What is packrafting?
Packrafting is a relatively new but fast-growing outdoor trend that combines hiking with paddling. It is an activity that uses a very light, inflatable boat called a packraft. These boats are built to be light enough to be carried in a backpack during a hike (weight between 1 and 5 kilograms depending on the model), while being extremely durable, allowing them to be paddled on both still water and rapids. They also take up very little space when packed down, about the size of a two-person tent.
Packrafting allows adventurers to explore both land and water in a flexible way, opening up access to otherwise inaccessible environments.
What is a packraft?
A packraft is a small, inflatable boat that usually weighs between 1 and 5 kilograms. They are designed to be easy to carry and easy to inflate and deflate, allowing them to be easily transported in a backpack. Despite their small size, they are durable enough to withstand small streams, rivers, lakes and even calm coastal waters. Packrafts are made from a durable yet very lightweight material, TPU-coated nylon. A packraft is basically a kind of inflatable kayak, but much lighter and more suitable for various outdoor expeditions and whitewater paddling. If you want to learn more about the differences between packrafts and inflatable kayaks, you can read more in our article "Inflatable kayak or packraft?".
Inflating a packraft is done with a so-called inflation bag that always comes with the packraft when purchased. The inflation bag is filled with air, which is then forced into the packraft via a valve. With a little practice, you can inflate a packraft in under five minutes. Recently, it has also become popular to inflate the packraft using a light and handy battery-powered pump.
Our best-selling and probably most popular packraft is the MRS Microraft. It is a one-person packraft that is also equipped with a canopy, which makes it good to paddle in even if it rains or if it splashes a lot from paddling or waves. The MRS Microraft is an all-round packraft that weighs about 3 kg and if you want a packraft that is good at most things, it may well be the one you are looking for. There are a variety of other options to choose from, ranging from minimalist super lightweights to heavier fording packrafts and double packrafts. If you are unsure and want help in making your choice, we always recommend that you contact us and we can help you further! The pictures below show some of Anfibio's packrafts.
What makes packrafting so special?
What makes packrafting unique is its flexibility. Unlike traditional paddling adventures, where you are usually tied to waterways alone, a packraft can be easily carried under the arm from one body of water to another. This means adventurers can mix hiking and paddling in the same trip, opening up the possibility of exploring areas inaccessible by just one of these methods. A typical packrafting adventure might involve taking the bus into the countryside, followed by hiking through forests and over mountains, then finishing by paddling on rivers and lakes.
A packraft is lighter than an inflatable kayak (often made of PVC) and significantly lighter than kayaks and canoes.
Who can try Packrafting?
Packrafting is suitable for a variety of practitioners - from beginners to experienced paddlers. Paddling a packraft is easy - so easy that even children can paddle them with ease. Beginners can opt for easier trips on still lakes or calm rivers, while more experienced paddlers can take on flowing water or rapids. The hardest part is actually getting in and out of the packraft - which, after a little practice, is usually easy.
How to get started?
Getting started with packrafting doesn't really require much more than acquiring a packraft, a paddle and a life jacket. We at Packraft Sverige also offer packraft rentals, which can be a good option for beginners who want to try packrafting.
Our packraft kits are very popular with beginners, as they contain everything needed to get started.
If you need help choosing equipment for your adventures, please contact us.
Executive summary
- Packrafting combines hiking and paddling using lightweight, inflatable boats called packrafts.
- Packrafts weigh between 1 and 5 kilograms and are easy to transport in a backpack, allowing flexible exploration of both land and water.
- The MRS Microraft is a popular model suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers, equipped with a canopy for better protection.
- Packrafting is easy to learn and suitable for everyone, from children to experienced paddlers, with different tours for different levels.
- Minimal equipment is required to get started, such as a packraft, paddle and life jacket; rentals are also an option for beginners.