MAX HELMET
The amount of gear and clothing you need for a packrafting trip depends on the type of adventure you’re planning. If you’re doing a multiday outing that combines hiking, camping and paddling, you’ll need much more gear than you will on a simpler single-day trip.
Here are the packrafting essentials you will need in addition to any hiking, biking and/or camping gear:
Packraft: Packrafts are built to be lightweight, packable, durable and easy to inflate. Most packrafts are tough enough to handle everything from a lazy river to churning Class III rapids. Some people do run Class IV or higher rapids in packrafts; if this interests you, make sure your packraft has whitewater-specific features, such as a spraydeck and skirt, and that you have advanced skills.
Many packrafts have clever storage compartments in the tubes that make up the body of the raft. Before inflating your packraft, pack your gear inside waterproof dry bags and then stash those bags inside the storage compartments. Packrafts also have lash points on the outside for strapping down gear, such as a backpack or even a mountain bike.
Pump: Packrafts come with a lightweight inflation bag that you use to inflate the raft. You attach the bag to a valve on the raft and then scoop air with the bag and squeeze the air into the raft. With a little practice, you’ll get the hang of the technique and be able to inflate a raft in five to 10 minutes.
Repair kit: Most packrafts come with a repair kit so you can patch a hole if one develops.
Paddle: Most packrafters use a lightweight kayak paddle that breaks down into four pieces for easy packing on the approach. A paddle made from fiberglass and/or carbon will be your lightest option. If you’ll be navigating rivers with rapids, make sure your paddle is built to handle whitewater.
PFD (Personal Flotation Device): A PFD is an essential piece of safety gear that needs to be worn any time you’re on the water. You want a PFD that fits snug but comfortably and that won’t limit your range of motion while paddling.
Kayaking helmet(WATERSPORTS HELMETS): If you’re paddling on placid alpine lakes, you can leave this piece of gear behind, but if you’ll be running rapids with your packraft, a helmet is a must-have item.
Clothing: When dressing for packrafting you need to think about the approach and the paddling phases of the adventure. If you’ll be hiking or biking several miles to get to a river or lake, dress in clothing and footwear that’s comfortable for those activities. Items that wick moisture and dry quickly are preferable. And, by choosing versatile items that can be used on the approach and while paddling, you can reduce the weight you need to carry.
Depending on water and air temperatures, you may need paddling-specific clothing, such as a wetsuit, dry suit, paddling jacket, paddling booties and/or paddling gloves. Be sure to also keep in mind the importance of wearing sun protective clothing.