How to Pack Your Packraft!
Mastering the Art of Packing: A Guide to Preparing Your Packraft for a Multi-day River Trip!
Embarking on a multi-day river adventure with your packraft is an exhilarating experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation, especially when it comes to packing your gear. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, let's dive deeper into the intricacies of packing your packraft for a multi-day adventure.
There are many packraft makes and models out there, however, one ingenious solution to packing gear has been adopted by all expedition-style packrafts. Referred to as either a TiZiP or Cargo Fly, this large waterproof zipper allows for ample gear storage inside the packraft itself. This ensures the centre of gravity is kept low to the water’s surface and that enough gear for long trips can easily be stowed away. However, proper organization and utilization of the available space are key to optimizing your packing efficiency. Here are a few easy steps that will help you pack for your next packraft adventure:
1. Evaluate Your Gear
Before packing, take inventory of all the gear you plan to bring on your trip. Consider the essentials: paddling gear, camping equipment, safety items, clothing, food and personal items. Make sure your gear is in good condition and appropriate for the environment and duration of your journey. Eliminate any unnecessary items to lighten your load and maximize space.
2. Assess Gear Size, Shape and Relevancy
Despite being small vessels, packrafts can carry plenty of weight (up to 350 lbs), the primary constraint is size. Before packing, assess the size and shape of your gear to determine how it will fit into the packraft. Reducing the volume of gear is essential for successfully packing your packraft. Lightweight backpacking gear is the best option when determining what to pack. Consider the dimensions of the compartment and the length of the TiZiP opening to ensure that your gear can be easily inserted and removed without difficulty.
3. Utilize Dry Bags and Stuff Sacks
This is crucial! Dry bags add a second layer of protection for your gear inside the TiZiP compartment in the event of a leak. Additionally, the use of dry bags makes organizing your gear very easy. Group similar items together and pack them in separate bags to keep them organized and easily identifiable. Waterproof dry bags are essential for keeping sensitive gear such as electronics, first aid supplies, clothing and sleeping gear dry and protected from water. A waterproof compression sack is recommended for sleeping bags as it reduces the volume of your sleeping bag all while keeping it dry. There’s nothing worse than a soggy sleeping bag!
4. Pack Strategically
Now comes the fun part! Similar to Tetris, properly packing your packraft takes skill and strategy, but is fun nonetheless! When packing your packraft you want to be mindful of buoyancy and weight distribution. The stability and maneuverability of your packraft will decrease if the weight is not evenly distributed throughout the boat. Pack heavier items towards the bottom of the TiZiP compartment to maintain stability and balance in your packraft. Place bulky gear such as cooking equipment or food supplies closer to the centre of the packraft to distribute weight evenly. Keep emergency gear towards the top of the compartment for easy access. Any equipment you will need throughout the day such as lunch/snacks, water, sunglasses, bear spray, etc. must be kept outside of the TiZiP compartment. These items must be stored in a dry sack or small dry duffel and lashed to the boat with carabiners and rope.
5. Test and Adjust
Once you have finished packing your packraft, take the time to test the packraft's buoyancy and stability in calm water conditions. Practice paddling maneuvers and self-rescue techniques to ensure that your gear is properly secured and does not affect the handling of the packraft. Make any necessary adjustments to weight distribution or gear placement to optimize performance and comfort.
Conclusion
Packing your packraft requires careful planning and consideration to maximize space and accessibility. By opting for lightweight gear, utilizing dry bags, packing strategically, and securing gear to the deck, you can ensure that your gear is stored safely and efficiently for your multi-day river trip. Remember to test the packraft's buoyancy and stability before setting out on your adventure and make any necessary adjustments to optimize performance on the water. Embrace the current, pack smart, and let the adventure unfold—your next packrafting journey awaits!
