WHAT IS PACKRAFT

New materials and outdoor activities have created this innovative and powerful boat: the Packraft. Of course, it came from the USA and the “do it yourself” movement. This has made it a boat that people combine with trekking, biking, hunting, climbing… or tapas ;). The limit is your imagination. And that’s thanks to achieving a minimalist, lightweight, and most importantly, durable boat.

PACKRAFT OR INFLATABLE KAYAK?

Although there are similarities, there are major differences, and I’ll highlight the biggest ones here. Packrafts are usually made of laminated polyurethane fabrics, combined with Nylon on the floor. Inflatable kayaks are manufactured with others, and there are several configurations. But the most common are PVC, vinyl, and Nylon combined with TPU.

Packrafts are usually made of one, two, or three chambers. The normal thing in inflatable kayaks is to talk about 3: two lateral ones and one on the floor. In packrafts, the seat is inflatable in the butt area, and you lean on the back. This allows for a very comfortable position in which you can stretch your legs.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PACKRAFT

Well, the main one is that it is extremely portable, and that’s cool for carrying it on a bike or reaching remote places. Or taking it on the plane. With a detachable paddle and a vest, you already have the equipment to navigate. In rapids, you will need a helmet and clothing for the cold. You don’t need a pump since it inflates with a bag and your lungs.

EASY REPAIR

Another very important thing is that the repair is simple and quick. According to what true specialists have told us, it doesn’t puncture easily. Its advantage is that the low pressure helps to cushion impacts, and a puncture is not easy. Don’t forget that the floor also has extra protection and is the area that can suffer more extreme rubbing. But if a puncture does occur, it is easy to repair with a small kit.

YOU CAN CARRY CARGO ON BOARD THE PACKRAFT

A packraft allows you to carry a relative amount of cargo, and some have a watertight compartment. Others also allow you to attach thigh straps to increase control. Some packrafts allow a top cover or spray skirt to reduce water entry. Another feature that is not silly is that it dries easily. That’s cool for storing it. And while that’s not a problem in a hot place… it can be key in less warm places.

Another advantage is that, due to its size, in Spain, there are places where you will be able to navigate without permits. The packraft does not usually reach the minimum size required by the hydrographic confederations, and therefore does not need a navigation permit. In any case, consult the specific regulations of the place where you intend to put your packraft.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE PACKRAFT

Its natural navigation space is moving rivers, and you can do up to class II flows. In very open waters, it can go, but its large volume makes it difficult to negotiate windy situations. In addition, its high maneuverability makes it difficult to go straight.

Another issue is that it is not easy to do the Eskimo roll maneuver with a packraft in case of capsizing. Another point against it is that the water that enters does not come out easily. Or it is not easy until you get to the shore and can turn it over. But the seat is high, so it is not normal to have a wet butt.

HOW MUCH IS A PACKRAFT ?

There are many prices. Decathlon has released two models for 300 and 700 eur. This is a low-end reference in many sports. On Amazon, you can find models with similar prices. But the most sophisticated and durable models come from the USA and are much more expensive. In addition, they are models often designed to combine them with more specific activities : expedition, climbing, biking….

SEE IN AMAZON

But as always, before jumping in headfirst, it is best to go to those who know and take a course. Or get advice. If you want to skip some steps, you can rent a quality packraft and try it out. It is an economical option to enter this exciting world.

MORE PACKRAFT INFO

This article is not intended to be a complete guide because, in all honesty, I have not tried the packraft. But quite a few friends are very hooked. If you want more info, don’t forget to visit what Luis Mora told me , or the interview we did with him. And of course, don’t forget to visit the pioneering and reference website on the subject of Packrfat in Spain.