Packrafting is one of the most exciting ways to explore the outdoors. These lightweight inflatable boats open up so many new ways to adventure. Whether that’s floating a high alpine lake after a long hike, paddling wild rapids near the road, fishing out in the ocean, or linking up multi-day trips that combine hiking, biking, and paddling, or if you are just short on space and want a really light and compact boat you can take on a road trip or keep stashed in an apartment.
Packrafts are very similar to kayaks, but they are a lot lighter and pack up smaller. They weigh anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds and pack up to size of a roll of paper towels to the size of a large sleeping bag depending on the model and usage of the packraft. Packrafts are very stable and easy to use, even if you are new to it. They paddle pretty much exactly like a kayak, so if you can paddle a kayak, you can paddle a packraft.
Heres a few things to help get you into packrafting:
1. Packraft
Theres several different types sizes and materials but we have one for every adventure. When choosing, consider:
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Your type of adventure: Lakes, mellow rivers, or whitewater.
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Design: Bucket boat (lightweight open boats for calm water), spraydeck (paired with a sprayskirt seals out water keeping you drier), or self bailing (built in drain holes to quickly drain water out in rapids).
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Material: Packrafts come in 2 materials, TPU which is lightweight and durable or PVC which is tough and durable but heavier and not as compact.
2. Paddle
You’ll need a lightweight, packable paddle. Four-piece breakdown paddles are the standard since they fit easily into a backpack or In a car. For whitewater, a shorter paddle with a larger blade is ideal. For lakes a longer lightweight paddle is great. Check out this blog with tips on finding the perfect paddle for packrafting.
3. Life Jacket/Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A properly fitted PFD is non-negotiable, even on calm lakes. Look for a low-profile model designed for paddling that is comfortable, won’t restrict movement, and will keep you safe if you take an unexpected swim. For whitewater be sure to get one rated for rapids.
4. Deck Packs & Dry Bags
Keeping your gear dry is key. For day trips a waterproof deck pack or a small roll top dry bag is great to keep stuff handy and dry. Many packrafts come with internal storage systems (TiZip zipper compartments inside the tubes) to store camping gear for mulitday trips.
5. Pumps
Our ultralight packrafts like our Hornet Lite, Rogue Lite, Twain and Nirvanas come with an inflation bag and inflation tube to blow it up. Our PVC packrafts like our XPD and Recons come with a Nano Barrel Pump to pump it to a higher PSI. For fast inflation on any model, the Feather Pump saves you a ton of time, it has an output of 0.5 PSI so you'll still need to top off the packraft. Either way, packrafts only take 2-5 minutes to inflate.
6. Thigh Straps
For whitewater packrafts like the Nirvana, Recon or Rodeo thigh straps are very usefull. Thigh straps are adjustable straps that connect inside the packraft that go over your legs. They improve control, stability, and maneuverability, while still allowing quick release if you flip upside down. Thigh straps are not compatible with lake packrafts.
7. Sprayskirt
A sprayskirt is the wearable component. It’s like a waterproof apron that seals around your waist and the cockpit of a packraft to keep water out. The sprayskirt connects to the coaming ring on the spraydeck of the packraft, forming a tight, water-resistant connection between paddler and boat. Only spraydeck packrafts like our Rogue R-Deck, Nirvana Spraydeck and Recon Spraydeck are compatible with sprayskirts .
8. Repair Kits
It's always great to carry a repair kit with you. Our TPU packrafts come with an emergency peel and stick repair patches and our PVC packrafts come with glue on kits.
9. Paddling Clothing
Most summer days you are good to go with standard swimwear but sometimes its nice to cover up with a long sleeve sunshirt and some thin synthetic pants. During spring and fall splash pants and jackets are nice to keep you drier on lakes and mellow rivers. For whitewater a wetsuit is nice on cooler days or when the water is cold in the summer. In the winter a drysuit is pretty much a must have for whitewater.
10. Helmet (for Whitewater)
If you’re planning on running rivers with rapids, a helmet is a must. Just like in biking or rock climbing, head protection is essential when there’s a chance of hitting rocks or flipping in rough water. We recommend a helmet for class 2 and up rapids.
11. Storage Bag
It's important to protect your boat when its not in use. Our XL or XXL Animas River Bags are great for storing your packraft lightly rolled up. And they allow your boat to breath so it won't get covered in mold or mildew.
12. Throw Rope & Safety Gear
If you’re paddling rivers with any moving water, learn the basics of swiftwater rescue and carry the right gear like a whistle, throw rope and knife. Packing a first aid kit is also a great idea
13. Backpack
Almost any backpack will work for packrafting if you are hiking somewhere. A standard 50-70L backpacking pack works great. Most people strap their packraft to the outside of their pack. If you are bikepacking with a pack or paddling whitewater you want a frameless pack or a backpack with a removable frame that you can store inside the TiZip of your packraft.
14. Paddling Footwear
Water shoes or sandals with straps are great for most paddling trips. For whitewater or hiking in, nice grippy closed toed water shoes are the best. For colder trips, neoprene booties will keep your feet happy.
15. Sense of Adventure
Packrafting is all about adventure! Adventure can be anything from paddling the huge rapids in the Grand Canyon, or hiking 5 miles to a backcountry lake with your dog, or even taking a bus to an urban lake for a sunset float. Whatever your adventure is, we are here for it!
Final Thoughts
Getting into packrafting doesn’t mean you need every piece of gear right away. Start with the basics: a packraft, paddle, and PFD. Then, build up your kit as your adventures take you further into whitewater, colder climates, or multi-day trips.
Check out our Packrafting Checklist for more key items when paddling.