Review: NRS Un-Pin Kit
Ropes in the river have their place. An ideal day on the water doesn't involve any ropes at all, but try as we might, not every day is clean lines and great times. Whitewater paddling is about expecting the best while planning for the worst.
When I think about the safety equipment I bring on a trip/ lap, I think of my un pin kit the same way I think about a spare tire. It would be foolish to leave home without one, but I never expect to use it. That's exactly why I appreciate the NRS Un-Pin Kit ($400). It packs all the essential tools for a mechanical advantage rescue into a compact package that fits easily in a kayak or canoe and stays out of the way until the moment you need it.
What stands out most is the quality of the components. Every piece comes from brands and systems that have earned their reputation on rivers around the world. When things have gone sideways and you're relying on Plan B, there is comfort in knowing every pulley, carabiner, and length of rope has been selected with rescue applications in mind. There is no guessing whether your gear will hold up when the situation becomes serious.
At its price point, the NRS Un Pin Kit represents one of the easiest safety investments a paddler can make. Like a first aid kit, spare paddle, or throw rope, you hope it spends its entire life sitting unused in your boat. But if the day comes when you need it, you'll be glad it's there. Available at NRS.com.
