1 Liter)
Boil Time: 16 oz (1/2 Liter) = 2 minutes
Water Boiled: 12 Liters per 100g Jetpower canister
Dimensions: 4.1” x 7.1” (104 mm x 180 mm)

Jetboil Website: www.jetboil.com
Jetboil PCS Product Page: Jetboil PCS