Tag: packrafting

Posted on by Breakwater Supply Erickson Packraft How to Get Started Packrafting on Calm and Flatwater

Packrafting is Your New Favorite Water Sport – Here’s What You Need to Get Started with Flatwater Packrafting

Breakwater Supply Erickson Packraft How to Get Started Packrafting on Calm and Flatwater

Simply put, packrafting is as cool as it gets. Don’t let the term pack-“rafting” fool you – this is more pack-“yaking,” as a packraft can get you anywhere that a kayak does, but without the bulk of carrying around a solid piece of molded plastic. Read on and find out how to enjoy the same feeling on the water that you get on the trail.

Why Packrafting Makes Sense for Hikers and Kayakers

If you already love hiking, trail running, or kayaking, getting into a packraft is a no-brainer. With a packraft, you can get to remote lakes/ponds, rivers, and wilderness areas that feel unreachable. Of course, not everything is remote – you can have fun launching at a local pond or river.

Without the bulk of a kayak or paddleboard, ultralight packrafts weigh less than 6lbs and pack down to around 20 liters, meaning you can carry them in a backpack or on your bike. By comparison, even a fairly light inflatable SUP weighs around 20lbs and needs a bag with 60-70 liters of carry space, and that’s why it’s much easier to carry a packraft on foot.

Packrafts are easy to inflate, simple to paddle, and just plain fun. But one quick thing: whitewater packrafting and flatwater (calm-water) packrafting are very different. Whitewater demands a typical “raft” setup with specialized, technical gear and skill, whereas flatwater is beginner-friendly and it’s like being on a kayak on open water.

In this article, we’ll focus on what you need for calm, flatwater adventures, along with a few choices to purchase gear to get started. And if you love to purchase from Amazon, we added links for buying.

Flatwater Packrafting Gear Guide

1. Packrafts

Choose an ultralight packraft. Keeping the weight under 6lbs while packed down to 15 liters lets you carry a paddle, PFD, and rechargeable pump at 10lbs total, which is safe for carrying on foot. Brands like Alpacka Raft offer models like the Caribou, which weigh in just under 6lbs. You also should opt for a skeg/rudder, a high (thick) inflatable seat, and back support. Since packrafts have large tubes on the side, it’s important to sit above them. That way you can reach the water with your paddle face on your downstroke.

Here are three ultralight packraft options:

  • Alpacka Raft Scout – just over 4lbs, ideal for lakes, canyons, and flat rivers. Made of 210D sides, 420D floor.
  • MRS Minnow – less than 4lbs, includes tracking fin. Made of 210D sides, 210D floor.
  • BEST PACKRAFT ON AMAZON: Catalyst Outdoors Packraft – a lightweight (5.3lbs), budget option. Made of 70D sides, 210D floor. Keep in mind that this packraft does not come with a fin, so make sure to purchase a fin installation kit and install one yourself.

Now’s also a good time to address this question: do I need a tracking fin for my packraft in flatwater? The answer is 100% yes, you need a tracking fin when packrafting on calm water. It will allow you to cover distance effectively. Otherwise, you end up wasting energy on each stroke by wobbling back and forth.

Think of your butt as a pivot point. That’s where your center of mass is when seated. With each paddle stroke, you transfer energy into the water and “push off” with the face of the paddle. With a heavier kayak that’s molded into a V-shape, the paddle stroke can’t push your kayak sideways, so it moves it forward. But a packraft is so light (and flat on the bottom) that this push-off causes the packraft to move sideways in the opposite direction, so the front of your packraft swings like a pendulum.

Having a tracking fin provides just enough resistance that you’re able to avoid the worst of this swinging, and transfer energy into helping your packraft move forward instead of side-to-side. Some packrafters will say that proper technique is enough to make the tracking fin unnecessary, but unless your paddle stroke can be completely vertical in the water, there will be some sideways push-off that correlates the physics behind needing a tracking fin.

Now that that’s settled, also keep in mind: packrafts don’t typically come with paddles, so read on for guidance choosing one.

2. Paddle

Aim for a carbon paddle that breaks down into 4 pieces. They can get expensive, but the weight savings is worth it if you plan on getting to your location on foot or by bike. Because packrafts tend to be wide, a longer, wider paddle (230cm) will allow you to have better control and comfort in calm water.

If you want to keep your budget low, try to find a 2-piece aluminum paddle in the 2lbs range to keep the weight down.

Some paddle picks:

3. Backpack

A lightweight, waterproof backpack is key, especially one that can carry all of your packraft gear, including paddles, pump, and PFD. Aim for a waterproof IP68 backpack, meaning it’s fully submersible and floats on water. This makes one less thing to worry about if your packraft flips or takes on water. While rolltop dry bags are ok, the best option is a backpack with airtight zippers for IP68, fully waterproof protection.

Breakwater Supply River Ute with Paddles for Canoe Camping Best Backpack for Packrafting
Breakwater Supply River Ute Waterproof Backpack with 2-Piece Aluminum Paddles

Best backpacks for packrafting:

  • Breakwater Supply River Ute 20L Backpack – designed specifically for attaching larger items like paddles, tripods, and rod tubes. The River Ute 20L is one of the best packrafting backpacks available, and features waterproof IP68 protection. It can fit an ultralight packraft inside.
  • Rhinowalk 20L Pannier Bag – if you’re bikepacking, look into a pannier bag. They’re rolltop, so they aren’t fully waterproof, but you can combine a pannier with a submersible backpack and have extra space for other items that don’t need submersible protection and keep it on the bike.
  • BEST PACKRAFT BACKPACK ON AMAZON: Breakwater Supply Fogland 25L Backpack – the Fogland line offers waterproof IP68 protection and is fully submersible, with different sizes and colors to choose from. The larger Fogland 25L waterproof backpack has plenty of storage space for a packraft, a 16″ laptop, and extra clothing.

4. PFD (Personal Flotation Device)

A reliable PFD is non-negotiable, and not just because it’s common sense. Depending on local laws, you’re most likely required to wear one, and of course, you want it to be lightweight and unrestrictive. Some solid packrafting PFDs are:

5. Inflation Pump

The best way to inflate your packraft is with a combination of a tiny rechargeable battery pump plus your own lungs. Using the one-way valve, the mini pump will quicky fill up your packraft, then you can give it about 5 hard pumps from your mouth. When you’re ready to pack everything back up, use the other side of the pump to deflate your packraft, which allows you to quickly fold and roll it back up so you can stash it in your backpack and get moving again.

Aim for a pump that offers at least 4.5kpa of force so that you can fill your packraft up quickly (within 2-3 minutes). Anything less than that and the pump may take 5+ minutes to inflate the side tubes. Note that most ultralight packrafts suggest inflating to 1.5PSI, which is fairly low, but still higher than your own lungs will be able to blow.

Here are three excellent mini-pump options:

Final Thoughts

Packrafting blends practicality with adventure, especially on flatwater. Now for the other part of the checklist: make sure you’ve got sun protection (sunscreen and a hat), a solid repair kit, and you may want to also grab a waterproof first aid kit.

The bottom line: for fishing, exploring, or simply drifting on the water, packrafting is worth the learning curve – and if you love the outdoors, you could find it being your new favorite water sport.