THIGH STRAP AND BACKBAND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Safety Warning:
Thigh straps are inherently dangerous and the use of thigh straps can result in
serious injury or death. You are responsible for your own actions and decisions. Before using
thigh straps in any water, get proper training and practice for the type of water you will be
boating and learn to properly and safely wet exit the boat. Always wear a helmet when using
thigh straps. Always double check the condition and function of your thigh straps and backband
before every use and discontinue use and replace any worn or non-functioning parts. Always
follow Alpacka Raft’s Safety Warning (http://www.alpackaraft.com/buyers-safety-warning-
release-of-liability/) and the National Paddle Sports Association's Safety Standards (available on
our website). Thigh straps are not recommended for use when a bicycle, backpack, or other
large items are strapped to the bow of your packraft.
Your thigh strap and backband kit will include:
1.
Inflatable Footrest (this is half the size of
the foot pillow that was included with
your self bailer to allow your heels to
drop, which gives more control and
comfort with the thigh straps).
2.
Two Thigh Straps
3.
Backband with 4 straps and two
attachment cords.
Figure 1
Attaching the Backband
The Backband is designed to be left either
permanently in the boat, or removable by
unthreading the four attachment straps from the
tri-glide buckles. Each strap can remain in the
boat for travel.
Step 1 - Attach the Rear Support Straps to the
Boat
Remove the two rear support straps from the
backband and thread each one through the strap
plate in the stern of the boat (if you have a back
rest pillow that came with your boat, remove this
as it uses the same strap plates). The straps
should be threaded so that the loose end faces
the stern (Figure 1).
