From Riverbanks To Campfires—Adjustability Makes All The Difference
I recently took on a two-day canoe trip with my RevoFit® and RevoLock® systems down the River Lahn in Germany, adjusting for every phase of the journey: Tight fit for hauling gear, loose for long sits, and quick off/on—even in a wobbly canoe when needed. And yes, I can confidently say: “An adjustable socket lets me handle whatever the adventure throws at me.”
Adjustability: The Unsung Hero Of Summer Adventures
Summer carries an irresistible allure. It draws us outdoors, to sunlit trails, serene rivers, and skies that stretch endlessly above. Each year, the longer days beckon us toward adventures full of warmth, fresh air, and the comforting crackle of campfires. For people living with physical challenges, summer's call carries both excitement and uncertainty. Navigating the wild involves balancing dreams of adventure with necessary preparation. Adjustability emerges as the crucial, often overlooked, factor that bridges ambition and reality.
My personal tradition involves annual canoe trips with my friend Yves. We choose a picturesque river in Germany, gather our gear, and spend two unforgettable days immersed in nature. Yet, beyond the idyllic imagery of leisurely paddling and cozy campfires lies a tougher reality. As an above-knee amputee, I've learned to appreciate adjustability not merely as a prosthetic feature but as the essential element enabling these memorable experiences.
Our adventures start at the canoe launch—a rugged riverbank often made slick and muddy from recent rainfall. Navigating this terrain demands reliable stability. Carrying our heavy canoe across gravel and slippery grass requires confidence in my prosthesis. The RevoFit® system by Click Medical allows precise adjustments to my socket’s fit with just a simple twist of a dial. This micro-adjustability ensures stable, confident strides, turning what could be a hazardous experience into a manageable one. Adjustability, thus, transforms into an indispensable safety feature rather than merely an optional convenience.
Once afloat, the rhythm of canoeing differs significantly from the strain of carrying equipment. Paddling is calm and steady, but sitting still for hours creates new challenges. A socket that worked perfectly during strenuous activity may now become uncomfortably tight. Thankfully, the adjustability offered by my prosthesis allows me to relieve pressure instantly. With the RevoFit system, easing socket tension ensures sustained comfort, enhancing my enjoyment and allowing me to immerse fully in the beauty of our surroundings. Occasionally, I remove my prosthesis entirely, securing it within reach. However, doing so requires confidence in its quick and secure reattachment—a function seamlessly provided by the RevoLock Lanyard system.
Such minute adjustments might appear trivial, yet they have profound implications. They adapt to changing conditions, whether physical exertion, weather fluctuations, or bodily responses like swelling. Each twist of the dial empowers proactive rather than reactive management, significantly reducing injury risks and enhancing overall safety. Micro-adjustments enable immediate responses to bodily cues, transforming potential obstacles into manageable scenarios.
As evening approaches and we transition from water to campsite, different demands emerge. Activities like setting up tents, gathering firewood, and cooking require flexibility and comfort. Rigid sockets can turn these simple tasks into sources of discomfort. Adjustability again becomes a hero, allowing me to modify socket fit dynamically. By loosening the socket slightly, I comfortably perform tasks requiring kneeling, crouching, or sitting cross-legged. The result isn’t merely physical comfort—it’s psychological ease. I can engage fully in the camaraderie, storytelling, and joy of camping without distraction.
Historically, prosthetic sockets were passive, rigid structures. Users had minimal control over their fit, often enduring discomfort until professional adjustments could be made. Modern adjustable systems, however, mark a radical shift, turning sockets into responsive companions rather than restrictive tools. With adjustable systems like RevoFit and RevoLock, users gain autonomy and immediate responsiveness to their needs. They empower amputees with self-reliance, shifting the narrative from dependency to control.
This newfound autonomy significantly impacts emotional well-being. The capability to swiftly adapt to varying environments fosters self-confidence and encourages a positive self-perception. Rather than feeling limited by their prosthesis, amputees can embrace adventure, knowing their equipment adapts seamlessly to their lifestyle.
The philosophy behind Click Medical’s designs centers around real-life scenarios—not clinical environments alone. This approach acknowledges the diverse settings in which amputees live, work, and adventure. Their prosthetic systems embody practical brilliance, prioritizing user-driven customization, independence, and comfort. They are designed to empower, allowing users to participate fully in life’s activities rather than adapting their lives to accommodate their prostheses.
Reflecting under the stars during our last trip reinforced the profound significance of adjustability. It symbolizes a commitment to saying yes to adventures, to spontaneity, and to exploring life’s possibilities. Adjustability represents more than technical innovation; it embodies emotional liberation, turning what once felt like limitations into opportunities.
Looking ahead, adjustability promises more adventures, whether hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying outdoor moments with loved ones. It ensures these activities aren’t merely possible but joyful. By fostering participation and presence, adjustability allows amputees to claim their rightful space in the world with confidence and ease.
To fellow amputees, I say: seek adjustable prosthetic solutions. Experience the freedom and confidence they bring. Life is full of potential, and with adjustability, you’re equipped to embrace it fully.
Learn More About Adjustability
The Video From The Trip
Post by Bjoern Eser. Bjoern is the founder of and shaker and maker behind The Active Amputee.
Further Reading
Accept, adapt, achieve
Life after amputation may feel like venturing into unknown territory. From learning how to move your new body to researching the costs of activity-specialized prosthetic arms & legs, it is daunting and frustrating to resume an active lifestyle after limb loss. In August 2021, I lost my left leg in an emergency above-knee amputation. I could not fathom what my life would look like post-op. In the hospital, I promised myself to take advantage of every opportunity I came across and to attempt activities outside my comfort zone. I needed to resume living, and for me, that meant returning to activities as soon as possible. "Accept, adapt, achieve" became my new motto. read more
Dealing with volume fluctuations
Here is a problem many active above knee amputees know all too well. A problem that is often overlooked as more and more attention is given to the newest developments around high-tech knees and other exciting advancements in the prosthetic sector. It’s the problem of a proper fit of the socket. It’s the key to using your prosthetic leg to its full potential. And how to deal with fluctuations in the volume of your residual limb - and thus with the fit of your socket. Read more
Cycling to regain my life
Today’s article is all about cycling and how it helped Stephen from South Africa’s wonderful Western Cape to come back after a tragic motorcycle accident. The idea for the interview arose during a chat with Jen from ClickMedical, who mentioned Stephen and his inspiring outdoor adventures and brokered the contact. „Thanks Jen I really appreciate these contacts!“ Here is my interview with Stephen. Enjoy! read more