: This is also a reminder to regularly check the condition of your straps.

It doesn't hurt to keep a spare strap in your vehicle, particulary if you're travelling any great distance. I snapped a bow strap last summer-- driving across Montana to Pt Townsend, WA.... I was in a nasty crosswind for awhile (was nearly blown off the road a couple times!) and even with a rock solid rack system, the kayaks were jostling a bit, and friction of the bow strap against the front bumper won out. The strap was only one year old. It was fine when I started the trip (I did check it for wear before I used it.) I was in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, I had a spare. (thare are not too many places where one can buy straps on a Sunday night on highway 12 between Helena and Missoula. Avon, MT isn't exactly a shopper's mecca!)I pulled over, replaced the strap, and was on my way. No problem... but it would have been if I didn't have a spare on hand.

A person can't have too many straps.

Julie Kanarr
Wilsall/Livingston MT