Good points, guys. Actually, I have/had more knives than I needed... had I needed one. And the boat guide had his Gerber River Shorty handy, too. And I agree about not having gear sticking out: the AquaPac is less than 2" thick, and the buckle isn't thicker than any belt buckle. Still, S&@t happens.

Actually, the problem was prolonged because those in the raft were (appropriately so) doing their thing... but unfortunately without listening to what I was trying to say. The solution was to stop pulling on me and allow me enough slack to self-extricate. I understand though: sometimes the "victim" is the last one the rescuers listen to.

My plan in the future is to have my PSP(s) in my pockets or under my pants or shirt. I could have and should have done so with the rig I wear, as it could have been worn next to my skin and under my shorts or T-shirt. The AquaPac is vinyl plastic, and wasn't comfortable next to my skin, so I moved it. Dumb move, in retrospect.

Lessons learned.