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Feature: February 2007 Chinook PFD by NRS |
There was a time not too long ago
when a personal flotation device (PFD) was only that—a device that would float a person.
Coast guard–requirements, so the story goes, precluded adding
pockets, because PFD wearers, in theory, could fill
those pockets with lead, and the device would no longer float itself,
let alone a person. The requirements have since changed, and approved
PFDs now have a variety of pockets. |
 The
Chinook is a cross between a PFD and a fishing
vest and has as many cubby-holes as an old roll-top
desk. There are 10 pockets, five on each side. The
lower pockets are stacked three deep: a Velcro-flapped pleated
pocket, a zippered box pocket and a zippered pocket that
lies flat against the body of the PFD. The top
pockets have a Velcro closure panel pocket on top
of a zippered box pocket. With the exception of the
two inner pockets at the bottom, the pockets have either
grommet or mesh drains. (Those two inner pockets
are flat, so they can’t
take on much water and will slowly drain through
the stitching.) The zippers on the four boxed pockets
are positioned so that you can easily peer into those
pockets. If you run out of room, there are five
attachment points along the zipper. The upper-left
pocket has a patch of Velcro pile designed to hold
fishhooks.
 The Chinook has two side cinches in addition to a
waist belt. The back has its foam panel placed up high, above a mesh
panel that supports the cinch straps and waist belt. The configuration
at the back keeps the PFD from hindering layback rolls.If you subscribe to the theory that our working memory maxes out when dealing with more than seven (plus or minus two) elements, we suggest that you leave at least one pocket empty. |
| Chinook, $75 NRS 877-677-4327 service@nrsweb.com http://www.nrsweb.com |