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Each single day, I obtain emails, media previews, and demo gives for the newest and biggest gear. New expertise in an influence station. The lightest puffy but. Actually, actually, sustainably made footwear. It’s quite a bit to sift by way of. And never the whole lot catches my eye as being actually progressive. However then there comes a bit of substances like Pink Paddle’s “ATB Transformer Board Bag.”
Whereas it satisfies a fairly area of interest group of individuals, this inflatable SUP-carrying system is really progressive. It solves a typical downside. And it has a ton of potential to alter how folks carry their SUPs.
Full disclosure: Sure, the UK-based paddle model is solely updating its ATB (all-terrain board bag) with this new function. However it is a noteworthy replace. Why? Pink Paddle has discovered a strategy to flip a clunky, wheeled, oversize paddleboard bag right into a “bagless carry system.” The ATB Transformer bag is designed to be simply the “skeleton.” You permit the bag behind, and as a substitute, take simply the board, the straps, and the pump.
Right here’s the way it works.
Get Strapped: The ATB Transformer Bag
Pink Paddle Co.’s ATB Transformer bag is exclusive in that it seems like a backpack, carries like a backpack, and even has the elements of a backpack … simply with out the pack half.
The Transformer has a hip belt, shoulder straps, sternum straps, 4 totally different horizontal and vertical ratcheting straps, in addition to adjustable straps. The load could be simply adjusted in order that it sits correctly on customers relying on their peak. We advocate utilizing the sq. strip of material as a platform for the underside of the bag to help the load above your hips (it will rely upon the scale and size of your SUP).
So for those who don’t need a large, cumbersome roller-wheeled bag, you aren’t dedicated to at least one. As an alternative, take away the cinching aspect straps and buckles, and disconnect the backpack container from the remainder of the strap system. Voila! The ATB Transformer bag is now … bagless.
I like to think about this feature because the minimal “path weight” attainable. It makes a ton of sense, and I’m glad it now exists for paddlers preferring to go mild. The one draw back? No pockets. So that you’ll must comprise the fins, pump, and any equipment inside the SUP if you roll it up for transport. (Professional tip: Roll it up tightly like a burrito.)
Trade-standard, typical bag options like giant plastic wheels, heavy cloth, inner and exterior pockets, and huge zippers are all shed from this design. As a result of actually, what good is having a 20- or 24-pound SUP, in comparison with a 30-pound SUP, if they’re all going into the identical large, often heavy, bag?
Pink Paddle is altering that with the Transformer. It offers paddlers the choice to solely carry the bottom gear, if that’s all they want.
Execs and Cons
Sure, there are limitations. Take into account additional gear, for instance. In the event you’re going out for a full day of paddling, you’ll doubtless have a dry bag with 5 to 10 necessities. It’s more durable with this “skeleton” system with no pockets to carry alongside additional gear, and issues like ingesting water. You’ll have to make use of your arms for something additional.
Second, take into account the climate. I’d be cautious to make use of this methodology typically in excessive solar, as UV mild can harm paddleboards over time. The identical goes with the inverse: If it’s raining, it’s possible you’ll need to go for a carry bag with a water-resistant inside and pockets to maintain gear dry.
Lastly, I attempted this bag with a ten’6 and 12′ paddleboard; for boards bigger than that, akin to 12- to 14-foot touring boards, we are able to’t touch upon consolation or match. Verify with Pink Paddle Co. to see which boards it recommends for this Transformer bag’s meant use.
Availability
Each Pink paddleboard manufactured starting in the summertime of 2022 comes with this up to date board bag. And for those who already personal a special paddleboard and bag, don’t fear. The ATB Transformer bag is now additionally bought individually for $299 MSRP.
The near-zero weight design of the ATB Transformer is a genius strategy to carry a SUP and small paddle necessities. Now paddlers can simply transfer from one locale to a different with none baggage.
