Just got a new Creek Company tube and it is a nice one. Does anyone have experience with the pack straps sold as accessories? I never have used anything like them and wonder if they would be worth it? Thanks.

I have a Fish Cat tube and bought the pack straps for it and don't know how I ever did without them before. They make a world of difference. Definitely buy them, they are worth every penny.

I think they are worth it.They keep your hands free to hold your rod and fins while you carry your tube on your back. I have the ODCL by Creek Company.

I bought one of the 420L pack straps and easily made a second one from scrap webbing and quick release clips- even nylon rope might work if you add padding in the top shoulder area. The top of the bought straps tended to slip off my shoulders on some longer hikes, so I added a short piece of nylon rope to keep the 2 straps together behind the neck area. I had to play with the adjustments a few times to get the most comfortable fit.

PC

Hey porta how do you like your Tube??

Fishbonz, must really like it- since I collected 6 of them at bargain prices!

Like your fish rod holders. I've also done just about every mod you can imagine- to increase comfort and utility.

They are so light and compact that 2 will fit in a carry on luggage, allowing them to travel with me on airlines.
This compactness is with the inflatable seat bladders, which add a lot of comfort and handle higher loads plus keep my butt above water-compared to foam.
I've learned to how to thread up to class III river rapids with them and how to use them in high winds with stability.

I still have the original bladders from several years ago, the bottom seat ones have seen so much use that the bladders have distorted to a flattened balloon shape, but that added to their usefulness! I have back issues, and use 2 of the bottom balloon distorted ones in the bottom and the back seat sections. Result is the back of the seat gives me great lumbar support by fitting the cup of my back. Just mention to make everyone aware that the distorted ones can still be used.

PC

Thanks Porta. These things are incredible! And to think I almost got rid of mine once! I must have been crazy.I still have the foam seat cushions in mine but glad to here your take on the seat bladders.Now I can upgrade to them with confidence.The cushions are ok but after a while you get lower and lower in the saddle.I wouldn't mind a higher & dryer ride.

Fishbonz,

Another way to get a higher and dryer ride on the ODC is by adding 1 more foam bottom cushion to the bottom seat. Stack 2 cushions flat and one upright into the bottom seat opening- now total of 3 cushions. It will be a firmer bottom ride with more support, and there won't be a crack midway between cushions which makes you sink lower with use, and when the cushions absorb their maximum amount of water. Firmness not adjustable, so not as comfortable as the inflatable bottom seat.

PC

Thanks Porta.