Inside Outdoor Magazine

in three responding APA members engage in bikerafting, while 28 per- cent use packrafting for fishing. Only 9 percent use packrafting for hauling game, while 8 percent use it for “ski-rafteneering.” As McCarthy explained, packrafts are also being used in the boating and yachting communities, as they provide an easy way to get from land to a boat without having to dock. They are also very convenient for air travel. “I can hop in an airplane with a packraft without having to pay an ex- cessive baggage fee, and arrive in foreign land with my whole packrafting kit,” McCarthy said. Currently, the vast majority of APA members reside in Alaska or Western and Mountain states, but there is also fair representation in New York, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Michigan, among other states. About 10 percent of APA membership is international. While packrafts probably won’t dis- place traditional boats any time soon, they are still something that outdoor retailers should consider offering. Packrafting is trending right now and could be enjoyed by amateur and ex- perienced customers alike. They could also be used to boost sluggish paddlesport sales. Recent data from the Outdoor Foundation, for instance, shows that just 3.4 percent of the U.S. population went kayaking or canoeing in 2016. Only 1.2 percent went rafting. More than 14 percent, however, went hiking. So there is a great opportunity for retailers who can convince customers about the benefits of bringing these lightweight, portable vessels with them on outdoor trips. Alpacka Raft’s Caribou packraft on the ride tucked under the handlebars; photo by Mike Curiak courtesy Alpacka. FANCY A HERE? #CHEERSTOADVENTURE BarCountry’s premium dehydrated Pocket Cocktails ™ have all the ingredients you need to recreate your favorite cocktails in the great outdoors. Just add some water and your favorite liquor. Pocket Cocktails are made in North America with all-natural ingredients and flavors. With no added preservatives, they’re also low in sugar, vegan and gluten-free. Go on, chase the adventure. eartheasydistribution.com Distributed by Eartheasy SPRING 2018 | Inside Outdoor 23