Thread: Who uses a packraft?

Im looking at buying a packraft for fishing and hunting. Mostly for poking around West Coast/Fiordland rivers looking for remote trout or the occasional deer. No problems with a few rapids etc, grade 2, + maybe. But Im not into whitewater rafting for fun. So am looking for suggestions as to whats good and whats not. And am leaning towards a dry boat rather than self bailing.

being looking as well - worried about the "toughness"
following thread

I have three

Two of the NZ made Koara's and an Alpaca

Dry boat for what you want.

Because you get bloody wet from the paddles you want a dry boat and speed skirt.
Even in flat water the drips from the paddles get you wet
The spray skirt keeps you nice and warm when fishing.

Two of mine have the T zip for pontoon internal storage.
You can't really even paddle flat water with a heavy pack on the front.

I have done 3+ white water in them easy.

Originally Posted by Sharki

being looking as well - worried about the "toughness"
following thread

Depending on what you buy because some are made of different material.
But the two types I have are way way tougher than the pontoon material weight would suggest.

The floor are slightly heavier than the pontoon
You do need a semi inflated sleeping mat inside under you to avoid painful rocks on your butt when running white water

And you will need to invest a vast fortune into building a specialised packrafting rifle.
Either a short Baikal 307 or a G1 Contender 30-30.

But a short rifles sits perfectly between your legs under the spray skirt

Interssting!
I have been pondering the same thing, was looking at the "expedition raft co" packrafts, they seem to carry a decent load (man,pack,rifle,meat)
Not overly concerned about weight as i'm thinking fly in paddle out type stuff, also have ZERO experience in a packraft.

They are also good for fly in trips where there's a big river to cross near camp
Means you can keep dry feet in big rivers

Put an endless rope on it so mates can drag it back and use it also

You ideally want a long tail one for a better hull speed

I have a pop up kayak sail and if the wind is in the right sector you can cover big water fast

There are a lot of other items you need though.
If walking in you will want a carbon fiber break down paddle.
I have inflatable PFDs. Not the Co2 ones but one you blow up when using it. Folds down tiny but not sold in NZ
You really want a throw rope, rescue rope if doing white water in a group
I wear my climbing helmet when running big white water. But have had several concuconcussions ( not packrafting ) , so a bit cautious.

I always have a no minimum weight flat water Packraft in my truck when in the high country. Great to nip across a lake or river to get the wind or Sun on you or off you when fishing

12 ft alloy with an outboard jet on it

Carry more food/ camping supplies and deer

Tough to fit in the helicopter though!

Originally Posted by Sika 8

Tough to fit in the helicopter though!

Take the hilux

What make/model do u have akaroa1?

2x Koaro T zip long tail, spray skirts, knee straps and extra loops for a full rigging rope around the top sides to attach gear which is very handy for fishing

And an older Alpaca short tail with spray skirt
Smaller and lighter and easier to use if just doing a short crossing
But lower hull speed and doesn't track as straight

You need the T zip storage if you want to multi day trip and hunt
Keeps the center of gravity low
It's hard to run white water with a pack in your vision because you are sitting at water level

NEVER ENTER A RAPID THAT YOU CAN'T SEE INTO
SOME HAVE A LIP SO STEEP YOU CAN'T SEE OVER IT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE.

I HAVE BEEN FULLY AIRBORNE IN A PACKRAFT

Originally Posted by akaroa1

2x Koaro T zip long tail, spray skirts, knee straps and extra loops for a full rigging rope around the top sides to attach gear which is very handy for fishing

And an older Alpaca short tail with spray skirt
Smaller and lighter and easier to use if just doing a short crossing
But lower hull speed and doesn't track as straight

You need the T zip storage if you want to multi day trip and hunt
Keeps the center of gravity low
It's hard to run white water with a pack in your vision because you are sitting at water level

NEVER ENTER A RAPID THAT YOU CAN'T SEE INTO
SOME HAVE A LIP SO STEEP YOU CAN'T SEE OVER IT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE.

I HAVE BEEN FULLY AIRBORNE IN A PACKRAFT

What are your thoughts on the "Expedition packrafts" here in NZ, a good design compared to what you use? Or do you see flaws etc... ?

Interested to hear your opinion as someone who has rafts & has been there done that, i still have zero experience with packrafts except the nagging urge to buy one

Originally Posted by Sika 8

What are your thoughts on the "Expedition packrafts" here in NZ, a good design compared to what you use? Or do you see flaws etc... ?

Interested to hear your opinion as someone who has rafts & has been there done that, i still have zero experience with packrafts except the nagging urge to buy one

They look like just another reverse engineered packraft

There are lots more options now
Price will indicate quality
It all depends how much use you will actually get from it