Packrafting is an expanding facet of the outdoor recreation industry. \u00a0Everyday, packrafting grows as new rafters are trying it and new products are making it easier. \u00a0It can also be one of the most fun and exciting ways to change up or renew an old favorite trail or area with water. \u00a0Packrafting is a recreational activity where you use a packable raft to use a body of water to travel. \u00a0I am going to outline the basics for a simple day float, nothing too complex.<\/p>\n
Generally, a packraft is a lightweight craft that you can pack down into something you can take with you on foot. \u00a0To packraft you will need at minimum a raft, PDF, and a paddle (or something to propel your raft). \u00a0These are just the basics. \u00a0Your gear will be dictated on your specific activity and your needs. \u00a0I 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). \u00a0My Caribou has a seat, Ti-Zipper, inflation bag, repair kit and silicon to lube the Ti-Zipper. \u00a0All three of these items weigh around 8.6 lbs.<\/p>\n
If you are doing more than a float in and hike out, your activity may require more gear. \u00a0If you were planning an overnight packrafting trip, for example, you would add whatever other gear you normally would take to your raft setup. \u00a0Part of the beauty of packrafting is that it allows for more than a normal trip. \u00a0Your 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.<\/p>\n
Why simply hike when you can take your normal trip and expand on it? \u00a0With 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. \u00a0A new world of opportunities and abilities are available than before which weren’t even fathomable.<\/p>\n
At least once, anyone who is a fan of the outdoors needs to try packrafting. \u00a0It isn’t for everyone but for those who enjoy it’s benefits, you know what I am saying. \u00a0Extending 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.<\/p>\n
The outside barriers to entry with packrafting are going to be price and geographic location. \u00a0Quality rafts run usually between ~$500 and $x. \u00a0The PDF and paddle can be had for quite cheap depending on the source. \u00a0Geographically, it may not make sense for someone to buy if they cannot use more than once a year. \u00a0Happily, there are companies who rent to people a raft or whole set up for a few hundred dollars. \u00a0This is what I would suggest to anyone even thinking of trying to packraft. \u00a0Yes it will cost you quite a bit, but you get to see if it is something you want to commit to or not.<\/p>\n
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