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Guide To Rescue Kits: Throw Bags And Ropes For Kayaks

Mark Armstrong
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​Throw bags can be essential kayaking accessories and they can be vital in a rescue situation.

To help you discover a little more about them, as well as some of our favorites, we’ve put together this short guide.

Top Picks:

​6 Best Throw Bags And Ropes

​1: NRS Compact Rescue Throw Bag (best overall)

NRS Compact Rescue Throw BagPin
  • ​Line Length: 70 feet

The NRS Compact Rescue Throw Bag is made from durable nylon and features a mesh panel for increased drainage. It also benefits from having built-in flotation foam for added buoyancy.

The throw bag features a drawstring top with barrel lock closure, which is designed to make it easier to throw, close and reload.

Another feature is the 70 foot polypropylene rope, which is yellow for improved visibility and is built to float. The rope benefits from having a 950 pound tensile strength.

​2: Salamander Retriever Kayak Rescue Throw Rope Bag

Salamander Retriever Kayak Rescue Throw Rope BagPin
  • ​Line Length: 60 feet

This Salamander Retriever Kayak Rescue Throw Rope Bag is a waist pack throw bag that can be worn like a belt around your waist for convenience.

It features 60 feet of polypropylene rope that is designed to float and be highly visible. The rope has a 1000 pound tensile strength.

Another feature of this throw bag is the panic ball on the buckle for added safety, so that you can release the buckle quickly in an emergency.

It also benefits from having a tow tether.

​3: Liberty Mountain Boater’s Throw Bag

Liberty Mountain Boater’s Throw BagPin
  • ​Line Length: 70 feet

This Liberty Mountain Boater’s Throw Bag is made from reinforced 420 denier packcloth for strength and durability and it features a foam insert for increased flotation.

It has 70 feet of floating polypropylene rope that has a huge 1,600 pound tensile strength. The rope is also bright yellow to help with visibility in the water.

The bag features a drawstring and cord lock closure and it has a side strap with a quick release buckle closure.

​4: Goglobe Throw Rope Bag

Goglobe Throw Rope BagPin
  • ​Line Length: 60 feet

The Goglobe Throw Rope Bag is a durable bag that is designed to be kept on board your kayak, canoe or small boat. It features 60 feet of polypropylene rope that is bright yellow and made to float. The rope has a tensile strength of 550 pounds.

Like the rope, the bag is also bright yellow and benefits from having a reflective strip for increased visibility in low light conditions. Additionally, it has foam inserts for flotation and is designed to be self-draining.

​5: Scotty #793 Throw Bag

Scotty #793 Throw BagPin
  • ​Line Length: 50 feet

This Scotty #793 Throw Bag is a compact bag that’s ideal for paddle sports. The bag is made from durable nylon and polyester and benefits from having a mesh panel for improved drainage.

The 50 foot rope has a tensile strength of 550 pounds and is made out of polypropylene for durability and buoyancy.

Both the bag and the rope are orange for visibility and it has the added benefit of having a reflective strip.

​6: Best Marine Throw Ropes Rescue Bag (best budget choice)

Best Marine Throw Ropes Rescue BagPin
  • ​Line Length: 70 feet

This Best Marine Throw Ropes Rescue Bag features a 70 foot throw line that has a 1,500 pound tensile strength and is bright orange to make it easier to see in a rescue situation.

The bag benefits from having flotation foam built into the fabric which can increase its buoyancy. The nylon bag is designed to be durable and is also bright orange for enhanced visibility.


​What Are Throw Bags?

Throw bags are designed to be used in a rescue situation. They contain rope and both the rope and the bag are designed to float so they can be seen and easily grabbed by the person in the water who is being rescued.

Some bags can be worn like a waist pack and some can be stored on board your kayak.

​Are There Features To Look Out For?

​Bright Colors

Bright colors can be easier to see in the water, as well as in low light conditions.

You may find that some bags have additional features, such as reflective strips, that can enhance visibility.

​Floating

The bag and the rope should float. Many bags are made using flotation foam to increase the buoyancy.

Rope that is made out of a floating material, such as polypropylene, can be ideal.

​Length Of Rope

Most throw bags usually have somewhere between 50 feet and 70 feet of floating rope. These can be useful lengths for rescuing someone in a range of kayaking situations. 

​How To Use A Throw Bag

Hold the throw bag handle with your throwing arm and use your other hand to hold the end of the rope. It can be a good idea to make sure the person in the water knows you’re about to throw them a rope.

​Video: How ​To Toss ​A Throw Bag

Throw the bag beyond the person in the water, so that it lands behind them, allowing them more chance to grab the rope.

Tell the person to grab hold of the rope and turn onto their back. Tell them to put the rope over their shoulder and then start to pull them in, having them turn onto their front just before they reach you.

​In Conclusion

The best throw bag will probably be down to personal preference. But we think the best one is the NRS Compact Rescue one. It has a long, strong rope and is durable and quick to drain.

Another great option is the Scotty #793 bag, as it is highly visible and durable.

A throw bag can be a life saving piece of gear to have on board your kayak and ideally you should have one on board each time you head out.

Remember to practice using one before you may need to use it for real.

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