Bravo-6 Manual Air Pump
Always carry a manual air pump along on any float. You'll need to add and release air occasionally during the day as the air and water temp change - to keep your tubes at optimum pressure. There's a big difference in the temperature of the air in the tubes - from the cool morning and cold water at the put-in - to the mid-day sun when you might pull out on a sand bar for lunch. Then you'll need to top off again in the afternoon as the sun drops to a lower angle. Properly inflated tubes will respond better to the oars and float your full load higher in the water. Also, they won't stress the seams from over-pressure.
Trailering requires the same attention - especially if you travel through the mountains where the elevation changes considerably. Every two thousand feet or so of elevation change I usually stop and check the tube pressure, buckle straps and trailer hitch.
You don't need a large capacity pump for this; usually just a few quick strokes on the pump is all it takes. For that reason, a small pump that doesn't consume much valuable space on board is the best bet. This is a small pump but it has dual action. That is, it pumps air on both the up and down stroke. Also, your on-board pump needs to be well designed because when you need it - it better work. This Bravo-6 will last many years with reasonable care. You can easily disassemble it in the field with no tools to empty out sand and debris and you can lubricate the seals yourself with petroleum jelly to keep it working efficiently season after season. This pump can be reversed for deflation.
Note that there is a Leefield valve adapter included in the maintenance kit when you order a cataraft (or cataraft tubes). We include an additional adapter with this pump so you'll have a backup. Tell us when you order if you don't need the adapter and we'll deduct $4.00 from the pump price.
