Bryan HanselMar 15

I broke in the packraft yesterday on Lake Superior. The ice formations are really wild right now.

Note: I was dressed for immersion, etc. This isn't something that you should try without training, skills, and experience in paddling in these conditions.

#packraft #backpacking #minnesota

Show threadEllenInEdmonton Mar 15
@bryanhansel
How was the packraft for navigation? I can no longer manage hauling my own canoe or kayak on a car, and I'm curious about how a packraft compares for handling.
#canoeing
Show threadBryan HanselMar 15
@EllenInEdmonton do you mean like navigation map and compass? Or handling?
Show threadEllenInEdmonton Mar 16
@bryanhansel
I mean handling. Does it handle more like a raft, or like a canoe or kayak? Is it easy to turn, or to keep straight?
Show threadBryan HanselMar 17

@EllenInEdmonton it's slow compared to a canoe or kayak. It's not directionally stable — meaning that it either requires forward paddling to keep tracking or other strokes to keep from spinning when not paddling. I only had it on 1-foot waves, but it flexes with them like you'd expect from a raft.

This packraft is designed to haul a bike on the front and to pack small and light to carry on the bike, which is why I got this one. Alpaka makes kayak replacement versions.

Show threadEllenInEdmonton 
@bryanhansel Thanks, that’s pretty much what I suspected. I don’t see myself biking down to the river and back to paddle solo there, and maintaining direction would probably be more challenging than I’d enjoy. I’m probably better off saving my money to rent canoes at lakes where that’s an option.
Mar 17 at 2:40amWeb
Show threadBryan HanselMar 17
@EllenInEdmonton or you could look at one of their other models that do track and offer a removable skeg. This is just one model out of many.