Packrafting Resources

Equipment, links, resources

Packrafting Resources

Contents: 

River and Weather Conditions

How Tos

Paddling Technique

Equipment

Packraft

  • Type of boat depends on intended use - whitewater, bikepacking, backpacking, etc. Whitewater boats are recommended for flatwater and whitewater courses.
  • Major brands include Alpacka, Kokapelli and others. Alpacka is favored by most Mountaineers packrafters. 
  • Size according to user height & weight. See manufacturer pages for sizing charts, models and options.
  • Some packrafts (Alpacka) have a zipper system that allows carrying gear inside the boat for multi-day trips.
  • Choose a boat with a spray deck or a self-bailer. There are trade-offs to both.
    • A decked boat will help you stay warmer and keep most water out, but when you do get water in the boat you will have to pull over to dump the water out. Some boaters find it hard to exit the boat during a capsize. Fitting the spray skirt into the combing requires more time/effort with each boat entrance.
    • Self-bailers are easier to enter and exit.  However, they are colder and sit a bit lower in the water, making shallow water travel more difficult. 
  • Thigh straps are useful for boat control in whitewater.  
  • The removable spray deck adds flexibility to the boat, but at a cost.  It does let more water in and is another potential failure.  If your plans include a significant amount of flatwater and carrying your boat, the removable deck is a good option.  If your plans are primarily for whitewater, go with the fixed deck.

Paddle

  • There is no right paddle length, only personal preference.  The best way to develop your preference is to try different paddles while on trips.  Most people settle on paddles between 195 and 210.  
  • Because a) a high angle stroke is more efficient and b) rivers can often be shallow, the short wide blade of a high angle paddle is preferred over the long narrow blade of a low angle paddle.
  • Major manufacturers are Werner and AquaBound
  • A paddle that breaks down into four sections is convenient for backpacking, storage, and stowing an extra paddle in your boat.  However, 4 part paddles weigh more.  2 part paddles are lighter and can be stowed inside the boat.  1 piece paddles are strongest and lightest but inconvenient to transport.  
  • Black paddles are difficult to see during a rescue.  Opt for colored blades when possible.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

  • USCG Type III
  • Major brands are NRS and Astral
  • Choose something that doesn’t restrict your paddling but fits securely and will not come off during a wet entry 
  • Always carry a whistle on your PFD for signaling.
  • A river knife is optional. If attached to the PFD it should be secure and not impede a wet re-entry.

Drysuit and clothes

  • Major drysuit brands include NRS and Kokatat  
  • Use 303 Aerospace Protectant to maintain your neck and wrist gaskets.
  • Dress for possible immersion. Even if the air is warm, the water may be very cold. Check water temperatures when possible
  • Favored layers include long underwear, fleece pants, vests, etc.
  • Bring extra clothes, some in a bow bag/dry bag, some in the car for after the paddle. Be prepared to leave a zipper open or for a leak in your dry suit.
  • Gloves/Pogies. Some paddlers prefer gloves, some use pogies or a combination. Keeping hands warm enough to function is critical. 

Water shoes

  • Water shoes should be sturdy enough to be secure on slippery rocks 
  • Warm socks (wool, synthetic and/or neoprene) are worn inside the drysuit and a thin protective sock is recommended over the dry suit to protect it. Shoes have to fit over all this, which may mean going up to 2 sizes larger than your normal size.
  • Shoes can be anything from tennis shoes to specialized water shoes like Astrals. 

Packraft Repair & Maintenance 

  • Alpacka rafts all come with a basic repair kit
  • Zipper maintenance and lubrication is critical - you can’t keep your boat inflated without a functioning zipper. Carry at least the zipper maintenance kit in your bow bag. 
  • Additional repair kits should include a spare valve nozzle, valve cap, Patch-n-Go Kit, Tenacious Tape, Tyvek Tape, Aquaseal and extra alcohol wipes.  
  • Not everyone in a group needs to carry all of these items, but the group should have plenty of repair resources on longer expeditions. 

Other Equipment 

  • A bow bag. Provides easy access to things you need to get to quickly like food,  water, zipper maintenance kit, sunscreen, bug repellant, binoculars, map, compass, gloves, hat, first aid kit and your ten essentials.
  • Water bottle. Carry water inside the bow bag or behind the seat. Some paddlers bring a thermos of hot water or a beverage for winter paddling.
  • Whitewater helmet: Required on all Class II rivers and above. 
  • Throw Bag. Choose one with at least 50 feet of rope and is easy for you to throw. 

Camping equipment for multi-day travel

  • See Brad Mitchell’s list here. 

Equipment Rentals

Packrafting Links