Packrafting Expedition Essentials: Packing Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

Going on a packrafting trip can be thrilling. For those of you who are going for the first time packrafting trip will undoubtedly give you a lot of fond memories to remember. Since a packrafting journey involves in traveling on the water, it is different from a standard trek as you will gain a new perspective in enjoying natural beauty. Whether you will be paddling along a gentle river or battling the fast-flowing rapids packing the right equipment for your journey is something that you should pay attention to. I cannot stress this enough, but you need to pack well, as even a calm river trip can become dangerous for first-timers. Even if you are a seasoned traveler, getting overconfident and not packing well can be a mistake that can have serious consequences, particularly if you will be handling the rough water. In this blog, we will give you a comprehensive list of packrafting trip gear and items that will allow you to travel light without disregarding your safety.

Picking the Correct-sized Raft

Packrafting trips are of diverse types, and the length of the river is the main factor that determines the nature and duration of the trip. Many tourism companies offer tours along various famous rivers. Long trips usually cover the whole river's length, whereas short trips cover a portion of the river. The packrafting trips range from calm river trips for beginners who are learning to handle a raft to adventure trips that involve rafting in the rapids for the expert rafters. Nevertheless, picking the right boat is the first step to going on the trip.

The packraft is an inflatable boat that is supposed to be carried on the back and is a part of your luggage. It is important to do your research regarding the type of river you would be encountering to select the correct packraft type that can handle the water. If your trip involves long treks, then it is better to choose a boat that is lightweight and easy to carry on the back. The lightest rafts can weigh only 1.5kg. Don't hesitate to search the markets for the ideal boat. Packrafting is a popular trend, and it is easy to find a packrafts supplier that has an extensive range of inflatable packrafts that cater to every category of rapids. However, if you plan on maneuvering through a fast-flowing river, you are going to need a bigger boat and a lot of gear, such as repair kits and emergency kits.

Emergency Kit

This is one thing that is essential to carry. In packrafting trips, the risk of getting injured or bitten by insects while camping or getting sick due to weather is high. You should take all the necessary precautions and either buy a first aid kit or pack your own emergency medicines and equipment. If you are making your own kit, then let us give you a list of important items you should include.

• Bandages

• Mosquito repellant

• Blanket

• Pocket money

• Dry fruits

• Face mask

• Oxygen reader

• Antiseptic wipes

If your trip schedule involves whitewater rapids, then an emergency kit is a must-carry, and you should pack additional items like a whistle to signal your team in case of drowning and healing ointments in case of insect bites.

Packrafting Equipment For A Safe But Thrilling Experience

Even if your trip involves a lot of walking, carrying comprehensive gear for paddling and navigating the rivers is still something that you cannot overlook. Even calm rivers can become risky to maneuver if you don't have the correct equipment. For well-equipped and secure rafting, you should pack the following items.

• Paddles, preferably lightweight ones.

• Repair kit is essential when your rft gets punctured.

• Safety gear like helmet, life jacket, tow rope

• Inflating kit

• Gloves

• Wetsuit to keep you dry

Camping Equipment For A Relaxing Outdoor Experience

Many long packrafting trips involve camping outdoors. This can be a marvellous way to enjoy the nature and scenery. However, if you don't have proper equipment then your camping experience will become a nightmare, so pack a bag with the following camping essentials

• Tent and wooden poles

• Sleeping bags

• Lanterns

• Portable cooking pots

• Camp chairs

• Water coolers

Clothing

Whether your trip is of a long duration or a short one carrying extra clothes is something not to be neglected. In a rafting journey it is common to get wet when navigating a fast-flowing river. Moreover, you never know what kind of weather you would encounter, so keeping extra clothes for protection against the elements is a wise decision. To make your packing more manageable, we have compiled a list of clothes that you should have, so read on further.

• Socks. Multiple pairs, including woolen ones for protection against cold

• Durable Sneakers or boots, preferably water-proof

• Thermal underwear. Keep multiple underwear. One for hiking, one for rafting, and one for sleeping

• Extra-layer clothing

• Jacket for cold weather.

• Woolen sweaters

• Rain jacket for monsoon rains

• Headwear likes a cap or a hat.

• Tips To Keep In Mind While Going on The Trip

• Lookup Weather Forecast For Your Upcoming Trip

Things To Keep In Mind While Planning A Packrafting Tour

Don’t Forget To Check The Weather Forecast

If you want your journey to be relatively free of mishaps, then check the weather forecast for your tour duration. Rough weather can spoil even the most well-planned of trips, and camping will be quite impossible if the weather is rough. It is better to cancel the tour if the forecast is not favorable. Thunderstorms and rain might sound exciting to an adventure lover, but trust me; it is not worth it.

Select A River That Matches Your Skill Level

If navigating through challenging whitewater isn't your expertise, it might be wise to begin with Class I rapids or serene lakes to build your confidence in paddling prowess.

It's advisable to engage in a few trial runs on the water before embarking on a major trip. Opt for a river situated near an accessible trail system, allowing for around two hours of hiking beforehand. This will help you gauge your ability to carry the weight of your pack. Rivers are categorized from Class I to VI, and if you're a novice, it's recommended to stick to Class I or II initially. It's crucial to understand and respect the currents and eddies present in rivers. Despite the remarkable stability of a packraft that imparts confidence even to novice rafters, it's prudent to prioritize caution during the initial stages.