We spent the last three months refining a new, improved throw bag. The idea was to make it more like a climbing chalk bag with a wide opening to allow for more efficient stuffing and throwing. We also wanted to make it safer by removing excess straps that can get tangled in a body limb. The result is beautiful.

It took 12 different prototypes to get it just right (a few are pictured above). We tested a variety of buckles and materials for maximum durability. We also tested many bags to find the right size and shape to make throwing and stuffing easy.

Along the way, we tested the prototypes and added some cool features:

• Strong buckles that resist breaking by crushing
• Durable mesh that allows the rope to dry quickly
• Attachment point for a carabiner which keeps the rope from dangling from bag

The bag was tested for durability. We left it in water for days on end to make sure it would still float. We tested the straps in multiple configurations to pick the best for attaching to rafts and frames.

During testing on the Rio Grande, recent floods left the riverbanks muddy which made it tough to walk on shore close to the river. On day 2, we passed a burro stuck in the mud and up to it’s chest in water. We decided to do something and quickly made a tagline to get behind is back legs and pull him up and out of the water. This was the first real use of our throw bag in a safety situation.

Eventually, we got him out. It took some pulling on ropes and some heroic people to get in the water with him and dig out his feet, but he made it. It’s funny that the first time these throw bags were used in a safety situation were to pull and “ass” out of the river.

Our final prototypes were approved yesterday and we begin production next week! We’ll get pictures of the final product up as soon as we get them.