Have you decided to get in touch with your adventurous side and embark on a pack rafting trip? In that case, you must have a packraft matching your journey. A bag rafting trip is an excellent way to experience and explore the natural beauty of a majestic landscape. If you want to explore the land and water in one trip, then a packrafting trip is just the kind of tour you should opt for. A reliable packraft that is easy to inflate and lightweight to carry is essential for a successful pack rafting trip. This blog will provide important things to consider while selecting a packraft for your trip.
Packraft Size According To Nature of Tour
You must have a clear idea about how many people will be going with you on a trip because that will determine the packraft size. If you plan on exploring alone, then a single-seater kraft is appropriate; however, if you are going with your significant other or a friend, then a two-seater packraft is more suitable. Or you can opt for two single-seat packraft so everyone can have fun in the water. An extra packraft is also a fantastic option for having extra room for travel supplies or children. Suppose you intend to paddle in a fast-moving river. In that case, multiple single-seater packrafts will serve you best even with various people so your teammates can set their own pace while navigating the flowing river.
Packrafts are available in various sizes, varying from Small to XL, to cater to user preferences and requirements. Moreover, packrafts are sized differently depending on their intended use. Whitewater packrafts are designed for performance and typically have a snug or performance fit, whereas all-around packrafts prioritize comfort and feature a more relaxed fit.
When selecting a packraft, it is essential to consider your sit length rather than your standing height. Sit length refers to the measurement from your tailbone to the back of your knee while seated. This measurement ensures proper fit and comfort when using a packraft. Choosing a packraft that matches your seat length can provide a better paddling experience and enhance your enjoyment while on the water.
A two-seater packraft has many advantages compared to a single-seater, such as extra storage options. A two-seater packraft would also mean twice the amount of paddling force, meaning you can cover a more considerable distance due to faster speed. If you have a regular adventure partner used to rowing with you, then deciding on a double-seater packraft is an excellent choice.
Weight Capacity For Your Trip Gear
Whether you are going on a long packrafting tour involving a calm river or a thrilling short whitewater packrafting, it is crucial to consider if your packraft can carry all the travel gear and your weight. A low weight capacity would mean that you will sink while crossing a water body. It is recommended to pack light for the tour. It is more convenient, but you will also save money while purchasing the packraft, as heavy-duty packrafts are more expensive.
Design and Materials for Durability
For a hassle-free packrafting trip, you must ensure that your packraft is top-quality. You want to avoid spoiling your journey by buying a sub-standard packraft that gets punctured in a river and forces you to return to shore for a frustrating repair procedure. Top-quality rafts are made from durable and thick materials like nylon and polyester. They are synthetic fabrics reinforced with coatings to make them resistant to puncturing. A vital specification used to measure the strength factor of a packraft is denier(D). A packraft with a higher denier number would be made with thicker and more long-lasting materials than a packraft with a lower denier rating. Avoid buying PVC packrafts as they are not durable at all.
Protective Plastic Surface Coating For Ultimate Safety
High-quality packrafts are designed to withstand impacts and be scratch resistant. Paddling while battling the fast waves and bumping into rocks due to a twisted waterway can mean a low-quality packraft would puncture. Hence, premium quality packrafts are given a plastic coating comprising Polyurethane, Urethane, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane(TPU) to counter the harsh conditions of a rapidly flowing river. The plastic coating varies in thickness depending on the purpose of the packraft. Adventure packrafts built for whitewater rapids have a thicker layer than normal trip packrafts.
One more thing to check before you buy a packraft is to determine how much of the surface area of the raft is coated. A packrafts supplier declares that the packraft is coated with TPU, but in many cases, only the bottom surface is covered, and the other sides are left unprotected. So be alert and inspect the packrafts closely while making the purchase to avoid being tricked.
Must-Have Additional Features
There are several features that some packrafts have which would make your paddling trip smoother and more comfortable. These features are offered in high-end packrafts. But you should spend more money and opt for a packraft that provides these features since they are worth it. One such part is self-bailing. This feature helps the packraft remain stable and keep a constant speed in a fast-flowing river. The self-bailing mechanism enables the packraft to suck water from the bottom and release the water from holes present on the upper side of the raft.
Another helpful feature that will prevent you from getting wet while paddling is a whitewater deck. This feature protects you from splashing water, mainly rowing in cold temperatures. For a long packrafting journey, being comfortable in the packraft becomes a vital factor. Moreover, you would need additional storage compartments for a long trip. Hence many premium packrafts include an inflatable seat for a better seating position and a built-in travel gear compartment.
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