Pursuit
Packrafting
Hike-in boats that link trails and rivers into one route.
About packrafting
Packrafting stitches walking and paddling into routes neither could do alone. A boat that fits in your pack turns a river from an obstacle into the fastest line out.
Season: Summer flows; cold-water gear extends the season.
Learn these first
- Inflating, rigging, and lashing a pack to the bow
- Reading Class I–III water in a boat that spins easily
- Wet exits and self-rescue in current
- Route planning that pairs trail miles with put-ins
Kit that matters
- Packraft with a cargo zip or bow lashing system
- Four-piece paddle, PFD, helmet
- Drysuit or wetsuit for glacial and snowmelt water
- Patch kit and inflation bag
Honest hazard notes
- Cold water at snowmelt-fed put-ins
- Solo travel far from any road access
- Wood and strainers on small, unmapped creeks
Plan a packrafting trip
Packrafting reading
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Packrafting FAQ
How heavy is a packraft setup?
Typically 8–13 pounds for boat, paddle, and PFD — light enough to carry over a pass and still walk out.
Do I need whitewater experience?
For flatwater and Class I, no. For anything with real current, get whitewater instruction first.