Thread: Packrafts

Hey fellas, Anyone have any advice on packrafts that suit NZ style hunting? I.e, walk in, shoot a couple of deer, then raft out.

I have seen these Blue Duck Packrafts on the recent South Island Rifle Walkers episode (which if you guys are on here is a top notch show) but it is a lot of money without doing some research first so was hoping some people on here may have a better idea or learnt from experience.

Any other brands people would recommend looking at?

Is it necessary to spend $2500 or can I find similar quality but in the budget for a weekend warrior?

Appreciate any help.

I bought one about a year ago, full kit, raft, seats, leg braces, paddle etc. Only $1500. Looks like a Chinese copy of a good packraft. Excellent boat, stable, T Zip, and the rear end is a tad bigger/higher than others so if you wanta go lightweight leave the back rest at home. Theres plenty of options available right here in NZ, Blue Duck make excellent boats, but we are spoilt for choice. Join up on the Pack Rafting NZ facebook page, often good second hand deals coming up. Have just seen a new one appear overseas, ultra lightweight, very basic. But the back end is actually set up like a dry bag closure so hold it up in to the wind and then roll it up, very simple.

I'm looking at https://www.diypackraft.com/ this year.
Cheaper option $ wise but requires a bit of your time to put together.

Koaro nz made
Got 2 of them with T zips and an older alpaca

Cheers guys. Gives me some stuff to look over. Will join the packrafting facebook page

Taihape's Incept Marine make em too. Guys do the Huka falls in them, so pretty top notch inflatable kayaks. But come with the sort of price tag you would expect from a good bit of kit.

Got a Koaro with with oversized tubes and a Kokopelli nirvana both self bailing.
The Koaro is way more stable especially with a bit of weight on. The Kokopelli although very well made was very unstable with the smaller tube's, water would slosh over the side and in the drink you go.
On the trips we have done the Kokopelli would have multiple tip overs while the Koaro would have none.
Not sure if Koaro are still I business, tried to buy another one a while back and no reply.

www.expeditionrafts.co.nz