Anyone have and use one? Brand/type? Likes/dislikes?

I tried a pack raft once. The pr-49. Handy little bugger. I didn’t like how all your gear sits on top of you, if that flips it would be a panic moment getting outa it. They actually row pretty nice just narrow enough that’s it’s kayak tippy. Made well. Strong enough and simple. The river I tried it in May have been a bit more than they are typically used for.

I bought one from Cabelas and had it shipped right to the outfit that I had hired. Can not remember the name of it but it worked good. Just saves a lot of shipping costs that way. I actually left it there so I would not have to pay shipping to bring it back home. Didn't have any use for it at home anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
Anyone have and use one? Brand/type? Likes/dislikes?

I've got one of Larry Bartlett's Big Rigs. PM me if that is the kind of raft you're looking for. It is the predecessor to the PR-49.

quote:

Anyone have and use one? Brand/type? Likes/dislikes?

To me it all depends what you want to use it for. Crossing a relatively flat class 2 river? Not a lot of additional gear required beyond the raft, paddle, lifejacket, and dry bags for everything sitting on your lap. Navigating a river, always be prepared for a flip and to swim for it and then survive with what you're wearing once you (hopefully) get to shore and lost your pack. I always kept a space blanket, fire kit, head net, head lamp, collapsible water bottle and iodine, bug dope, signal mirror, knife, etc in my vest just in case.

If there are any waves to speak of use a dry suit or you'll be sitting in a cold puddle most of the time (welcome to borrow mine if it'll fit). You'll still be sitting in it but at least it is a bit more bearable. Even with the best bailing efforts every little bit of cold water goes to that low spot any stays there. I packreafted most of the copper from Chitna to Cordova not quite 20 years back with a log defunct raft and used to do eagle river from the head to the road a few times a summer. The time saved is well worth the weight even with the additions I think are necessities.

At Anchorage Boat show last week Jim King has a pack raft with zippers that allows you to store your gear inside tubes in separate bags. Neat idea. The bags would act like separate tube, for additional flotation. Plus frees up so much room.
http://packrafting.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2274

Saw this today. Thought of this post.

https://smithfly.myshopify.com/products/shoal-tent

Nothing could go wrong with this setup.

Jeremy

quote:

Originally posted by farbedo:
Saw this today. Thought of this post.

https://smithfly.myshopify.com/products/shoal-tent

Nothing could go wrong with this setup.

Jeremy

Great way to keep the bugs and rain off your meat while floating out!

quote:

Originally posted by A7Dave:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
Anyone have and use one? Brand/type? Likes/dislikes?

I've got one of Larry Bartlett's Big Rigs. PM me if that is the kind of raft you're looking for. It is the predecessor to the PR-49.

PM sent