Packrafting. I think I can safely say now after 3 years packrafting, how owning a packraft can allow you to see the same routes from a different view.
During the pandemic when we where limited to our local areas, packrafting for me really allowed me to visit the same areas from a completely different angle.
Even though lockdown is long gone (touchwood) I still find myself looking at a map and working out routes that involve a hike and a paddle back.
If you own a packraft that can support a bike then this opens up more doors to adventure.
The only true packraft designed to carry a bike is the Alpacka Caribou, although other packrafts will still be able to support a bike they aren’t designed for it.
Packrafting, a great Micro Adventure.
Micro adventures are perfect for a packraft. For instance, I finished a nightshift the other morning and returned home surprisingly awake.
I grabbed a daybag, the dog and a packraft and walked along the Angles way.
I put the packraft in at the Locks Inn at Geldeston, paddled up the river, had lunch and paddled back to my home town then walked home.
This kind of micro adventure shows you that keeping your gear as light as possible is very important. That said even during a 10 – 14 day expedition this is still the case as 14 days worth of food will really push you load weight up.
What I wear.
I normally wear a pair of Revolution Race gPx Pro trousers with either the Silence Proshell Jacket or wind jacket (depending on the weather).
Feet wise, I find that a pair of trail runners and a pair DAKY waterproof socks work really well, in case you need to get your shoes wet. The trail runners dry quicker, they are easy to walk / bike in and the waterproof socks stop your feet getting wet or cold.
Day bag packrafting Gear.
- Packraft: Alpacka Caribou
- Flotation Device: Anfibio Bouy Boy
- Paddle: Anfibio Carbon Paddle
- Cook Gear & Food: titanium 500ml cup, rocket stove, lighter, 100g gas, Real Turmat Soup & a titanium spork.
- Bag Ties ( I’ve recently been using these bungee ties from Tirio packrafting).
- Possibles Pouch: Paracord, med kit, swiss knife, microfibre towel.
- Spare base layer.
- Map
- Waterproof Jacket / Trousers.
Routes to look for.
Get out your maps and look for a circular route. Look for a route that will allow you to walk/bike to your put in point.
I always try to plan my routes so I can get to my put in, have lunch and then setup the packraft and paddle back.
Packrafting doesn’t need a lot of gear.
As you can see by the list above, you don’t need masses of gear to enjoy a day hiking and packrafting. Many packrafts are made to be really lightweight.
Some, however are heavier than others. Have a look at this post concerning which packraft to choose.
Let me know some of your routes and adventures in the comments.
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