Fireman78
Expedition Leader
Check these out guys! www.alpackaraft.com also www.packraftnewmexico.com
Alpacka Rafts!
- Thread starter Fireman78
- Start date
mountainpete
Spamicus Eliminatus
Wow! Those things pack small!
Have you seen one in person? What is the material like?
Pete
Have you seen one in person? What is the material like?
Pete
Fireman78
Expedition Leader
I have had one for about six months or so, I have the "Yukon Yak" model, which is the second from the smallest size. I have rafted class three rivers and paddled alpine lakes in this thing. I love it! It's about 4 pounds and I take it everywhere, even when I fly. Oh ya, it's a lightweight urethane coated nylon that is thin but very durable. It is not like the kind you get at any local "sporting goods" place. I have yet to get a tear/hole or any problems.
Last edited:
toyrunner95
Explorer
how do you inflate it? it looks rather tight when inflated and i dont think a person can do it by lung power.
Fireman78
Expedition Leader
Inflation
These boats are designed to be very lightweight and compact. The inflation is done via an "Inflation Bag", basically a bag about the size of a pillow case with a PVC valve on one corner, and the other end is open. You connect the valve, then "gather" air and close the open end and squeeze the air in. I can inflate mine in under two minutes. There is a small mouth valve to "top it off" with, also , after you put in in cold water, it loses some pressure, so then you can add a little more via the mouth valve. The "Inflation bag" weighs almost nothing. Very cool. I wish I had one of these twenty years ago.
These boats are designed to be very lightweight and compact. The inflation is done via an "Inflation Bag", basically a bag about the size of a pillow case with a PVC valve on one corner, and the other end is open. You connect the valve, then "gather" air and close the open end and squeeze the air in. I can inflate mine in under two minutes. There is a small mouth valve to "top it off" with, also , after you put in in cold water, it loses some pressure, so then you can add a little more via the mouth valve. The "Inflation bag" weighs almost nothing. Very cool. I wish I had one of these twenty years ago.
Last edited:
kellymoe
Expedition Leader
Fireman78,
Dont you know you cant say fireman anymore:hehe: It's firefighter. I'm a fireman for LA City. Good to see other firemen on the board.
These Alpakarafts have already got me planning trips for the Spring. I have been a avid kayaker for years and have done a few expedition type trips down rivers but I am getting older now and like to travel in a little more comfort. These rafts are just the ticket. I am already planning a trips down the Dirty Devil, Muddy River and Escalante river with this raft in mind. Some of these rivers have long take out hikes and I would rather carry a 5lb raft than a 40lb kayak with gear. Thanks for turning me on to these boats.
Dont you know you cant say fireman anymore:hehe: It's firefighter. I'm a fireman for LA City. Good to see other firemen on the board.
These Alpakarafts have already got me planning trips for the Spring. I have been a avid kayaker for years and have done a few expedition type trips down rivers but I am getting older now and like to travel in a little more comfort. These rafts are just the ticket. I am already planning a trips down the Dirty Devil, Muddy River and Escalante river with this raft in mind. Some of these rivers have long take out hikes and I would rather carry a 5lb raft than a 40lb kayak with gear. Thanks for turning me on to these boats.
Fireman78
Expedition Leader
Great Videos
You guys need to check out these youtube videos! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnlDP-sfddU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pvMIXSTnNY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_G5Co-ve74&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDwVyK4Zz-s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulpb2dPYDVg&feature=related
these boats are awesome, these guys go to the extremes for sure. :rappel:
You guys need to check out these youtube videos! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnlDP-sfddU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pvMIXSTnNY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_G5Co-ve74&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDwVyK4Zz-s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulpb2dPYDVg&feature=related
these boats are awesome, these guys go to the extremes for sure. :rappel:
Last edited:
Fixed Wing
New member
Ha, firefighters all over here! I just got out of 6 years in the Forest Service (3 years hotshotting, 3 jumping).
I've had an Alpacka for 3-4 years now. It's great fun, & I have yet to thrash it. I've known people who have carried mountain bikes & hunted moose with them. However, if you really want check out some folks taking them on a journey, look at:
www.aktrekking.com
www.groundtruthtrekking.com
It's a husband & wife couple walking & packrafting from Seattle, WA to the tip of the Alaska Peninsula. Apparently, for big crossings, they take a pole, lash their two boats together, and make a mini viking ship!
I've had an Alpacka for 3-4 years now. It's great fun, & I have yet to thrash it. I've known people who have carried mountain bikes & hunted moose with them. However, if you really want check out some folks taking them on a journey, look at:
www.aktrekking.com
www.groundtruthtrekking.com
It's a husband & wife couple walking & packrafting from Seattle, WA to the tip of the Alaska Peninsula. Apparently, for big crossings, they take a pole, lash their two boats together, and make a mini viking ship!