Gear Review

Published on September 29th, 2016 | by Paddleworld

New @ PADDLEexpo 2016 – Whetman Equipment, Pig Rig

The Pig Rig is a mechanical advantage haul system which is very simple and light weight. It is unique because  it does not require  karabiners or pulleys. It is a design by Whetman Equipment made in the UK.  The components which make the system are a combination of Two Whetman Equipment  Pythons and two Whetman Equipment Ring Pull Prussiks.

Whetman Equipment_pig rig 3

Whetman Equipment Ring Pull Prussiks ©paddleworld.com

Whetman Equipment_pig rig 1

Whetman Equipment Pythons ©paddleworld.com

The unique aspect is the use of  steel rings which  replace pulleys and karabiners which are often in short supply on the river.

The rope grab is achieved with the Ring Pull Prussik. The fixed ring makes tying the prussik easier and faster. The ring is then ready to be offered back to the webbing element (Python) to generate the mechanical advantage.
In real incidents when working under pressure any kit which makes things simpler and faster is a very great bonus: this is exactly what the Whetman Equipment Pig Rig achieves.

Whetman Equipment_pig rig 4

Whetman Equipment, Pig Rig ©paddleworld.com

Setting Up the Pig Rig

See the attached sketch which shows how to set it up.

The first Python is the anchor and is wrapped around a tree like a true constrictor; ideally a full strength tie off which will present the ring end forward as the anchor pully.

The second Python threads through the rope grab Ring Pull Prussik and then returns to thread through the anchor ring and then back to thread through its own ring to create the mechanical advantage pully system.

More info go to: www.whetmanequipment.com

This serie of articles, called “NEW @ PADDLEexpo 2016” and produced by KS Publishing (publishers of Kayak Session, Paddle World and Sup World magazine, showcases the new products for 2017 to be exposed at the PADDLEexpo show taking place in Nuremberg, Germany on October 7-9th. PADDLEexpo is the world’s largest paddlesport-specific trade show (‘trade show’ meaning entrance is reserved for professionals) highlighting what the general public will find on shelves and in stores in 2017. It includes everything from kayaks and canoes to stand-up paddle boards and inflatables, with the apparel and accessories needed for it all. See the product and meet the manufacturer at PADDLEexpo 2016 in Nuremberg > www.paddleexpo.com

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