Packrafting

It is still winter(ish) here and there but some of the Spring days are really really nice in April. Perfect time to try some new activities. 

Actually I learned the packrafting idea during the 2024 New Zealand trip. A packraft is like a pontoon, but smaller, better shaped, and can be quite light. You put it in a backpack, go for a mountain hike and then raft down a river. Can be quite extreme, but it is all a choice. Packrafts are perfect for slow rivers, lakes and fiords too. The one I bought (seen on the photo) is a tad above 2 kilograms. On top of that you need a paddle (a carbon one while expensive, is super light). It folds down to a size of a bear canister so can be strapped to any backpack. You can save on weight by not carrying a sleeping mat - turn the raft upside down and lie on it. Also a simple tarp is sufficient instead of a tent. A pyramid-shaped tarp can be set up on the paddle.

There are a bit bigger rafts which allow carrying a bike. And then you call the think bikerafting. Yet another type of adventure possible - ride a bike, cross lakes / fiords on the pack bikeraft and continue on a bike.

New Zealand of course seems to be the ultimate packrafting destination, but to be honest, you can do it anywhere and anytime. Almost any river (up to WW2) or a lake is great. Even when Summer is still way away and Spring has just started.

As for the gear - Alpacka is probably the best known, but rather expensive. In Poland I can truly recommend Packraft.PL. Daniel - the owner - is a totally crazy about packrafting. Knows probably everything about this sport (and the gear).