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Post by trinity on May 14, 2021 7:51:56 GMT -8
I don't think I have ever seen anything about packrafts on this site. Does anyone use one? I have been giving some consideration to picking one up, probably the Klymit Litewater Dinghy, which is both inexpensive and lightweight. I would envision using it primarily to fish alpine lakes in the backcountry, eg, Indian Peaks, where I am planning a trip this fall. Has anyone tried this? |
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markskor
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Mammoth Lakes & Tuolumne Meadows...living the dream
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Post by markskor on May 14, 2021 8:23:10 GMT -8
I have carried the Klymit LWD now for the last 5+ years Sierra...with great fishing results. The raft rolls up reasonably small, weighing in at ~2 pounds, fits in my backpack sidepocket... is coupled with an Alpaka Ninja kayak paddle...(carbon fiber and aluminum poles, clips together) and this adds another pound, so the total weight is just over 3 pounds. The raft comes with/ uses a "pillow case" type inflator that fits the raft's inflate holes easily...about 25 rounds of filling the case to get the raft tight. FWIW, also carry/ sometimes tie in a small parachute (shown here in orange), used as a sea anchor. (Try staying put over a honey hole, in the wind...then you'll understand.) When fishing, I always tie the paddle to the raft (raft has 4 corner tie-downs) to secure, prevent loss...oops! 
My raft kit, backpack ready, including: inflator (shown over/protecting raft), sea anchor, cord for tieing on, stuff sacks for poles and paddle ends.., minus the A1
I also use/ carry my night-time, blow up pillow as a life saving device. Any more questions...just ask. mark 
Mike in the Sawtooths
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zeke
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Post by zeke on May 14, 2021 8:34:53 GMT -8
BlueBear used(uses) one for some time while in Alaska. He had nothing but good things to say about it, and it is still functioning for him now, after many years.
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Post by trinity on May 14, 2021 10:41:00 GMT -8
markskor , that is exactly the kind of information I was wanting, thank you! The photo really helps. Sounds like it would be well worth the added weight. And using an inflatable pillow as an emergency floatation device is a great idea.
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Post by Coolkat on May 18, 2021 10:22:02 GMT -8
trinity, thanks for asking this question. There is a trail/river trip I've been wanting to do for years now. This idea makes it possible. I've been wanting to hike this river trail and then float the river back to my car. One night in each direction. My only question now is how comfortable would this be for an all day float with a pack with you. Assuming that the pack would fit with me in the raft.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on May 18, 2021 15:18:16 GMT -8
Coolkat, I can’t speak to comfort, but I know that BlueBear uses/used his to transport his pack along with himself.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on May 18, 2021 15:25:01 GMT -8
Coolkat trinity Not to steal his thunder, but if you pause this video at the right moment, you can see his pack in the front of the packraft while he looks comfortable sitting in the back. link
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Post by Coolkat on May 18, 2021 16:58:12 GMT -8
Thanks zeke & rebeccad, I think this might be the 2nd new piece of gear I purchase this summer. I've been contemplating this trip for a long while now. The more I think about the more opportunities this opens up for combo trips. Now to get one and try it out locally first. |
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markskor
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Mammoth Lakes & Tuolumne Meadows...living the dream
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Post by markskor on May 18, 2021 17:36:21 GMT -8
Just a heads up...these type of backpacking rafts are rated by the weight they can carry safely. The Klymit LWD is rated for ~250 pounds (or so the specs say)...and they recommend "slack water" preferred...great for lakes but not so much for white water.
FYI, The raft is plenty comfy with your backpack (maybe in a waterproof trash bag) over the bow, but total weigh matters, especially when encountering whitecaps. BTW, there are other rafts companies too that make slightly larger/sturdier rafts.
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Post by Coolkat on May 18, 2021 18:22:05 GMT -8
nd they recommend "slack water" preferred...great for lakes but not so much for white water. No white water here. Just a semi slow meandering river. Probably little or no paddling except for avoiding shore. Just want to float it back. |
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Post by Lamebeaver on May 24, 2021 15:14:48 GMT -8
Go big or go home. I ran into this couple at Clayton Lake (near the East Portal) a couple years ago. That's a kids floaty-boat with a unicorn head on the front. They seemed to be having lots of fun.   |
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Packrafts
May 30, 2021 17:05:37 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by bobcat on May 30, 2021 17:05:37 GMT -8
I met someone who had a Klimt Dinghy like this, and he used it for crossing protected water only, and it was not a dry ride. He ended up wet every time, and he Had a day pack and he was not that big a guy, maybe 160? Just a thought. But he had it for the same reasons you are looking at it. Cost and compactness and weight.
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Post by trinity on Jun 5, 2021 10:58:17 GMT -8
Thanks, bobcat , I've noticed that from the videos. I'd prefer a dry ride, but I don't think this will be a major problem for my usage. I recently purchased the raft, and when I inflated it, noticed a big kink in the side tube. Is this normal? According to the person I communicated with from customer service, this straightens out when on the water. This photo shows how the sidewall on the left side is kinked in, which presses in on my leg when I sit in it. Unfortunately, I may not be able to try this out on the water for a while, pretty much all of the waterways are flooded around here right now.  |
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markskor
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Post by markskor on Jul 12, 2021 10:23:48 GMT -8
Normal....will straighten out in the cold water...no worries
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Post by trinity on Jul 17, 2021 5:24:48 GMT -8
markskor , awesome, thank you! Hoping to finally get to try it out this coming week.
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