Packrafting

“I recently saw an article on a 4 pound raft made by Alpackaraft out of Alaska. The company claims that the raft handle up class three rapids. Does anyone have any experience using this product and is so could they recommend a good trail in the lower 48 that would be ideal for a packrafting trip. I was thinking about backpacking trip in and a rafting trip out.
www.alpackaraft.com

Thank You,

Rob
last edited: 11/12/06 9:41:29 PM”

“It all sounds familiar but I drink a lot when rafting.”

“Just keep floating this toward the top. When folks get back from hiking, someone will be able to help with this.”

“I have experience. Not sure it was the same brand but definitely the same size. We used them during the MI Coast to Coast 2005.

Mine held up really well but they're a b1tch to maneuver across a lake. As far as up to class 3 rapids? I cannot even imagine not spinning around. Moving water may help a little but I'd get a lot of practice somewhere familiar.

Some of them burst during the first paddle of the race. I'm not sure if it was because people loaded them with sharp objects but I'd say 2-3% deflated.

Oh and how tall are you? I fit in one with my pack on my lap perfectly. I'm 5'2". The guys on the team all hung out over the front.”

“addendum - Ours were 4lb packs of the same approximate size but may not have been that brand. Improvements also may have been made in the past 1 1/2 years.”