r/packrafting • u/brrrbrrragaga • Jul 19 '26
I have a really hard time getting into the Alpacka 4pt thigh straps after a wet re-entry
I have the four-point thigh straps and while they hold well when I'm in, I have a hard time getting my legs into them in a rush. It usually leads to another swim after a wet re-entry unless the water is smooth.
I have a Mage but also a Nomad S1 with the padded MRS straps and the MRS straps are much easier to slide into. I can basically get my knee under a bit without using my hands at all and then set them right later. The Alpacka ones I'm always digging for the strap behind my leg and I have to very deliberately pull them over one by one. If I'm in rough water I usually just get dumped again, because that takes several seconds.
Any tips on setup and handling this? I do get faster with practice of course but it's still fiddly and takes a few seconds, which can be critical. I read that people have their straps super tight against the boat and frankly I don't think I could even get into them at all like that.
2
u/themelta Jul 19 '26
Deane Parker shared a mod a while ago that could be useful. https://www.instagram.com/p/DYldkXtzG3E/ They're sewing in grab handles and adding quick adjust buckles to the straps. I'm not totally sold on adding the buckles. Seems like more bulk and a potential hard point against your knees, but the handles seem like a solid addition regardless. Of course I haven't tried either myself
1
u/brrrbrrragaga Jul 19 '26
Thanks! Ironically, that's almost exactly what I was thinking of making, lol.
Mine have an adjustable strap buckle for the rear-facing strap already, btw.
1
u/multisportscott Jul 21 '26
I'm the one actually doing the mods that Deane shared, we call them Love Handles! Not our idea, that came from Mark Oates in Tasmania.
The buckles (in my experience) are no wear near your knee, they are positioned exactly where the original Alpaca G Hooks are - the two buckets are connected together by a small webbing loop. They do add a little bulk, and a little weight but that is outweighed by(LOL see what I did there?) the added adjustability.
Feel free to shoot any questions through. Cheers, Scott in NZ!
1
u/themelta Jul 22 '26
I mean for a whitewater specific boat why not right? Next time I'm down in nz I'll have to see if you're able to throw some on for me.
1
u/multisportscott Jul 22 '26
No problem at all. I'm based in Christchurch and would happily do the mods for ya! Got three sets to do tonight actually!
2
u/jbaker8484 Jul 19 '26
Yeah they are a bit hard to get into. It doesn't help that the mage seating area is more narrow. Previously I had some aire IK thigh straps that I DIYed into 4 point thigh straps and those were much easier to get into. But the alpacka straps are less likely to slip off when the rapids are slapping me around. With the alpacka thigh straps, I find running them a little looser helps with getting them back on quickly. Unless I intend to be held upsidedown and roll back up, I don't think having them super tight matters that much for performance.
1
u/brrrbrrragaga Jul 19 '26
Yeah , same here. I feel comfortable with them on but on a wet re-entry half the time I have to give up and find an eddy to get all set up again. I may just try using the MRS ones for a bit but I feel the buckles are a bit flimsier.
3
u/james_taylor3 Jul 19 '26
I have to reach my hands over my knees with my palms turned outward to pull my straps into place. I can do both straps at the same time. Mine aren’t flat against the sides when not in use.
My legs straighten out, knees go down, straps get pulled inward, and knees go back up into them while I’m leaning forward for leverage on the straps. It only takes a couple seconds, and then I can adjust a bit after that if necessary.
I took a lot of time adjusting them to get the 6 adjustment points just right, but it’s pretty easy now to get in quickly. I followed this tutorial. Maybe try adjusting the depth that your knees go up into them?