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I can’t believe that I only found this website a week ago. Been reading virtually everything on it since then and feel like I have found my future adventure vessel :-). I currently paddle an inflatable Aquaglide Chelan HB as I live in a condo and don’t have storage for a hard shell kayak. My main objectives are mountain lakes (live in Calgary), so been exploring all the drive-up lakes as my current set-up is over 30 pounds with kayak, paddle, PFD, pump, throw rope, etc. My next mission is to paddle hike-in alpine lakes – primarily ones that are maybe up to 10km from trailheads. So, basically all flatwater, with possible the odd gentle river thrown in (no interest in whitewater, though I’m fascinated by those with that level of skill). Thus far I thought the likes of the Kokopellis and Alpackas are the only options out there, but the prices just seem so high, especially with shipping and exchange rates thrown in. But this DIY Packraft is a game changer :-). I ordered the fabric swatches last weekend and already received them. Still can’t decide between the three kits, so would appreciate input from those of you who’ve actually paddled packrafts.
Initially I thought of going with the Telkwa as I like the idea of the wrap-around 450D floor for extra piece of mind. I chose my current inflatable kayak because it offers three chambers. The thought of a puncture on a glacial-fed lake is something I really do not want to ever encounter. Seeing the sample swatch for the ultralight kit I am certainly intrigued, especially due to its light weight and really just planning on using it leisurely (vs. for expeditions). I managed to puncture the ripstop nylon right away with a pen, but like how the 210D+ materials are seriously strong. So, now I’m more open to thr Skeena as well, but probably all three are contenders (and would be good projects to work on in winter).
Some questions:
- What are your measured weights for each of the ultralight, Telkwa, and Skeena?
- Have any photos to share of full set-ups (including seats, paddles, PFDs) in their packed state so I can see how much space they’d take up in a hiking daypack?
- How do these track on flatwater? Do you spin around easily? Do they track straighter the longer the packraft is? Has anyone tried attaching a fin? Depending on location, I can see myself paddle up to 10km on lakes.
- Anyone have photos of how you store things inside the raft, i.e., inside the zipper? What are the best locations for balance? Has anyone tried attaching dry bags or compression sacks inside for additional air chambers?
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