Packrafting

Packrafting

May 25, 2023
Share Post Pin E-mail

Packrafting

What is a Packraft?

A packraft is an inflatable one or two-person boat. If you're thinking of a simple inflatable raft, you're mistaken. High-quality packrafts are super light and extremely robust, depending on their intended use. They can be packed small and transported in or on a backpack.
Depending on the version, packrafts feature a waterproof zipper. This allows the tube to be used as cargo space, for example, for camping equipment. Combined with a high payload of over 130kg for a single-person packraft, this makes it a true "Multi Adventure Tool."
Packrafts have lashing points to which additional equipment can be attached. Bikes, ski, and climbing gear have all been transported on packrafts.

What types of Packrafts are there?

Touring

There are very lightweight packrafts that are super easy to transport. Due to their open "bucket" shape, these packrafts are better suited for calm hiking tours on lakes and rivers up to WW1. For Kokopelli, these would be the Rogue Lite or the Twain.
The Kokopelli Twain is optimized for flatwater tours; it is longer, flatter, and has a removable fin for better tracking.

All-round

Do you want to do multi-day tours in the wildest areas? Light whitewater might also be involved? Do you want a packraft that offers maximum versatility? Then check out the Kokopelli Rogue R-Deck. With the removable spray deck, you are well protected even in bad weather and higher waves.

Whitewater

Do you want to paddle whitewater with your packraft? Then the Nirvana or the Recon is the right boat for you. The Nirvana is very light and easy to carry in a backpack, while the Recon is made of thick 1000D PVC, i.e., real raft material. It is maximally robust but not ultralight. However, especially in the self-bailing version and with thigh straps, it is a maximally fun boat.

Who are Packrafts suitable for?

Packrafts are generally very easy to paddle boats and are very stable. The big advantage is, of course, the small packed size. A packraft fits in the smallest apartment and can be easily transported by public transport or bicycle. A packraft with accessories can also be taken on a plane relatively stress-free.
Combined tours on foot or by bike are also great to do with packrafts.

Packrafts in Whitewater

as a beginner:

A packraft cannot, of course, be compared with the agility of a kayak, but getting started with packrafts is much easier because they are more stable. If you want to slowly get into the topic, packrafts are very good and worry-free. However, you should take a course or be out with experienced friends and with suitable clothing and safety equipment! Life jacket and helmet are mandatory. You also need to know about water levels (flooding). Do not paddle alone.

as a kayaker switching:

River sections that are too boring for you with a kayak become interesting again. Would you rather carry 5 kg than 20 kg around? Do you not have space for a kayak? Is a kayak too uncomfortable for you? Do you want to get in and out of the boat quickly? All of these could be reasons for a packraft. For most, the limit with a packraft is reached at whitewater 3. Depending on the river and experience, perhaps also a class 4 section / spot.

What do I need for Packrafting?

  • Paddle: usually 4-piece for a small packed size. There are very big differences here. A good paddle is stable, light and offers good propulsion.
  • Life jacket: The best vests are those you hardly notice when paddling: the Astral Willis is the packrafter's vest due to its perfect fit and low weight.
  • Dry bags: To transport your luggage 100% waterproof.
  • Helmet: depending on the difficulty. Since packrafting usually takes place in light whitewater, bike or climbing helmets are often used (no standard for water sports!)
  • Suitable clothing: depending on the tour, you will get more or less wet. Basically, you dress for the water temperature and not for the air temperature. Dry suit with fleece underwear is the gold standard. Water-suitable shoes / sandals with good grip on wet stones
  • A small throw bag provides a rope reserve for tricky situations on rivers. (also on hiking rivers: trees, weirs, etc.)
  • Pump: the light rafts are inflated with a pump bag. If that's too annoying, take the Kokopelli Feather Pump ;-) Dry bags made of heavier fabric are inflated with a double-action pump.
  • Backpack: If you have to carry your raft for a long time, check beforehand if everything can be stored in your backpack. If not: ÜLA Epic
Please contact us if you need more information or if you would like to rent a test boat.