{"id":112139,"date":"2024-06-28T16:12:15","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T14:12:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/?p=112139"},"modified":"2024-10-23T14:38:18","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T12:38:18","slug":"packrafting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alpinetrek.co.uk\/blog\/packrafting\/","title":{"rendered":"Packrafting \u2013 hiking and canoeing with a super lightweight boat"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Man<\/a>
Hiking during packrafting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Imagine you could put a boat in your backpack, walk somewhere and go canoeing. That opens up all sorts of opportunities! And it expands previous typical spots that you would usually reach by car or public transport, creating new options. Hang on! That actually exists and it\u2019s called packrafting. But that\u2019s not all. Packrafting is a separate discipline that cleverly combines trekking and canoeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we\u2019ll answer a few questions, for example: What is packrafting? What do you need? How do you go about organising your first trip? We\u2019ll also have a look at some versions of packrafting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is packrafting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The term \u2018packrafting\u2019 comes from America. It consists of \u2018raft\u2019 and \u2018pack\u2019. So a packraft<\/strong> is basically a boat that\u2019s packed up<\/strong>. The word \u2018raft\u2019, however, can be a little ambiguous. Packrafts are neither \u2018rafting boats\u2019 that are navigated through serious rapids by a whole team, nor are they actual rafts. Packrafts are extremely lightweight canoes<\/strong> that can be used for rafting, depending on model and build.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Getting<\/a>
The canoeing can begin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

That\u2019s how to do it: These relatively lightweight boats are packed in a way that allows them, the accessories and the rest of the luggage to be carried for long distances without problems.<\/strong> They\u2019re usually single-seat kayaks, less often two-seater kayaks or Canadian canoes for two people. Based on their compact design, boats of this kind can usually be packed to the size of a large sleeping bag or small tent<\/a><\/strong>. Paddles can be separated into sections to save space and therefore be transported conveniently on or in the backpack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The launch site on a river is often located in more remote areas so you\u2019ll have to hike for half a day or a day to reach it. The actual canoeing is therefore the reason for the trip but also its goal. Of course, the journey to the starting point of the paddling adventure may take up just as much time as the main activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What equipment do I need for packrafting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned above, packrafting uses a special type of boat called a packraft. Features, design, weight and pack size will depend on<\/strong> the individual model. What kind is best for you must be based on what you\u2019ll primarily use it for. If you\u2019re canoeing down rapids, you\u2019ll need a different boat than if you\u2019re just cruising along a gentle river. Personal factors, too, like weight and height will have an impact on what boat is suitable for you with what kind of shape and features.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Packraft\"<\/a>
Packrafts are available in different colours, shapes and sizes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you have a lot of equipment to transport, or you\u2019re relatively tall and heavy yourself, you should get a boat that allows for this additional load. In white-water<\/strong>, your boat should have a deck or additional spraydeck<\/strong>. If you\u2019re on calmer waters, that\u2019s not required and you can do without to save on weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But those are just some examples, and the exact configuration of the boat that\u2019s perfect for you will depend on many individual factors. It may be beneficial therefore to get some experience with rented equipment<\/strong> and\/or to ask an expert for advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, the following applies: If you want to go canoeing in standing waters only and you just started to plan a journey across Lake Constance or Mecklenburgische Seenplatte, you should choose a different boat. Based on their designs, packrafts are relatively slow and are much better fun on flowing water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spoilt for choice \u2013 blade paddle or double-bladed paddle?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right paddle also depends on several, sometimes very personal factors. Single-seat packrafts are usually used with a double-bladed paddle and therefore as a kayak. Models that are suitable for two people are often used as a Canadian canoe with two single blade paddles. It\u2019s therefore important that you choose a paddle\/paddles suited to your boat. Please note: Some boats can be used in different ways. If you\u2019re not sure which version is better for you \u2013 or you want to switch every now and then \u2013 you can use multi-paddles. Paddles of this kind can be assembled in different ways and can then be used individually as a blade paddle or connected as a double-bladed paddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety equipment \u2013 what you need to take<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You need the relevant safety equipment for packrafting. What exactly you need and the type of equipment depends on the features and difficulty of your paddle trip. That\u2019s why I\u2019ll just list the basic equipment here.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Life<\/a>
Safety first: don\u2019t go without a life jacket<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n