Packrafts have a way of showing up where you’d least expect—like ferrying researchers across underground rivers for climate-critical aquifer data. For safety, data collectors wear neoprene wetsuits and belt-pack PFDs. |
Feature photo: Stephen Eginoire
It’s a brilliant November morning in the heart of the Grand Canyon, and the ribbon of cold, clear sky framed by mile-high walls is growing bluer by the minute. A gentle breeze moves upstream along the Colorado River, rustling through camp. The temptation to kick back and enjoy the canyon’s finest hour is strong. But today we have a different agenda, one that takes us deep underground into a mysterious aquifer system to photograph and record data from what is among the least understood and last explored environments in the Grand Canyon.
Packrafting beneath the Grand Canyon
As the first beams of direct sunlight radiate into the river corridor, illuminating the exact spot on our camp table where a pot of hot coffee would normally be brewing, we’re already marching away from the comforts of river life toward a literal blank spot on the map.
Traversing into an enormous limestone enclosure at the head of a perched valley, we locate an inconspicuous natural opening that leads underground. One by one, we leave our familiar surroundings behind and enter a hidden and puzzling realm that exists in total darkness. We set the beams of our headlamps to high and follow a meandering passage that leads us straight to the water table—a location easily identified by the presence of a river flowing through a majestic subterranean canyon.
Packrafts have a way of showing up where you’d least expect—like ferrying researchers across underground rivers for climate-critical aquifer data. For safety, data collectors wear neoprene wetsuits and belt-pack PFDs. | Feature photo: Stephen Eginoire
This waterway, along with the voluminous chambers it courses through, is only part of a vast and complex karst aquifer system with hundreds of groundwater springs interconnected throughout the Grand Canyon. Known as the Redwall-Muav aquifer, it is arguably the most important source of freshwater in the Grand Canyon.
Once the ultralight packraft I unfurl from my backpack is inflated, I paddle across the underground river to a cluster of highly sensitive instruments logging data from within the system—flow rate, depth, volume, mineral content, temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure and more. Cut off from GPS and the internet, the array must be checked manually, as the only way to retrieve the information is in person.
Of the hundreds of springs connected to this system, roughly two dozen are actively monitored by researchers, providing critical data that inform water management strategies amid ongoing drought and a changing climate. In a region where every drop counts, these remote monitoring efforts play a vital role in protecting fragile groundwater resources and ensuring long-term sustainability of both ecosystems in the Grand Canyon and human communities downstream.
With data from the loggers collected and carefully stowed, we follow the river deeper underground, using our raft to protect the delicate camera equipment for documenting the inside of this cave. At the far end of a hall the size of New York’s Grand Central Station, the river disappears beneath a mountain of boulders that block the passage entirely—the result of a collapsed ceiling. It’s clear that the cave and the river continue on the other side of the breakdown, but finding a way through—and into the great unknown—will be a whole expedition of its own.
Stephen Eginoire is a journalist and photographer rooted in southwestern Colorado. See more of his images from the vast, hidden cave systems beneath the Grand Canyon at stepheneginoire.com.
This article was published in Issue 74 of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Packrafts have a way of showing up where you’d least expect—like ferrying researchers across underground rivers for climate-critical aquifer data. For safety, data collectors wear neoprene wetsuits and belt-pack PFDs. | Feature photo: Stephen Eginoire
A kilometer off the coast of Perth in Western Australia (WA), a group of five sea kayakers found themselves surrounded by a white shark for the second time in just a few days. Estimated to be five meters (16 feet) in length, the shark circled the group for 15 minutes.
Richard Lailey, one of the kayakers in the group, told 9 News Australia that despite this being his second shark encounter while kayaking that week, he was sure that it was a different shark as one of the sharks was tagged.
“I just said… oh no, not again,” Lailey shared in an interview with 9 News Australia.
Inside five kayaker’s dramatic encounter with a five meter white shark off the Perth coast
Footage from a rescue chopper above as well as footage shot by the kayakers themselves shows the large white shark circling beneath the water.
“We did wonder whether I was towing a string of sausages behind my kayak,” Lailey shared in a second interview with 9 News Australia. “But I can assure you that was not the case. I’ve been kayaking off the WA coast here in Perth for over ten years and some friends of mine in the sea kayak club have been paddling for longer than that and we’ve never experienced anything like this before… for it to happen twice in four days is just incredible, just unheard of.”
Lailey also shared that while in both experiences with the sharks the group was frightened, he was more scared in the second encounter.
“One of the things that we do with the club is training,” explained Lailey in the interview. “We have been trained to respond when this sort of thing happens, and the first thing you do if there’s a group of you is you raft up. So you all group up and hang on to each other for dear life.”
Lailey explained that the second thing the group was trained to do was put out a mayday or pan-pan call on a VHF marine radio and wait calmly until help arrives.
“We were just in awe of this fish swimming around us,” said Lailey. “And I think we were kind of semi-mesmerized by it. It’s a surreal experience.”
Experts warn kayaks don’t offer protection from sharks
Lailey shared that some of the group took photos and filmed while waiting for help to arrive, and for the most part the group sat in silence.
A rescue chopper as well as nearby boats responded to the sea kayakers’ distress call. The shark left shortly after, possibly deterred by the motors on the boats, and the kayakers were guided to shore. The site of the incident, Hillarys Dog Beach, was temporarily closed after the encounter. Experts told 9 News Australia that kayaks offer very little protection from sharks.
Kayakers circled by Great White Shark in Perth, Western Australia. Feature Image: 9 News Australia | YouTube
While shark attacks on kayakers are rare, sea kayakers can occasionally be mistaken for a seal or sea lion from below.
The sea kayaking group plans to hit the water again soon, unfazed by the encounters.
In a dramatic video a canoe tour group in Botswana’s Okavango Delta was charged by an angry elephant, with one tourist held underwater by the elephant’s truck. Now, tourists are sharing their stories with more footage of the close encounter.
New footage of dramatic elephant charge on canoe tour surfaces as survivors share their stories
In the new footage, the elephant is seen charging the cameraman’s canoe and flips it with his trunk. Lifejackets (PFDs) are seen scattered in the water. From here, the elephant continues to charge as the camera dips in and out of the murky waters.
“The first thought that came to my mind was ‘this is the end of me,’” Jeff Melvin, a participant on the canoe safari, told ABC News. “We could tell that they were getting a little annoyed at our presence and then just in the blink of an eye things kind of changed.”
“What we did not see was the mom with the two babies,” Jeff Unrein, another canoe safari participant travelling with Melvin shared with ABC News. “They were hidden in some tall grass but out of sight.”
The new tourist footage also shows a different angle of the woman held underwater by the elephant.
“That patron was incredibly lucky that this happened in the water,” Ron Magill, Zoo Miami, told ABC News, adding that elephants literally try to mash people into the ground in an attack and the water likely cushioned her.
Magill also explained that there is little more dangerous in the wild than an elephant mother with young calves.
Elephant charges canoe tour group in Botswana. Feature Image: ABC 11 | Larry Unrein @salmonmoose
Lake Superior’s Thunder Cape looms in the background on a 10-kilometer crossing from Pie Island. | Feature photo: Kaydi Pyette
When paddling in crosswinds or crossing currents, it can be difficult to stay on a straight-line course from the point of departure to the destination. The direction you point your bow is not necessarily the direction you’re moving, so it’s easy to paddle a long arcing route without even realizing it.
While taking the scenic route isn’t necessarily a huge mistake, on long exposed crossings, it’s usually preferable to minimize distance. As we all remember from math class, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
How to paddle in a straight line in wind and current
A range—also known as a transit—gives a paddler easily interpreted, “on the fly” visual feedback on course headings relative to drift. That might sound complicated, but it’s really easy. It’s a very useful tool to prevent drifting off-course due to current or wind on longer crossings—and handy for short ones, too. It is easier than reading a compass or GPS while paddling, and far less likely to make you motion sick.
Illustration: Paul Mason
To establish a range, pick two stationary reference points that are in line (the distance and roughly on your course heading). Your two points need to be some distance apart, with one closer and one farther away from your position. But they must be in line with your direction of travel. By watching how these two reference points move relative to one another, you can instantly gauge if you are drifting off course.
Say you pick a mountain peak in the far distance and a distinctively red tree on the shoreline as your reference points. If the mountain is moving left relative to the tree, then you are drifting off course to the left. If the mountain is moving right relative to the tree, then you are drifting right. If the two reference points stay aligned, then you are on course and traveling in a straight line.
By adjusting your steering and paddling to keep your range reference points aligned, you are effectively setting a ferry angle that will counteract the effects of current and wind so you can travel efficiently in a straight line on your goal. Even if the effects of current and wind change drastically during the crossing, you can adapt as needed to maintain your course.
This editorial was first published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Lake Superior’s Thunder Cape looms in the background on a 10-kilometer crossing from Pie Island. | Feature photo: Kaydi Pyette
Imagine this: You’re paddling a clear and calm river, when suddenly, you see a large, gray shape ahead of you. As you get closer, you realize it’s a manatee. It comes up for air, dives down and continues under your kayak. You lean over to get a good look at it passing several feet below.
Drifting in search of manatees on the Weeki Wachee River. | Photo: Sarah Phinney
Seeing a manatee from a kayak, or atop a paddleboard, can be a humbling experience. Manatees can be, on average, 10 feet long and weigh up to 1,200 pounds. While their size is intimidating at first, they are beloved for their gentle demeanor, playfulness and curiosity.
Globally, manatees can be found in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Amazon basin, and West Africa. No matter where you are in the world, it’s important to keep a few safety tips in mind:
1. Space is key
If a manatee starts to change its behavior because of your presence, you’re too close. Surfacing manatees are capable of flipping kayaks and paddleboards.
2. No sharing
Do not give manatees food or water. It may encourage them to swim closer to people or boats and it can change the way they forage.
3. Research local rules
Manatees are protected to some extent in every country they inhabit. Familiarize yourself with local laws. Violations in some places are punishable by jail time.
Florida has some of the most extensive protections for manatees, and for good reason.
Manatees inhabit the state’s coastal waters, rivers and springs. In the winter, manatees flock to warm-water sites, including springs and even power plant discharge canals.
While federal and state agencies continue to investigate a high level of manatee mortalities on the Atlantic coast, the most recent population estimates in the state range from 8,000 to just shy of 12,000. Because of that, you have a high chance of seeing manatees in the wild, especially if you visit the following places. These destinations are also highly accessible to paddlers, with outfitters providing rentals and guided tours and designated launches.
A manatee just hanging at Three Sisters Springs. | Feature photo: Maurice Rivenbark/Visit Florida
1 Crystal River, Florida
Citrus County, Florida, known as the Manatee Capital of the World, has some of the best opportunities globally to kayak with manatees. In fact, it’s one of the only places in Florida where you can respectfully swim with them too.
The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1983, protects Three Sisters Springs where hundreds of manatees congregate in the winter to stay warm in the spring water that remains 72 degrees year-round.
Kayak tours are available in the area, but the Three Sisters Springs can be closed off to swimmers and kayakers during the winter for the safety of the manatees gathering there. However, you’ll still see plenty coming and going from the springs in nearby canals.
Visitors who have their own kayaks can launch from nearby Hunter Springs Park. There is a small fee to park. Arriving early is best because the number of spots is limited. Plus, manatees are known to be more active and playful in the morning.
Exploring Silver Springs. | Photo: Sarah Phinney
2 Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, Florida
Silver Springs State Park in Ocala is a top spot for seeing manatees no matter the season because some are year-round residents.
If you visit, you’ll quickly understand why humans have been drawn to the Silver River for at least 10,000 years. The stunning scenery and crystal clear water are mesmerizing. In fact, more than 30 springs have been documented in the upper part of the Silver River.
Kayaking tours are available through multiple vendors, including clear kayaking tours, that help paddlers see the depths of the springs where manatees, fish, turtles and alligators may be swimming below.
Those who have their own kayaks can launch inside the state park for a small fee and arrange for transportation back upriver after a five-mile run. It’s relatively slow moving water for novice kayakers or beginner paddleboarders Whether you’re on a tour or paddling independently, be sure to keep your distance from the Glass Bottom Boat Tours that run daily inside the state park.
The manatees are an added bonus to an already incredible paddle on the Weeki Wachee River. | Photo: The Rodriguez Group/Visit Florida
3 Weeki Wachee River in Weeki Wachee, Florida
The Weeki Wachee River is known for mermaids, manatees and magnificent surroundings. The head spring of the river is inside Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where you can also catch a world-famous mermaid show.
Paddlers who want to begin their journey near the head spring can rent from inside the state park or reserve a spot to launch privately. Only a certain number of rentals and private launches are allowed per hour so it’s very important to reserve in advance, especially on weekends.
Manatees can sometimes be spotted swimming upriver during cooler months. There’s also a good chance of seeing them at a spot called Hospital Hole, just before Rogers Park. However, those who rent through the state park will not pass Hospital Hole because the exit for renters is just shy of three miles downriver, whereas Rogers Park is about 5.5 to six miles downstream.
4 Manatee Springs in Chiefland, Florida
Manatee Springs State Park, along the Suwannee River in north Florida, is home to one of Florida’s largest freshwater springs. A staggering 35 to 150 million gallons of crystal clear water flows from the first magnitude spring every day.
The area serves as an important refuge for the marine mammal, especially from November to April when many are regular visitors to the spring. Tours that center around manatee education are offered at the park. A launch is available for public use for those who want to explore this wondrous waterway on their own.
Image: Lee County Parks
5Manatee Park in Fort Myers, Florida
Aptly named, Manatee Park provides paddlers an excellent chance to spot manatees—especially from January through March. The gentle giants gather in the warm water released by the nearby Florida Power & Light power plant into the Orange River, which connects to the Caloosahatchee River.
Manatee Park is also part of the Great Calusa Blueway, a 190-mile paddling trail that highlights the best of Southwest Florida’s natural beauty. The trail includes everything from mangrove tunnels to open bays, white sand beaches, and historic rivers, like the Caloosahatchee.
There’s a kayak rental outfitter on-site at Manatee Park, or visitors are welcome to launch their own to explore this iconic segment of the Blueway.
6 Indian River Lagoon in Titusville, Florida
Manatees can be spotted all throughout the year at the Indian River Lagoon. While it stretches 156 miles long, one of the best places to look for manatees is by visiting the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
There are a number of tour operators in the area and you can also launch your own kayak. It can be quite popular, especially between July and September, when many are out on the water into the evening hours to experience the bioluminescence.
The phenomenon occurs when dinoflagellates illuminate a green-blue color when the water is disturbed by kayaks, paddles, boats, manatees, and more. It’s one of the coolest ways to see these gentle giants.
If you’re causing a manatee to change its behavior, you’re too close. | Photo: Sarah Phinney
Where else to see manatees
While the Sunshine State is considered to be the top spot to kayak with manatees, the marine mammals can also be spotted as far west as Texas and even as far north as Massachusetts during the warmer months of the year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. However, sightings here are less predictable than in Florida.
Travel Belize suggests visiting Swallow Caye, an island a few miles off the coast of Belize City where manatees are sometimes spotted on the seagrass beds inside the wildlife sanctuary. While Belize is said to have the largest population density of manatees in Central America, the population estimates are still a fraction of the numbers found in Florida.
More of what we need. | Feature photo: Kaydi Pyette
I hit power on my phone and braced myself. After a dreamy week paddling the north shore of Lake Superior (spent eating oats on pebble beaches, sleeping under the stars, and living by the rhythm of the wind) I was met with 107 message notifications. Between agate hunting and misty lighthouse sightings, I’d almost forgotten I was a person with a job, bills and a group chat that never stops.
I eyed the notifications with equal parts curiosity and dread. What texts were waiting? What world events erupted while I’d been off-grid?
In uncertain times, relief is closer than you think
That return to signal is always jarring. A reminder of how much we carry and how gloriously little of it fits in our hatches.
If the world feels heavy, it’s not just you. Multiple studies show nearly half of North Americans reported feeling increased anxiety in 2025, thanks to a cocktail of rising living costs, global unrest, polarization and trade tensions.
More of what we need. | Feature photo: Kaydi Pyette
No matter where you fall on the map, this pressure is a shared experience. We’re more connected than ever, yet our brains struggle with the constant onslaught of news, posts and pings. What used to arrive once a day with the newspaper now pours in by the nanosecond.
And t’s not just individuals who are feeling squeezed. After five tumultuous years, the outdoor industry is still finding its footing. After the pandemic boom came the bust. Shelves that were once bare overflowed. Retailers went from scrambling for inventory to slashing prices. Interest rates climbed, margins shrank and demand cooled. Some shops shut their doors for good. The ripple effects from 2020, renewed trade uncertainties and changing consumer priorities, like surging international travel, reverberate through the outdoor industry.
Of course, any challenge presents an opportunity.
In the face of uncertainty, psychologists say the key is to focus on what you can control: Your body. Your breath. Your bow. We can’t solve everything. But we can choose where we put ourselves. On a lake at dawn. In the spray of a wilderness rapid. Beneath the halo of the rising Harvest Moon.
Water, as they say, is the great equalizer. Out there, we’re not consumers or commodities. Just good folks in small boats beneath wild skies, stripped down to the essentials.
For all those adventures and more, Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine has got you covered. Flip to page 94 in the digital edition for our most requested story, ever—The Ultimate Skills Guide, Part II. Plus, Paddling Mag’s annual buying guide begins on page 112, featuring the hottest items this year to get you on your way.
When you’re ready, pick up your paddle and head out on the water. We’ll figure out the rest from there.
Kaydi Pyette is the editor-in-chief of Paddling Magazine.
This editorial was first published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
More of what we need. | Feature photo: Kaydi Pyette
Too often, no matter whether on a big play wave in a spring creek, beginner and even quite seasoned paddlers run straight-ahead-Fred green runs down very uninteresting sections of river. Even if you’re not a super hot river runner, there is usually a smoother, dryer, cleaner and sometimes even safer line than blasting down the middle. Finding these lines makes paddling more fun and improves your skills.
5 expert tips to improve your river running
1 Scout for fun, not function
Standing above a set of rapids, you often hear paddlers talking about the line. Not a line, or their line, but the line, as if there is only one possible choice. In some extreme cases, this is true, but for rivers most often paddled, there are hundreds—maybe even thousands—of possible combinations. Start by identifying hazards, like wood or nasty holes. So long as you don’t paddle (or swim) into them, the rest is fair game. Pick out a few cool moves at the beginning and you can line them up from above. Make note of your exit strategy, which is the tongue line you would have paddled anyway.
Play the river. | Feature photo: Owen Roth
2 Nail it and rail it
There’s nothing more satisfying than nailing a tiny eddy up against a canyon wall—and an eddy just small enough to snap your boat into and feed you back into the current, railing a jet ferry across to the other side. Practicing tiny eddy moves and ferries on class II adds value to an otherwise cruisy run and builds real river-running skills.
3 Boofs
Boofing the first eddy of the run is one of the most fun moves on the river, not to mention an incredibly valuable skill. This is almost certainly a smooth and dry line—whether you launch off the edge of the rock or just cut across the very top of the eddyline—with an eddy waiting below. Angle, momentum and timing work together; if one is off, just compensate with the others. Practice hitting the same boof or eddy super high from different approaches until you can nail it from anywhere above.
Not every perfect surf wave is eddy accessible at the bottom of a set. Look for them while scouting and work them into your run. Catching surfs on the fly is easier than it looks. While floating down to a wave, spin your boat around so you’re facing upstream and paddle forward to slow your approach. Look over your shoulder and hit the steepest part of the wave to let it catch your boat.
5 Work it, baby
I’m usually the first person down a set of rapids and the last to finish. Most think it’s because I’m in an open boat, but it’s usually because I’m picking my way down, working each little feature along the way. Don’t rush to the bottom unless you’re in it for the shuttle.
This article was published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
In a harrowing incident caught on video a canoe tour group in Botswana’s Okavango Delta was charged by an angry bull elephant after coming too close to elephant calves.
Elephant charges canoe and holds tourist underwater in Botswana’s Okavango Delta
The video shows an elephant charging through the water as guides manning dugout canoes with tourists rapidly attempted to retreat. The bull elephant then rammed into two of the canoes, knocking several people into the murky water. The tourists were not wearing life jackets or personal floatation devices (PFDs) in the video.
The elephant then continued to charge at the tourists, four of whom were now out of their canoes and in the water, and held a woman under water with its trunk. Meanwhile, other canoes retreated. Eventually, the elephant gathered with its young and left. The woman who was held underwater was helped out of the water.
Daily Mail reported the incident was triggered by the tourist canoes venturing too close to a mother elephant and her calves, resulting in the bull’s charge. Additionally, Daily Mail reported that a former South African game ranger commented that the four tourists were lucky to escape with their lives, noting that the guides apparently misjudged the safe distance they usually work to maintain from elephants. All three companies that run trips in traditional dugout Makoro canoes declined to provide a comment to Daily Mail on which of the companies ran the trip, though one receptionist shared that the tourists were British and American.
How often do elephants attack?
This isn’t the first instance of an elephant charging a canoe. In 2016, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Beverly Joubert shared with Canoeroots (now Paddling Magazine) that while filming Soul of the Elephant, Joubert and her husband Dereck faced bluff charges from an elephant while working from a canoe. Joubert shared that later they discovered elephant bodies butchered to remove the ivory which the couple believed had agitated the elephant. In the film, Dereck shared that elephants are known to grieve their dead and lead rich emotional lives.
According to BBC Discover Wildlife elephants are the eighth deadliest animals to humans, responsible for as many as 500 deaths per year. While elephants are known as gentle creatures, the article cites habitat loss as humans encroach into elephant territory leading to increased human-elephant conflict.
Elephant charges tourist canoes, sending them into the water in Botswana. Feature Image: Conservation National Parks – CNP Facebook, York Post YouTube
The greatest innovation to paddlesports in the past two decades is perhaps the modern packraft. Sure, ultralight inflatable paddle craft have been around as survival gear since World War II. But it wasn’t until the turn of the millennium, when Alpacka Rafts founders Sheri and Thor Tingey introduced the concept of a recreational packraft—a compact, inflatable raft that you can carry in a backpack—that these ultra-portable boats really gained momentum.
Over the past 20 years, the packraft has gone from a single utilitarian design to countless specialized ones. In that time, packrafts have reshaped what we think of as a portable paddling craft and opened up accessibility to paddling at two extremes of a spectrum.
First, packrafts have allowed for unprecedented ultralight paddling expeditions—trekking, climbing, even biking to remote areas in order to run streams and pass from one drainage to the next. Imagine for a moment if Lewis and Clark were able to carry packrafts across the continental U.S.
At the other end of the spectrum is accessibility to paddlesports in general. A packraft is the most packable solution we have seen in paddling yet. These boats weigh just 3-15 pounds and some roll up to nearly the size of a 1-liter water bottle. That makes it possible for even the most space-strapped city dweller to own a boat and paddle regularly.
Add their stability and fun versatility for all types of water, and you have one of the lowest barriers of entry to the sport. Throw a packraft in the car and you could be fly fishing on an alpine lake or floating down a scenic stretch of moderate whitewater. Toss it on your back or bicycle, and you could be walking or pedaling from your apartment to a tucked-away bay in the city.
Packrafts are both dainty and durable. These lightweight inflatables can get blown across flatwater like a dancing leaf, but they also hold their own navigating some of the world’s toughest whitewater. Packrafts have opened the door to paddling experiences both extreme and close to home. Most notably, packrafts are durable enough to survive rugged and remote use. They are much more durable and capable than the similarly shaped vinyl boats that are widely and cheaply available at big-box stores.
So which is the best packraft? There are a lot of options out there, including sub-3-pound ultralight models for remote-access flatwater paddling and heavy-duty, class V-capable packrafts for whitewater expeditions. There are packrafts for both solo paddlers and those who want to bring along a pet or child, as well as tandem packrafts for two paddlers.
In this article, we’ll showcase some of our favorite field-tested packrafts and provide guidance on how to select the best packraft for your paddling goals.
“With the Rogue-Lite, Kokopelli has created an ultra-lightweight, one-person, inflatable packraft capable of handling lakes and rivers that can also be packed onto the front handlebars. No small feat.
The Rogue series is the first in the Kokopelli lineup to offer a Kevlar-reinforced floor system to maximize durability while reducing weight and packing size…”[ Read full review ]
Alpacka Raft Mage
The new Alpacka Rafts Mage tackles a waterfall. | Photo: Alpacka Rafts
The Mage sports a whitewater-style hull and the best of the performance features from the Valkyrie V3, culminating in the most responsive, fastest and smoothest traditional whitewater packraft from Alpacka Raft yet. Despite having increased cargo capacity compared to the Valkyrie, the Mage weighs less than the Valkyrie at 10.7 lbs with the self-bailer, or 11.75 lbs with the whitewater deck compared to the Valkyrie at 13.9 lbs. A narrow and longer hull on the new Mage makes for a longer waterline, increasing speed and improving tracking.
Kokopelli Twain (Tandem)
The Kokopelli Twain tandem doubles the fun of packrafting. | Photo: Geoff Whitlock
“Approaching the stability of a small barge, the tandem Twain from Kokopelli features a flat hull, which, combined with its short waterline, lets it spin easily to change direction. This is great for moving water like rivers, but can be counterproductive on flatwater because it leads to corrections with each stroke, so the Twain provides a removable center fin under the stern…” The Kokopelli Twain is one of Paddling Mag’s top picks for the best inflatable two-person kayaks.
Shopping for a used packraft?
Buying a packraft isn’t exactly cheap, but there’s good news if you are looking to get into packrafting on a budget. The growth of packrafting over the past 15 years means there is now a market for used packrafts. Whether someone is upgrading their setup, or tried it out and decided it wasn’t for them, buying a used packraft is a great way to score a deal and get into the sport on a budget. Some manufacturers even offer refurbished packrafts at prices much lower than comparable new boats.
When buying a used packraft, keep these tips in mind before committing to a purchase.
Do your research
When you come across a Craigslist packraft listing, the price may be attractive but the details may be vague. When you’re shopping secondhand, a packraft can range from a high-end, whitewater-capable inflatable to a glorified pool toy with a catchy name. Get all the details from the seller including the brand, model and size. This way you can research the packraft to find out its intended use.
Also, ask the seller how and where they used the packraft. This may give you a gauge on how the boat is intended to be used and what kind of use it has received.
Check for wear and tear
Packrafts are durable but punctures, leaks, damaged valves and mold or mildew are possible if the boat has been poorly cared for or improperly stored. Unpack the packraft; see if there are any holes or patches on the floor.
Check that all valves are in working order, opening and closing cleanly. If there is a cargo zipper, check that the zipper slides to completely open and closed, and isn’t jammed or corroded.
Photo: Jason Gardner/Unsplash
Inflate and inspect
Before walking away with a used packraft, inflate the boat to be sure it holds air. Fully inflate each chamber of the packraft. Once you have it inflated, give the packraft another inspection. Look for any heavy wear or abrasions, especially on the floor, outer tubes and around any rigging. Run your hands around the packraft to feel for air leaks, especially around seams and valves.
Let the packraft sit inflated for a few minutes. This is a great time to have a conversation with the seller. Ask questions, learn about the raft and the sport in general. After some time has passed, go back and see if the packraft feels softer than when you initially inflated it.
If it does, this may mean there is a hole in the boat or leak at a valve or zipper. This is not necessarily a deal breaker if it is something you can repair (or have professionally repaired by the manufacturer), but should be factored into negotiating a lower price.
Test paddle
The best way to know if a packraft is comfortable for you, or if you’ll actually enjoy using one, is to get it on the water. Ask the seller to meet at a launch site and take a few minutes to try out the packraft. Be sure to bring a paddle, PFD and proper paddling layers if they are not part of the sale.
Packraft buying guide
Packrafts come in a variety of shapes, sizes and intended uses. If you’re wondering how to choose a packraft, start with where and how you want to use it. Some simple packrafts are meant for a quick paddle across a pond, while other more rugged and complex designs are intended for difficult whitewater or touring.
All packrafts are inflatable and all are compact crafts that can be carried in a pack. But features like spray decks, self-bailing floors or zipper-accessed storage compartments are options that can increase the versatility, and price, of a packraft.
Packrafts are known for their bulbous sterns and kicked-up bow rocker (the bottom curves up at the nose to ride over waves) for increased performance on whitewater. But as packrafts continue to evolve for different uses and user groups, they’ve begun to take on many shapes.
Photo: Krisztian Toth/Unsplash
Keep in mind that the same packraft model may be available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different sized paddlers. Make sure you are getting a packraft sized for you. Too small a boat, and you’ll sit lower in the water and be more cramped for longer paddles. In whitewater, a too-small boat capsizes more easily. Too big and it will be hard to effectively maneuver the boat, and you’ll spend a lot of extra energy to do so.
Consider the following advice to help you find the best packraft for your upcoming paddling season.
Packraft construction and materials
Packrafts are commonly made out of lightweight, durable materials. The packraft fabric most often used for the sidewalls (or tubes) and floor is reinforced, polyurethane-coated nylon, and can also be blended with other lightweight materials for increased durability. PVC is also used on cheaper packrafts.
Generally, a lighter packraft will mean a lighter fabric layup. This is important to keep in mind when deciding on how you will use a packraft.
A packraft under 10 pounds is best for ultralight expeditions, and can usually endure use on milder whitewater rapids.
If you intend to use your packraft on a regular basis you likely want a heavier layup in the 10- to 15-pound range. This weight will have more durability as a daily paddler and for running more difficult whitewater.
The size of your packraft may also affect its weight. Packrafts come in a variety of lengths. Some are as short as six feet for an ultralight expedition setup. At the other extreme, there are now packrafts exceeding 12 feet for touring use on flatwater. However, you can expect the average packraft to fall around 7-8 feet long.
When looking at any packraft model, also be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommended weight capacity. In addition to paddler weight, consider how much gear you’ll be carrying, or if you will have a bike strapped across the bow.
Open or closed deck
Packrafts essentially come in two styles: open deck packrafts and closed deck packrafts, also known as whitewater decks.
An open deck packraft is very similar to the idea of an inflatable kayak or sit-on-top kayak. The paddler sits between the side tubes on the floor of the boat, often on an inflated seat, with their legs fully exposed. These packrafts tend to be the lightest in weight and are the easiest to enter and exit.
Because it’s easy for splashing waves to enter the raft, many open deck packrafts are best suited to flatwater, slow moving rivers and mild whitewater. If you want an open deck packraft for more challenging whitewater, choose a model with a self-bailing floor (see below).
Photo: Paxson Woelber/Unsplash
A closed deck packraft, or packraft with a whitewater deck, has a thin sheet of wave-deflecting fabric stretched across the top. A closed deck keeps waves from splashing into the packraft, and is ideal for colder water and more difficult whitewater. The paddler slides into the cockpit opening, similar to a sit-inside kayak, with their lower body enclosed beneath the deck.
So-called “cruiser” decks attach with Velcro and are removable so the packraft can be paddled open or closed, but are better suited to calmer waters since they are less waterproof than a true whitewater deck.
Some closed deck packrafts can be used with the paddler wearing a spray skirt to keep the packraft dry inside. The spray skirt cinches snugly around the paddler’s waist and seals around a cockpit rim, usually created with a flexible pipe formed around the cockpit opening. With a spray skirt and interior outfitting such as thigh straps and foot braces, an experienced paddler can run difficult whitewater in a packraft and even perform a roll to right the packraft should it flip over.
Sealed or self-bailing floor
In addition to deciding between open and closed deck packrafts, you can also choose the type of floor, which will affect how much the packraft weighs and where it can be used. When it comes to choosing a floor on your packraft there are two main options: a sealed floor and a self-bailing floor.
A sealed floor provides a watertight seam attaching the floor to the sidewall tubes. Sealed floors are common with closed deck packrafts to create a dry ride. They are also common on ultralight packrafts intended for calm waters, and lower cost packrafts to save on materials and design complexity.
A self-bailing floor allows water that splashes into the packraft to drain out through the bottom. Self-bailing floors are especially useful for open decked packrafts being used in whitewater, where waves are likely to crash into the boat.
A self-bailing floor has a two-part design. A sheet of rugged floor fabric with built-in drain holes is permanently attached to the bottom of the packraft; a separate inflatable floor tube lays over top. The raised, inflatable floor allows water to run down to the low points of the packraft and drain through the bottom.
A self-bailing floor also constantly has water lapping in. This is another important reason for a raised, inflated floor. It keeps the paddler a few inches higher so they do not spend the day sitting in a puddle.
Outfitting and storage
Packraft outfitting can be simple or complex. For budget packrafts, or ultralight expedition packrafts, the outfitting may be as simple as a small inflatable cushion that acts as your seat, with some including a backband for added comfort.
Packrafts designed for more advanced whitewater feature outfitting to enhance control and paddler fit, including thigh straps and a foot plate or foot braces. The more points of contact a paddler has with their craft—think seat, lower back, thighs and feet—the better their connection to the packraft and the more precise its handling. This is especially helpful for running difficult whitewater in a packraft, and even allows the paddler to roll upright after overturning.
Depending on the packraft you purchase, it may have just one inflation valve or multiple air chambers and valves, including one-way valves and twisting top-off valves. You get what you pay for; better quality packrafts will have top-of-the-line valves for higher air pressure (which equates to more rigidity and a higher, drier ride) and years of trouble-free use.
Rather than inflating with a traditional hand or foot pump, most packrafts include a lightweight inflation bag that can double as a basic dry bag. Using an inflation bag efficiently takes a bit of practice, but this style is much more compact than traditional pumps. Another option for fuss-free inflation is to purchase a small battery-powered air pump.
If you are looking to camp out of your packraft or take extended trips, you may be wondering about storage space. For shorter day trips, tossing a dry bag in between your legs is a quick and easy solution. But you’ll need more space for longer tours. One of the most advanced features available on some packrafts, and which has been a game changer for packraft expeditions since Alpacka introduced it in 2012, is the inclusion of a watertight cargo zipper.
These zippers are the same rugged, watertight kind that you find on drysuits and some dry bags. The zipper provides access to inside the packraft’s sidewall tubes. This gives paddlers the opportunity to store gear within the inflated interior of the packraft, which keeps gear dry, improves boat handling and makes longer trips much more reasonable. Zippers are now a standard option for nearly every major packraft brand.
One of the best ways to figure out which is the best packraft for you is to visit a specialty outdoor gear shop or paddling store that carries packrafts. Specialty shops can walk you through the different features and types of packrafts in person, as well as help you select the accessories that work best with packrafts.
With a specialty shop you may also have the opportunity to demo a packraft. The surest way to know you have the best packraft for your needs is to take it for a test paddle.
Photo: Jason Gardner/Unsplash
Packraft Q&A
Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common queries about packrafts.
What is a packraft?
A packraft is an ultra portable, inflatable paddling craft that can be carried in a backpack. They are used in the same way as an inflatable kayak, with a double-bladed kayak paddle. Packrafts are ultra-lightweight, with some weighing less than 10 pounds.
What are packrafts used for?
Packrafts can be used on all types of water—from calm lakes to whitewater rivers—for paddling outings requiring an ultra portable paddling craft. They are the best choice for remote-access, lightweight paddling expeditions and multisport outings where you want to combine trekking, cycling or ski touring with paddling.
Packrafts are also a great choice for city dwellers and anyone else who wants the most portable paddling craft for easy transportation and storage.
Are packrafts worth it?
A name brand packraft can cost as much as a hardshell kayak, so price is not the deciding factor for most packraft users. If you are looking for the cheapest way to get on the water, box-store inflatable kayaks and rafts will perform adequately for short, casual outings on calm waters.
But if you are looking for a durable, capable and ultra portable paddling craft that can withstand rugged and regular use on diverse waters, a packraft is well worth the investment.
Packrafts pros and cons
Packraft pros: lightweight, portable, small packed size, stable, much more durable than box-store inflatables; great for multisport use, expeditions and those seeking an easy way to enjoy paddlesports.
Packraft cons: lacks rigidity and performance of a hardshell kayak, slow, does not track well on flatwater, requires inflation, less interior storage for gear.
Inflatable kayak vs packraft
Inflatable kayaks are generally larger and heavier than a packraft. They roll up, but do not pack as small for travel as a packraft, making them less suitable for remote-access waterways. Inflatable kayaks typically have open seating areas, similar to a sit-on-top kayak. Unless rated for whitewater, most inflatable kayaks are designed for use only on calm, sheltered waters.
Packrafts roll up smaller than an inflatable kayak and are significantly lighter for easier transport in a backpack or bikepacking bag. Because of their short, wide and flat bottoms, packrafts aren’t as easy to paddle straight and have less glide than the average inflatable kayak.
Many packrafts are rated for use in moderate or even difficult whitewater. A packraft may have an open deck, like a sit-on-top kayak, or a closed deck, like a sit-inside kayak. Some decked packrafts have outfitting that allows experienced paddlers to roll them like a kayak.
Packraft vs kayak
Packrafts are ultra-portable, inflatable paddle craft that can roll up smaller than an inflatable kayak and are significantly lighter for easier transport to remote waterways. Compared to a hardshell kayak, packrafts are much easier to store and transport but lack the speed and handling of a plastic kayak.
Different types of packrafts
The two major types of packrafts are those intended for flatwater use and those designed for whitewater use. If you plan to stick to calm lakes, bays and slow-moving rivers, any open deck packraft is best. Similar to a sit-on-top kayak, they are simple, lighter and cheaper. If you’ll be paddling a mix of lakes and moderate whitewater, choose either an open deck packraft with a self-bailing floor, or a closed deck (a.k.a. whitewater deck) model.
Similar to a sit-inside kayak, some closed deck packrafts also include a spray skirt and outfitting that allows experienced paddlers to roll them just like a kayak. If you’re keen on paddling mostly difficult whitewater, choose a closed deck, whitewater-specific packraft.
How much does a packraft cost?
Packraft prices can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $2,000. The price of the packraft depends on the quality of materials used in its construction, as well as any additional features such as a deck, outfitting, gear storage zippers, self-bailing floor or spray skirt.
Why are packrafts so expensive?
Packrafts are much more durable and capable than the similarly shaped inflatable rafts that are widely and cheaply available at big-box stores. If you’re looking for a portable, dependable paddling craft that can withstand rugged and regular use, a packraft is well worth the added cost.
Some packrafts are more expensive due to better quality materials and construction, and added features such as self-bailing floors, whitewater outfitting or zippered storage compartments for camping gear. Not all packrafts are expensive though. If you need a simple packraft for paddling on sheltered waterways or slow-moving rivers, you can purchase one new for a few hundred dollars.
Photo: Krisztian Tosh/Unsplash
Packraft speed
A packraft isn’t winning any races. Packrafts are inflatable, short mini-rafts with wide, flat bottoms that are designed for stability rather than speed. A packraft will have a maximum speed of around 2–3 mph with some effort.
Packraft size
Packrafts come in a variety of sizes, anywhere from 6 feet to over 12 feet long, but the most common length is 7–8 feet. Most packrafts are designed to carry a single paddler and their gear, however there are also two-person tandem packrafts. Weight limits range from 250–450 pounds for a solo packraft and up to 1,000 pounds for an expedition-ready tandem; check the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit for a specific packraft’s maximum capacity.
Rolled up, a packraft can fit in a modestly sized backpack. The average weight of a packraft is 5–15 pounds, with ultralight options as low as 3 pounds and rugged expedition packrafts weighing nearly 20 pounds.
Packraft manufacturers
Well-known packraft manufacturers with good reputations include Kokopelli, Alpacka, NRS and Klymit among others.
How tough are packrafts?
Packrafts are made of abrasion- and impact-resistant materials such as reinforced, polyurethane-coated nylon. They are lightweight in layup, but still plenty durable for rugged expedition use or running whitewater rapids. Most packrafts also come with a small repair kit that can solve most leaks or minor damage within a few minutes.
What are packrafts made of?
Packraft materials include polyurethane-coated fabrics such as nylon, and reinforced PVC, often blended with other materials for increased durability. Packraft fabrics are lightweight but still durable. Keep in mind that the quality of the fabric and its waterproof coating will vary with the manufacturer; buy from a trusted brand for the best performance and longevity.
How heavy is a packraft?
Packrafts are some of the lightest paddling crafts available. The average weight of a packraft is 5–15 pounds, with ultralight options as low as 3 pounds and rugged expedition packrafts weighing as much as 20 pounds. The packraft weight depends on the construction used, and any additional features such as a self-bailing floor, whitewater deck, thigh straps or gear storage zippers.
Packraft reviews
What’s the story behind a packraft builder? How does a specific packraft perform on the water? The staff at Paddling Magazine has thoroughly reviewed a range of packrafts on the market so you can find the right one for your adventures.
Dream of capturing the photo of a lifetime? Use the recipe below to photograph a tundra wolf, barren-ground grizzly, caribou or muskox. Though not complicated, this recipe is time-consuming, requires risk and contains ingredients you likely do not have at home. Do not be discouraged—the results are fulfilling.
How to photograph a tundra wolf
Step 1
Prepare to lose job—set aside
Wring hands nervously for 3 weeks
Once raw, ask boss for 2.5 months off work
Once complete, combine:
Late nights and approximately 100 pounds of food dehydration
Beat in sufficient hours of route, logistics and equipment planning (this will take longer than you think—plan accordingly)
1 ounce anxiety
1 large check to cover costs
Serves one forever. | Feature photo: Tim Irvin
Step 2
Add a river of clean, unfiltered cold water (stirring continuously with wooden paddle)
Stuff 16-foot canoe (preferably red) with all dried ingredients, camera gear and camping equipment
Mix in:
2 helpings solitude
1.3 million square kilometers wilderness
1 healthy dollop humility
1 tbsp laughter (Jovial brand is preferable to Maniacal)
Sprinkle with birdsong and keep warm
In a large pot:
Whisk 1 large serving of bug bites until thick (include scabs)
Combine with mixture above and blend thoroughly
Stir in:
15 meals bannock
6 days upstream travel
8 days portaging (or until feet tender)
2 scoops rapids
1 tsp grated nerves
A dash of fear
Juice from one blister
1 extra helping freedom
2 doses exhilaration
Instructions
Slather with sunscreen and liberal amounts of bug dope. Place in equal parts sun, wind and rain (snow is not a reasonable substitute). Garnish with one canoeist rolled in a meadow of tundra flowers. Let set in the Arctic for seven weeks and voilà!
This article was published in Issue 74 of Paddling Magazine. 
This editorial was first published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. 
