Inside Outdoor Magazine

Models to consider While Alpacka is still a top packrafting vendor, the market has become more di- verse in recent years with brands such as Kokopelli Packraft, Feathercraft, BAKraft (AIRE Inc.), Supai Adventure Gear and NRS leading the way. Now, consumers have a wide variety of different styles to choose from. Most packrafts have six sides, while some, such as the NRS PackRaft Inflatable Kayak, have 10. Others, such as the AIRE BAKraft Hybrid, are more elliptical. No shape is superior to any other, though. Again, it really depends on the type of wa- ter one will be paddling in. A packraft with a slim tube and an aerodynamic design, for instance, can reduce wind resistance enabling greater speed and better handling. The tradeoff, though, is reduced lateral sta- bility and interior space. If you are pad- dling in the ocean, an elliptical packraft may be a better fit. As far as flooring is concerned, pack- rafts can be classified as either self-bail- ers or non-bailers. Self-bailers contain inflatable floors that float several inches above the water. They also have holes that allow water to drain out. Non-bailers sit much lower to the water. In this type of model, the floor is attached to the side of the boat, and there is no opportunity for water to drain. Non-bailers are sometimes called “bucket” boats, as they require a bucket for drainage. Non-bailers tend to be lighter to carry, cost less and inflate faster. How- ever, because they sit lower to the water, riders can expect to get very wet, and so spray decks are highly recommended. Self-bailers are generally more comfort- able and stable, but they tend to cost more. They are also heavier to carry, which is why many people prefer non- bailers when hiking. Non-bailers, it should be noted, can be modified into self-bailers by using conversion kits. Safety considerations The idea of trading a hardshell boat for a thin, nylon raft may seem to some like a bad idea. As it turns out, though, packrafts are just as stable as hardshell boats. They are designed to bounce off rocks instead of slamming into them and can withstand sharp objects, although they are sus- ceptible to tearing. It’s crucial to travel with a repair kit, especially when visit- ing remote areas. Most vendors in- clude repair kits with their packrafts. Another issue to be aware of is gradual air loss, which can occur after an intense stretch of rapids. Air loss can be especially dangerous in areas that lack safe landing spots, and so it’s something that operators need to con- tinuously monitor. We spoke with American Packraft- ing Association (APA) Board Member Forrest McCarthy, who explained why packrafting — like any sport — should not be taken lightly. McCarthy has a wealth of experience, as he has been packrafting for about 15 years. “I had some scary moments early on where I was feeling overconfident and got in over my head,” McCarthy said. “It could have ended differently. It’s important for people getting into packrafting to under- stand that it does require a certain skill set that is worth taking time to learn. One of the most important things you can do is take a swift water rescue course. I wish everyone in paddling would.” McCarthy also explained how pack- rafting is attracting a new user base. “A lot of people are coming in who lack experience floating in moving water,” he said. “[Safety is] something you have to take very seriously, even in a class II river. If you are a hiker, it’s not as simple as blowing up a tube, putting on a life jacket and expect- ing that you will be safe. You have to spend some time learning hazards and risks, as well as things like paddling techniques and how to read water be- cause packrafting can be lethal.” Market drivers While packrafting is becoming more and more popular, it’s still a somewhat niche market. The sport is a relatively AIRE Inc.’s BAKraft hybrid-style kayak/raft rides the waves NRS packraft and fill bag indicative of how packrafts often are inflated in the field. Inside Outdoor | SPRING 2018 20