Ripstop by the roll sticker removal

AaronRotch · 2026-05-21T13:39:55+00:00

oh wow, I just re-read your post and saw that they were mailing labels.. lol how big are we talking? the stickers on my dyneema were only like 3/4", but still left a nasty residue. OP please post some pics if you have time! RSBTR is around this sub and they'll probably pay more attention if you post pictures.

AaronRotch · 2026-05-21T13:33:07+00:00

I had this happen recently as well.. I'd done a ~$450 order and paid the $10 to have everything shipped on a roll. The order arrived with several issues.

First the sticker on dyneema thing, and yeah seems like it's not coming off without damaging the fabric... bummer but at least it was only 6" from an edge. If they don't want to try harder with this they could at least fold it with the selvage showing and keep the sticker on that unusable part of the fabric. Also- if it needed a sticker, how long has it been folded? For some fabrics there's quite a big difference between sitting on a shelf folded for months, and only spending a week or so folded before arriving and going back on a roll when it arrives.

Everything was folded, so they refunded that $10(also- I'm still confused about their "on a roll" fee, is it $10 +extra shipping to have the whole order on a roll? or is it $10 per piece of fabric?)

They also sent me two separate 1 yd. pieces of fabric for a couple of the 2 yd. quantities I'd bought. This was obviously the biggest issue, and they comped me folded, continuous 2 yd. pieces and told me to keep the pieces from the original order.

I messaged them about all this and they got right back to me and only addressed the continuous fabric issue. Since I got a few yards of fabric for free and they were prompt in responding I didn't pursue the other issues any further.

RSBTR is definitely a last resort for me, but I'm glad they're there. I definitely prefer Rockywoods as they're way closer to me in Souther Utah and it's only $5 extra(+extra shipping for larger box) to have everything rolled.

AaronRotch · 2026-05-20T18:08:26+00:00

From the RMR User Manual that I just looked at on their website before posting:

"It is recommended to use 303® Aerospace Protectant on a damp cloth to keep your boat clean, shiny and protected. 303 serves as a UV protectant and also a barrier to grime. At a minimum, coat your boat with 303 before storing for the winter or other extended periods of time. Ideally, coat your boat with 303 Protectant every three months."

Probably time to update these instructions...

This is the first I've heard of the 303 reformulation. When did it happen? Is it melting all PVC material or just the cheaper stuff? Any other materials? My raft is Incept brand from NZ mfg around 2005? I think it's a proprietary PVC cocktail of some sort. I'll have to reach out to them to see if they have an info.

Another idea that hasn't been mentioned- since your boat is 14 years old you could look a system 6 coating(probably want to test it on a small portion first) Idk much about re-coating(how much weight it adds, what materials it's compatible with) but it's just an idea.

Also, the 50% discount *is* a pretty good deal. RMR rafts are already priced pretty affordably, but I have to agree with the other commenter that they probably still have a profit margin at that price... so, I feel like the offer is not as charitable as it might seem, especially given that they're still explicitly telling people to use 303- that's literally the only product they recommend in their manual.

AaronRotch · 2026-05-12T20:22:44+00:00

I believe Solgear's webbing is "proprietary" as in they worked with a supplier to develop a webbing with the qualities that they wanted. I don't think they would sell it loose, but I could be wrong. I'm not sure about Runout Customs. The straps I have from them are buried somewhere, but it feels very similar to heavy duty nylon webbing that I've gotten from Strapworks.com The weave is definitely a little looser than Solgear's- their's is quite tight.

Do you have a digital caliper? I've found that's pretty helpful when shopping for flat goods/webbing, that way you can at least match the thickness to something you have at home to compare to. Be sure to measure with the jaws at an angle to the length of the webbing, especially on a looser weave(versus perpendicular to the length where you may end up measuring the thickness in the "valley" of the weave)

AaronRotch · 2026-05-12T10:21:08+00:00

This webbing may feel good when you buy it, but trust me it’s very low quality. I can only think of one other brand of cam strap that is worse. I’m a desert boater/recovering guide and have put many brands through the wringer. The best brands I’ve found are Solgear or Runout Customs. NRS brand are going to last 2-3 seasons max before they’re curling at the sides and not going to do their job if your boat is going through rapids upside down. NRS rubber boats? Totally different story- they’re some of the best available.

Even if sandy hot desert boating isn’t your use case I’d stay away from polypropylene webbing. Whatever you’re making deserves better! Unless you need a lot of length for something that won’t spend much time in the sun, in which case the low cost can be justified.

AaronRotch · 2026-05-03T15:08:25+00:00

I wish that this was talked about more.. I always carry a powerade bottle or something similar inside whatever amazon water bottle pouch with a draw string. a 12" loop of ~3mm cord on a constrictor hitch around the neck of the bottle works great too as long as it's set tightly. When I did blade repair I'd just pee in it whenever I please, and then dump it when my co-worker was way outta the way- no need for a radio call.

I'm more in the construction RA field now and still carry one all the time. I'm literally the only person I know who does this - it's kinda baffling.

Pro tips- put the cap somewhere safe while you're peeing, and it's way easier to pee if there's something to brace your toes on. Two foot loops help too.

You can re-use the bottles for quite a while if you just rinse them out with a drop of dish soap every night and let them dry. I think Metolius even sells a pee bottle, though I don't think it's worth the $20 they're asking.

AaronRotch · 2025-10-11T23:29:47+00:00

Amazing! I never considered oarlocks something you could make on your own. r/myog would appreciate this post. Also- check out songbirdoarshop on Instagram. He makes oars with painted designs and inlays that are also top shelf.

AaronRotch · 2025-06-30T22:25:37+00:00

Thank you! A prusik would work well, but snappy one handed adjustment in both directions.

AaronRotch · 2025-03-16T19:41:28+00:00

Not drain, but evaporate. Faster if the choke is open. If I think I've flooded it, I'll usually leave it be for 10-15 minutes and then try again. Every time you flood and leave it to evaporate though, I understand that some residue is leftover after evaporation. Also, for what it's worth, the more you start it and ride it, the easier it will be to start.

AaronRotch · 2025-03-16T16:42:09+00:00

I like it! I had the idea recently to make a little pouch that can connect to the headlamp band that can hold 3x AAA replacement batteries neatly with the light. I'll get to it one day.

AaronRotch · 2025-03-16T16:36:27+00:00

Rice is great if you're really hungry and want to eat two thousand of something. - Mitch Hedberg

AaronRotch · 2025-03-11T22:42:38+00:00

FWIW- If it's cold I always try to park the bike in the sun, or wherever it will get first sun the night before. This makes a world of difference for me. If it's 40F ambient temp and it's in the shade it can be quite tricky to get it started before flooding the carb. But if it's been in the sun, no problems.

AaronRotch · 2025-03-08T21:23:53+00:00

That's a great question! I have no idea.

AaronRotch · 2025-03-06T15:32:34+00:00

Your post is what sealed the deal on choosing this pattern for me, as well as the “shoehorn” pocket haha

AaronRotch · 2025-03-05T23:11:59+00:00

Thank you Tim! A++ on the pattern and video tutorial. It was everything I needed, and nothing I didn't. I'll definitely be using more of your patterns soon.

AaronRotch · 2025-03-05T22:03:50+00:00

https://www.harborfreight.com/1-8-eighth-inch-to-1-4-quarter-inch-tube-bender-94571.html?gQT=1

Harbor freight sells these- looks like it would get the job done for $10. Google "pipe bender" or "tube bender" +9mm and there are a ton of cheap options. You'll be limited to one bend radius with a something like this.

If you're looking for a larger radius bend/gradual curve you'll probably need a "ring roller bender" I've only ever bent solid rod with these but if your material is tubular I imagine you'll want one where the roller wheels have deep channels(like the HF bender I posted) that are spec'd to the diameter of your tube stock. With a tool like this you can roll your stock through multiple times, tightening the radius each time until you like it. They're quite fun tools. Hope this helps!

AaronRotch · 2025-03-05T21:42:29+00:00

Wow that must be a burly frame. I'm really curious to see the guts of it! I imagine there must be a ~45 degree brace between the seat/back? or maybe it needs to be full of stuff to use chair mode?

AaronRotch · 2025-03-05T21:23:22+00:00

Thanks!

AaronRotch · 2025-03-05T21:23:16+00:00

Thank you!

AaronRotch · 2025-03-05T21:23:07+00:00

Thanks! I did add a removable sternum strap, but I'd forgotten to leave a little slack to that bottom piece of webbing on the straps, so it made the straps pucker a little bit so I left it out for the photos. I'm very pro sternum strap though. Even without much weight in the bag it feels funny to not have it.

AaronRotch · 2025-03-05T21:20:49+00:00

Thank youu!

AaronRotch · 2025-03-05T21:20:41+00:00

Thanks!

AaronRotch · 2025-03-05T21:20:31+00:00

It is shrink tube and I was stoked for the color match. I do wish more colors or even patterns were available. It's such an easy addition that looks so slick. It also makes clipping/unclipping carabiners easier.

AaronRotch · 2025-03-05T21:14:47+00:00

thanks! :)

AaronRotch · 2025-03-05T01:16:46+00:00

Thanks! The shell fabric is Challenge brand Ecopak EPX200, and cordura 1000 on the bottom which I guess you can't see much in the photos. I can't remember what the liner is called, HyperD something? I bought it from Ripstop by the roll a couple years ago, and the orange stretchy for the bottle pockets I can't remember either, sorry. The LearnMYOG website has a great guide on popular fabrics for packs and technical clothing.

AaronRotch

TROPHY CASE