Basic Packraft Setup & Why?
What Is Packrafting?
Packrafting is an expanding facet of the outdoor recreation industry. Everyday, packrafting grows as new rafters are trying it and new products are making it easier. It can also be one of the most fun and exciting ways to change up or renew an old favorite trail or area with water. Packrafting is a recreational activity where you use a packable raft to use a body of water to travel. I am going to outline the basics for a simple day float, nothing too complex.
My Basic Packrafting Setup
Generally, a packraft is a lightweight craft that you can pack down into something you can take with you on foot. To packraft you will need at minimum a raft, PDF, and a paddle (or something to propel your raft). These are just the basics. Your gear will be dictated on your specific activity and your needs. I have an Alpacka Caribou raft, inexpensive Cabela’s cammo PDF and an Aqua-Bound Carbon 4 pc paddle (Manta Ray Hybrid 4 Pc Kayak Paddle). My Caribou has a seat, Ti-Zipper, inflation bag, repair kit and silicon to lube the Ti-Zipper. All three of these items weigh around 8.6 lbs.
Packrafting Uncovers Opportunities
If you are doing more than a float in and hike out, your activity may require more gear. If you were planning an overnight packrafting trip, for example, you would add whatever other gear you normally would take to your raft setup. Part of the beauty of packrafting is that it allows for more than a normal trip. Your level of access to different areas is completely changed, you may be able to take heavier items, go longer distances than backpacking and even explore urban areas otherwise hidden.
Why simply hike when you can take your normal trip and expand on it? With a raft you can incorporate a bike, skateboard, unicycle, public transportation, relay with a road vehicle or just get out longer and further than before in less time. A new world of opportunities and abilities are available than before which weren’t even fathomable.
Who Needs To Try Packrafting?
At least once, anyone who is a fan of the outdoors needs to try packrafting. It isn’t for everyone but for those who enjoy it’s benefits, you know what I am saying. Extending an existing trail or trip, trying something that before wasn’t possible and cruising a calm lazy river are just some of the benefits you can realize.
What To Know Before Jumping In
The outside barriers to entry with packrafting are going to be price and geographic location. Quality rafts run usually between ~$500 and $x. The PDF and paddle can be had for quite cheap depending on the source. Geographically, it may not make sense for someone to buy if they cannot use more than once a year. Happily, there are companies who rent to people a raft or whole set up for a few hundred dollars. This is what I would suggest to anyone even thinking of trying to packraft. Yes it will cost you quite a bit, but you get to see if it is something you want to commit to or not.
