Alpacka Rafts?

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rancid badger

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Anyone got one of these? :

https://www.alpackaraft.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/Packrafts/

story behind them:

http://www.alpackaraft.com/index.cfm/about/About-Alpacka-Raft/2737
and as well as those who just potter about, they do seem to get used by serious outdoor folk too.

I know a bloke with one but to be honest ( and being both polite and kind) He's a bit "eccentric" :dunno:

Some examples of how He's been using the boat below: ( some good, some not so and the odd belter)
http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?39829-Alpacka-Raft-Classic
http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?40640-Innominate-Tarn-and-other-tales
http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/fo...38-North-by-North-West-Stac-Polly-by-Packraft
http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?44139-Heaphy-River

cheers

Steve
 

rancid badger

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Looks like there aren't any owners on here then ( yet)

If I was looking to do any serious trips combining land and water I'd definitely look at these, as the potential ideal tool for the water,being easily packable and truly portable.Not designed to cover miles quickly of course but much lighter than an ally folder and I suspect far less likely do be damaged in use.

Just as well I'm not looking to do anything like that any time in the near future, given the prices!:rolleyes:
 

murpharoo

Member
Jun 1, 2012
16
0
Worcestershire
My recently acquired Denali Llama will be coming with me in April to Knoydart. Loch Morar / Loch Quoich / Loch Nevis area (not decided yet and it depends on the weather / wind etc).

Not had a chance to use it yet :mad: .... getting the last bits of gear together.

I bought it in their end of year sale.

I'll post a trip report and my thoughts on my return.... if I return ;)
 
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murpharoo

Member
Jun 1, 2012
16
0
Worcestershire
Finally had a chance to play ....

IMG_20140224_030919.jpg


IMG_20140224_030533.jpg


Raft 3kg all in inc seat / backrest / spraydeck

Paddle 840g
 

murpharoo

Member
Jun 1, 2012
16
0
Worcestershire
What does it paddle like ?

Rob

Sorry Rob ...... when I said 'play' that was just in my garden inflating the raft and checking it etc. Hopefully off to the Highlands in a few weeks.

Looks great...very jealous! How did you decide between this one and the Yak?

I am 6' tall with long legs (34.5" inseam) and Nancy at Alpacka recommended the Llama. You need to fit the boat pretty accurately so you can brace yourself and add to the rigidity of the raft. I think the Yak will suit most people with normal length legs ! I was conscious of the weight - supposedly a 200g weight increase in the Llama but I needed the extra length. The bigger raft will be useful if I decide to have my little girl or pooch along as well.

ALPACKA SIZING INFO
 

Quixoticgeek

Full Member
Aug 4, 2013
2,483
23
Europe
If you want an idea of the sort of crazy things you can do with one of these, have a look at the adventures of Alastair Humphries, he's used one as part of his Crossing of Iceland, using the packraft to cross between Shetland Islands to visit Muckle Flugga, and to follow a river from source to sea.

So they certainly seem to be a pretty functional craft, if a rather expensive one.

J
 
No I dont have one but my friend does its the cats meow man light weight and built like a brick ****house will take any abuse you give it not like them cheep vinyl ones you will be lucky to get a day out of em...
Thay are bothered by heavy wind but not any less or more than a canoe I wish I had one just to keep in the Van lots of lakes to go explore were we are and they are just the ticket and they are light 5 lbs the most packable boat I have come across and worth every penny at $800+ Canadian.....
 

Trig

Nomad
Jun 1, 2013
275
60
Scotland
Not getting the use out of mine that id like at the moment due to various pains, but one of my last outings on my Yukon Yak was with a bike. Ideal for a cycle to the local river, paddle down it and then cycle home.

xcW7zUC.jpg

WS8PNbA.jpg



Wasnt entirely confident whilst paddling to be honest,lots of jaggy metal bits and would be easy to get a foot tangled in the bike if capsizing. You also draw quite a crowd during the inflation and strapping bike on process, which of course makes everything more awkard.
Takes the weight no bother though, and i could probably have removed the rear wheel also to get a more compact load.
 

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