Cool! I started whitewater kayaking in 1986, got to the pro level (raced, taught, worked) and then retired from racing in the late 90s. The biggest advice I can offer is, learn to read water in rivers, and learn about river safety. While pack rafts have less entrapment risk in the craft, rivers and water are unforgiving! Also learn about hypothermia risks when getting out into water travel. Be safe and welcome to my all time favorite way to explore wild places, the rivers!
Yep. I did the Kopka River in Ontario this past spring. Water temp in the 40s and air temp in the 50s. One rapid we ran had a dogleg and around the corner we found ourselves pinned on a rock, next to other abandoned canoes. It was a wonderful trip either way.
I got my first packraft more than 10 years ago... liked it so much I had to get a second one so I didn't always have to go alone. For me it was to make canoe style camping more available to me... I'm old and don't want to try to portage a whole canoe on my own. A lot easier to do a single carry when your boat weighs 6 lbs. There are lots of opportunities to canoe camp in my part of Canada
Where in Canada are you? My family has a spot in northern Ontario. I think this pack raft would be really fun for solo trips although not sure how it would do on super windy days...
@@ktrpillar SE Ontario... I do some paddling on the Rideau Canal and in some of the nearby provincial parks. Mostly just a few days or day trips. Mostly solo or with my son on the other raft. Easy to portage (I don't have the zipper that allows you to stow gear inside so I don't know if portages are easy with stuff inside). I only do flat water and didn't get any spray skirts or thigh straps.
@@ktrpillar Re wind. Although it's worse in the wind than a kayak, I don't think it's worse than solo in a canoe. I also have a knock-off "wind paddle "... ie sail... that is fun going downwind. I can maintain about 4 km/hr paddling in calm wind for an hour or 2 no problem. I'm not as fast as a canoe on the water but I'm a lot faster on the portage.
@@FlashGeigerawesome! Our spot is in the north arm of Lake Temagami near Keewaydin. Maybe you've heard of it? My great grandparents used to do surveying/long canoe trips in that area in the early 1900's.
Yessss!!!! Finally somebody in the hiking community realized the possibilities of packrafts, I did the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in my Packraft. The possibilities are huge with packrafts
You’re going to love it. My Packraft opened up so many places that I wouldn’t have experienced without it. You see environment from the river that is different to what you see from hiking trails - and it’s wonderful. A Packraft can get into places that kayakers can’t so you really have expanded access! Enjoy!
For 40+ years I used a closed cell sleeping mat. Super tough and super light, but also super uncomfortable. Finally, about 4 years ago, I succumbed and bought an inflatable sleeping pad - Wow! It has given me a whole new level of comfort and rekindled my joy in camping. Yes, I know I'm over 30 years late to the party but it has truly been transforming!
@@John-vi4ys A really cheap Chinese one from Amazon. It cost me about $20 and has no R rating and is only 2 inches thick. I'm currently looking into buying a better one as we head into winter but even so, compared to my closed cell mat, it is luxurious!
I recently bought and used an Outhaus Devenport swag. Amazing bit of kit. Not a single flap or noticeable shake even in 35mph winds. Absolutely fabulous.
I kayak fish... A LOT... I got a pack raft 5 years ago to do some hard to reach fly fishing spots near fort collins colorado... Such a great time... Im getting into thru hiking this year... planning womderland trail and pinhoti in 2025. My first thought when i foumd out about ultralite packing was 5-7 day fishing trips!! ENJOY MY BROTHER And thank you for your content and input
Not backcountry related, but just got a paddle board this summer as really my first foray into water sports, and had a blast, and opened up a ton of new locations and ideas to enjoy the outdoors
I started packrafting a year ago after a motorcycle accident 5 years ago put an end to my bike packing days. The ability to hike and then raft has been incredibly therapeutic in satisfying my lust for adventure. Jogging with a boat strapped on my back is just a surreal experience. (I have the Refuge)
We love our Supai Adventure Matkat pack raft. The raft and the paddle weigh less than 3 lbs. We use it in the Grand Canyon to cross the mighty Colorado River. Great piece of equipment!
Spent over half my life in Alaska. The Brooks Range is amazing. I hope you get to go next year. Pack rafts are so fun. Until you flip in the freezing water. Then...not so much. Stay safe my friend. 🏕
Packrafts are awesome! I built an ultralight packraft from DIY Packraft last year. It has been such an amazing addition to my kit for both exploring mountain lakes as well as fishing. My raft, paddle, inflation sack, and PFD add about 5 lbs to my kit. The raft itself weighs 2lbs-10oz.
Okay, I'm excited about this. I've wanted to get into packrafting for years, I could never make sense of how to carry all of the bulk gear. Looking forward to Darwin figuring this out!
As a canoe tripper I’m excited for you! This will open up a whole new world for you of back country tripping! Hope to see you again at Canoecopia this next year. Solo whitewater canoe for true whitewater play. Then a canoe tripping capable of both lake and whitewater canoe.
I got a kayak this year and am so glad I did. Most of my local hiking is green tunnels, with very limited views. Paddling the lakes and rivers offers constant eye candy. It’s also allowed me to pack a little heavier and I bring a cot, which has improved my sleep 10x.
Got the Klymt Ultralight dinghy a few years ago and have used it a few times with my bike strapped on the front. What a great time that can be! Its slow going and someday I'll be able to afford the bigger ones but one thing is with that the oars and the inflatable lifejacket it comes to 6lbs. Got a bigger cheap inflatable kayak for me and my 11 year old daughter this past year and that was great fun too. Went up river to a beach, then back down the river and I packed it back into a bike trailer. Hoping to learn snowshoes to go deeper out for winter camping this year. Go get it wherever ya can! Have fun!
Packrafts add a totally new element to outdoor fun. I've had one for about 10 years and got a second in 2018. My wife and I floated and hiked the SF Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness for 5 or 6 days. Super cool trip. You're going to love this addition to your gear inventory! Also thinking about the Escalante.
This is great and certainly adds a new twist for a lot of hikers who have never spent any time on a river and think that it is just a fun thing to do (which it is), just buy a raft and go. I have been canoeing lakes and rivers for 30 years. I would like to add that if you are new to running unknown rivers with hazards, rapids, sweepers and waterfalls, that you take a class, practice a lot, have safety equipment and know how to use it. At first blush this sounds so cool and fun, but running big rivers can be extremely dangerous. Please be safe on the water. 🙏
Wow, really opening some doors with this new gear! The Brooks Range will be a whole new adventure. I spent 3 weeks there, self-guided, in 2001 which included 2 weeks on the Hula Hula River finishing at the Arctic Ocean. Happy to help in any way I can.
Thank You so much Pal, an outstanding idea I first learned about through "The Bike Wanderer" Arctic Sea to Tip of South America. Now that's something YOU would be enlightened by. Blessings Always, ... Mike.
how exciting! like in a video game where you get a new item and suddenly the world gets so much larger from all the places you can go now when you can cross the water!
"Packraft Handbook" by Luc Mehl, a swiftwater rescue course, and lots of practice righting your boat with a bike on top of it before you go into the backcountry - best of luck from the Arkansas River in CO.
Man, it's very simple, but the Mystery Ranch Bridger vest-style harness has been a game-changer for me. For my entire life, I've struggled MIGHTILY with shoulder pain when wearing nearly any backpack for more than 30 minutes or so. It could be something as small as like a 15L EDC backpack with my laptop and a water bottle in it, and if I'm walking around some city my shoulders would just ache. But these newer styles of harnesses have made it so I can carry a full pack, all day, without that pain. It's enabled me to actually get out there and go do the thing.
I’m a bit older and went a bit bigger. Picked up a Kevlar canoe. Just did a multi day/multi lake trip in William Whitney Wilderness area (Adirondack’s). You Probably got this covers but a good pair of water shoes ( dive booties) big difference. Happy paddling
Great to see your getting into packrafting mate. You’ll love it. I started incorporating packrafting into my adventures over the last couple of years and it’s such an incredible way to explore the more remote, hard to reach places. I filmed a week long trip in NZ earlier this year that I think you would absolutely love. It’s easily one of the best packrafting trips you can do. Check it out if you’re keen and hit me up if you have any questions.
Wow, looking forward to see your new adventures. Sounds really exciting. Latest gear is a new PHD sleeping bag to go camping in the cold this winter up Scotland.
@LisaTheWanderingGeordie well I got the M degree 300. I've got a PHD bag liner which I use spring, summer and into very early autumn. I'll use the liner in conjunction with the M degree 300 , which will increase the warmth by around 10°
I’m definitely not a river person but excited to watch your videos on packrafting. Maybe I can be converted?! Most exciting gear for me, frameless backpack! Exciting to try the pa’lante packs!
I have an alpaca raft they are awesome! I live in the highlands in Scotland and go on many multi day trips on loch's and rivers. Most fun you can have with your clothes on!
Exciting plans, Darwin! Loving the gear upgrades and can’t wait to see where your next adventures take us. Any specific piece of gear you’re most pumped to try out this season? Keep inspiring us with your journeys
A new pack is probably happening for me in the next year. The foam in the straps of my superior wilderness designs ultralight long haul is getting compressed enough that the buckles are bruising my chest. I am still absolutely gaga over my Durston x-mid 2 pro. It's my PERFECT tent; I've had it for two years and just love it.
I've been looking at getting one of those foldable Kayaks for excursions at my local lake retreat without needing a full truck and boat, and after some not so great experiences with some inflatable Kayaks and Rafts. But, I can totally understand getting a pack raft with it being nearly a quarter of the weight and much more portable.
Wow, that packraft packs small! My only experience with packrafting has been watching Norwegian adventurer Lars Monsen do it on TV, but that's enough to teach me that you have a miraculously small raft 😅. So exciting! I hope you get the rest of the kit together soon!
Nice. I paddled the Escalante a couple times in the early 90s. It is remote and quite an adventure. that would be quite a lot of calories to carry bikepacking and paddling food from a single starting point. I am guessing a cache or resupply would have to be in your plans.
Not quite a pack raft, but the one new piece of gear I picked up in 2024 that really has changed everything is...... a pee bottle. No more middle-of-the-night getting out in the cold. Game changer. Loving it.
@ Naa, we got learn about Darwin’s future plans for how/where he’s gonna use his pack-raft. There’s a difference between a commercial and a partnership with a gear company. This was helpful.
I’ve had an alpaca pack raft for close to 20 years still works great. It looks like I might get the Caribou. I wonder if Thor still works there. It was just a small company from Alaska the last time I heard about them
This is an amazing idea that I've never considered before. Now, I'm imagining myself floating down the Rio Grande as part of bike-camping trip. Wow. Thanks, Darwin! More of this please. :)
When they come out with an anti-gravity pack I'll agree that there's a new piece of gear that "changes everything." That said, the packraft does look pretty cool and opens some new possibilities.
I've been looking at the mule. I need a big and tall. It seems to be a good balance of capacity, durability, and weight. I won't need it until next season, but I'm planning to take my Backcountry fishing game to the next level.
I've float camped for more than 25 years, usually flyfishing my way from site to site. This totally opens up some great scenery and gets you (mostly) away from crowds. I like the concept of multi-modal backcountry exploration, so I bought a Lectric E-bike a few years ago with the notion I could do my own shuttles if I couldn't get folks to accompany me on certain float trips where that might be a possibility (roads... camp one end, retrieve my vehicle using the bike). I later purchased panniers and a small trailer, again hoping to incorporate a boat, camping gear, having the e-bike with extras to move the lot up to a high lake on a rough road or abandoned RR grade I couldn't otherwise drive my truck. As a backpacker for north of 50 years (started in scouts, retired now), I like the idea of basic gear being muled by a boat, bike or both rather than all on my back.
I float/fish mainly rivers in Colorado and Wyoming, so the multi-modal possibilities work when road traffic isn't too bad. Sorry for not being a bit more clear.
I would love this! On the first part of the JMT, Tuolumne Meadows to Mammoth -- past all of those great lakes, I carried a 4 lb float that turned out impossible to blow up -- so useless weight. I sent it home - so bummed. I look forward to seeing what trips you take this on.
Nothing News worthy… but i bought a light weight chair and sand skirt. On a trip in noticed i could no longer tolerate sitting on rocks, logs etc. The chair supports my butt so i can extend my legs and really let them relax. Other piece of kit was a titanium coffee press. No instant coffee no more! 🥾
It's a nice partnership video, it's interesting, it's even helpful, but it doesn't change everything. Better title would be "Pack rafting opens up a whole new world". Would it garner less views? Who's to say.
This is an awesome purchase. Can’t wait for your adventures with it. Am I understanding your intent? A combined backpacking trip with some rafting mixed in? How much weight does it add and do you need a different backpack setup to haul it around? I like your thinking!
Bought a Surly Cross-Check to start bikepacking/touring. Also have a Pa’lante pack on its way now to play in the uberlite world. Still need to pick out a tarp.
Hopefully your adventures in Alaska go well- I watch The Outdoor Boys YT channel as well and the gentlemen up there has had quite a number of adventures in that region of the world. Take care of yourself and stay safe, Darwin! :D
I don’t comment often on TH-cam, but I felt it necessary to apologize for thinking this would be a commercial for the new Durston tent like all the other TH-camrs are doing now. I’d fall in love with a pack raft too. It definitely adds a new dimension to anyone’s outdoor experience.
😂 No... I try not to make the same videos everyone else is always making & I definitely won't be making a video about that tent. I'm happy with what I have in the stable currently 😉
@@DarwinOnthetrailWhat?! You mean you don’t want to be like every other TH-camr where they discuss the importance of using a SmartWater bottle instead of a Nalgene on every single video they upload??
Cool! I started whitewater kayaking in 1986, got to the pro level (raced, taught, worked) and then retired from racing in the late 90s. The biggest advice I can offer is, learn to read water in rivers, and learn about river safety. While pack rafts have less entrapment risk in the craft, rivers and water are unforgiving! Also learn about hypothermia risks when getting out into water travel. Be safe and welcome to my all time favorite way to explore wild places, the rivers!
Yep. I did the Kopka River in Ontario this past spring. Water temp in the 40s and air temp in the 50s. One rapid we ran had a dogleg and around the corner we found ourselves pinned on a rock, next to other abandoned canoes. It was a wonderful trip either way.
I can see a new sparkle in your eyes about this. Great short video and introduction. Thank you for the share.
I got my first packraft more than 10 years ago... liked it so much I had to get a second one so I didn't always have to go alone. For me it was to make canoe style camping more available to me... I'm old and don't want to try to portage a whole canoe on my own. A lot easier to do a single carry when your boat weighs 6 lbs. There are lots of opportunities to canoe camp in my part of Canada
Where in Canada are you? My family has a spot in northern Ontario. I think this pack raft would be really fun for solo trips although not sure how it would do on super windy days...
@@ktrpillar SE Ontario... I do some paddling on the Rideau Canal and in some of the nearby provincial parks. Mostly just a few days or day trips. Mostly solo or with my son on the other raft. Easy to portage (I don't have the zipper that allows you to stow gear inside so I don't know if portages are easy with stuff inside). I only do flat water and didn't get any spray skirts or thigh straps.
@@ktrpillar Re wind. Although it's worse in the wind than a kayak, I don't think it's worse than solo in a canoe. I also have a knock-off "wind paddle "... ie sail... that is fun going downwind. I can maintain about 4 km/hr paddling in calm wind for an hour or 2 no problem. I'm not as fast as a canoe on the water but I'm a lot faster on the portage.
@@FlashGeigerawesome! Our spot is in the north arm of Lake Temagami near Keewaydin. Maybe you've heard of it? My great grandparents used to do surveying/long canoe trips in that area in the early 1900's.
I'm digging the more than just backpacking content. There's so much more to do outdoors and most of it involves a pack. Thanks.
Yessss!!!! Finally somebody in the hiking community realized the possibilities of packrafts, I did the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in my Packraft. The possibilities are huge with packrafts
You’re going to love it. My Packraft opened up so many places that I wouldn’t have experienced without it. You see environment from the river that is different to what you see from hiking trails - and it’s wonderful. A Packraft can get into places that kayakers can’t so you really have expanded access! Enjoy!
to keep your travels from getting boring, this is fantastic...thrilled for you, and hope you will share some of your trips with us!
For 40+ years I used a closed cell sleeping mat. Super tough and super light, but also super uncomfortable. Finally, about 4 years ago, I succumbed and bought an inflatable sleeping pad - Wow! It has given me a whole new level of comfort and rekindled my joy in camping. Yes, I know I'm over 30 years late to the party but it has truly been transforming!
What model and name is the pad you love?
@@John-vi4ys A really cheap Chinese one from Amazon. It cost me about $20 and has no R rating and is only 2 inches thick. I'm currently looking into buying a better one as we head into winter but even so, compared to my closed cell mat, it is luxurious!
I love packrafts. I did the Escalante Canyon back in 2017 It was amazing
I used to work and trail run (after work) out in the Brooks Range. You're in for a real treat.
I recently bought and used an Outhaus Devenport swag. Amazing bit of kit. Not a single flap or noticeable shake even in 35mph winds. Absolutely fabulous.
I kayak fish... A LOT...
I got a pack raft 5 years ago to do some hard to reach fly fishing spots near fort collins colorado...
Such a great time...
Im getting into thru hiking this year... planning womderland trail and pinhoti in 2025.
My first thought when i foumd out about ultralite packing was 5-7 day fishing trips!!
ENJOY MY BROTHER
And thank you for your content and input
Packrafts are amazing! Bought mine 2 years ago and bring me on every trip. Perfect to fish from too
Cannot wait for Brooks Range content! Absolute bucket list for me!
I look forward to the pack raft videos. Thanks!
Not backcountry related, but just got a paddle board this summer as really my first foray into water sports, and had a blast, and opened up a ton of new locations and ideas to enjoy the outdoors
I started packrafting a year ago after a motorcycle accident 5 years ago put an end to my bike packing days. The ability to hike and then raft has been incredibly therapeutic in satisfying my lust for adventure. Jogging with a boat strapped on my back is just a surreal experience. (I have the Refuge)
Best new piece of backpacking gear I recently picked up was a new right hip. Going to make things much smoother now. Giddy up
Heck yeah, Escalante River is on my horizon. Have fun
We love our Supai Adventure Matkat pack raft. The raft and the paddle weigh less than 3 lbs. We use it in the Grand Canyon to cross the mighty Colorado River. Great piece of equipment!
Spent over half my life in Alaska. The Brooks Range is amazing. I hope you get to go next year. Pack rafts are so fun. Until you flip in the freezing water. Then...not so much. Stay safe my friend. 🏕
Packrafts are awesome! I built an ultralight packraft from DIY Packraft last year. It has been such an amazing addition to my kit for both exploring mountain lakes as well as fishing. My raft, paddle, inflation sack, and PFD add about 5 lbs to my kit. The raft itself weighs 2lbs-10oz.
Okay, I'm excited about this. I've wanted to get into packrafting for years, I could never make sense of how to carry all of the bulk gear. Looking forward to Darwin figuring this out!
As a canoe tripper I’m excited for you! This will open up a whole new world for you of back country tripping! Hope to see you again at Canoecopia this next year.
Solo whitewater canoe for true whitewater play. Then a canoe tripping capable of both lake and whitewater canoe.
Agreed. I've always wanted to packraft too. Confirmed. Not click bait
I got a kayak this year and am so glad I did. Most of my local hiking is green tunnels, with very limited views. Paddling the lakes and rivers offers constant eye candy.
It’s also allowed me to pack a little heavier and I bring a cot, which has improved my sleep 10x.
That’s the biggest backpacking pillow I’ve ever seen. sleep 🛌 👍
Definitely gonna get better sleep now! 😉
If it is inflated and you turn it around, you have a nice matress
PRO MOVE!
@@Jan_Itor New product category just invented.
Got the Klymt Ultralight dinghy a few years ago and have used it a few times with my bike strapped on the front. What a great time that can be! Its slow going and someday I'll be able to afford the bigger ones but one thing is with that the oars and the inflatable lifejacket it comes to 6lbs. Got a bigger cheap inflatable kayak for me and my 11 year old daughter this past year and that was great fun too. Went up river to a beach, then back down the river and I packed it back into a bike trailer. Hoping to learn snowshoes to go deeper out for winter camping this year. Go get it wherever ya can! Have fun!
Packrafts add a totally new element to outdoor fun. I've had one for about 10 years and got a second in 2018. My wife and I floated and hiked the SF Flathead River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness for 5 or 6 days. Super cool trip. You're going to love this addition to your gear inventory! Also thinking about the Escalante.
Super excited for your new toy and future treks.
My brother in law just did a brooks range trip this last summer for 3 weeks. It looked amazing.
Love your channel Darwin. Always hyped to see what you have to share.
This is great and certainly adds a new twist for a lot of hikers who have never spent any time on a river and think that it is just a fun thing to do (which it is), just buy a raft and go. I have been canoeing lakes and rivers for 30 years. I would like to add that if you are new to running unknown rivers with hazards, rapids, sweepers and waterfalls, that you take a class, practice a lot, have safety equipment and know how to use it. At first blush this sounds so cool and fun, but running big rivers can be extremely dangerous. Please be safe on the water. 🙏
Awesome, can’t wait. You capture the experience so well. Inspiring
Wow, really opening some doors with this new gear! The Brooks Range will be a whole new adventure. I spent 3 weeks there, self-guided, in 2001 which included 2 weeks on the Hula Hula River finishing at the Arctic Ocean. Happy to help in any way I can.
Thank You so much Pal, an outstanding idea I first learned about through "The Bike Wanderer" Arctic Sea to Tip of South America. Now that's something YOU would be enlightened by. Blessings Always, ... Mike.
how exciting! like in a video game where you get a new item and suddenly the world gets so much larger from all the places you can go now when you can cross the water!
I knew it was going to be a pack raft ahah.
Looks awesome
I run a 70L pack, it allows me to bring my ultralight inflatable bouncy castle.
Enjoy. Packrafts are a great tool.
"Packraft Handbook" by Luc Mehl, a swiftwater rescue course, and lots of practice righting your boat with a bike on top of it before you go into the backcountry - best of luck from the Arkansas River in CO.
Yoooo I’m so stoked for you D$!!!! This raft looks awesome. Can’t wait to see your adventures!
Honestly it's a great idea. I love it. Going to look into this as well.
That boat not only looks yummy...you can put your wheels on it.
Great piece of new adventure you've got yourself.
I hope you can use it soon.
Man, it's very simple, but the Mystery Ranch Bridger vest-style harness has been a game-changer for me. For my entire life, I've struggled MIGHTILY with shoulder pain when wearing nearly any backpack for more than 30 minutes or so. It could be something as small as like a 15L EDC backpack with my laptop and a water bottle in it, and if I'm walking around some city my shoulders would just ache. But these newer styles of harnesses have made it so I can carry a full pack, all day, without that pain. It's enabled me to actually get out there and go do the thing.
Sounds awesome I am excited for the adventure
I’m a bit older and went a bit bigger. Picked up a Kevlar canoe. Just did a multi day/multi lake trip in William Whitney Wilderness area (Adirondack’s).
You Probably got this covers but a good pair of water shoes ( dive booties) big difference. Happy paddling
Great to see your getting into packrafting mate. You’ll love it. I started incorporating packrafting into my adventures over the last couple of years and it’s such an incredible way to explore the more remote, hard to reach places. I filmed a week long trip in NZ earlier this year that I think you would absolutely love. It’s easily one of the best packrafting trips you can do. Check it out if you’re keen and hit me up if you have any questions.
Wow, looking forward to see your new adventures. Sounds really exciting.
Latest gear is a new PHD sleeping bag to go camping in the cold this winter up Scotland.
what one have you got im looking at them at the moment... for Scotland also 🙂
@LisaTheWanderingGeordie well I got the M degree 300.
I've got a PHD bag liner which I use spring, summer and into very early autumn.
I'll use the liner in conjunction with the M degree 300 , which will increase the warmth by around 10°
Packrafts are awesome, both for trips and getting closer to nature in urban/periurban/suburban areas
Look for the trips you will bring us along. 🤘
I’m definitely not a river person but excited to watch your videos on packrafting. Maybe I can be converted?!
Most exciting gear for me, frameless backpack! Exciting to try the pa’lante packs!
That's awesome! Thanks for adding another item on to my wish list!!
I have an alpaca raft they are awesome! I live in the highlands in Scotland and go on many multi day trips on loch's and rivers. Most fun you can have with your clothes on!
Yay! Super stoked for pack rafts and for your upcoming adventures!
Great addition. I’ve seen videos of people doing this, great way to open up unique possibilities
For sure! Can't wait to get it out more!
Exciting plans, Darwin! Loving the gear upgrades and can’t wait to see where your next adventures take us. Any specific piece of gear you’re most pumped to try out this season? Keep inspiring us with your journeys
A new pack is probably happening for me in the next year. The foam in the straps of my superior wilderness designs ultralight long haul is getting compressed enough that the buckles are bruising my chest.
I am still absolutely gaga over my Durston x-mid 2 pro. It's my PERFECT tent; I've had it for two years and just love it.
I've been looking at getting one of those foldable Kayaks for excursions at my local lake retreat without needing a full truck and boat, and after some not so great experiences with some inflatable Kayaks and Rafts.
But, I can totally understand getting a pack raft with it being nearly a quarter of the weight and much more portable.
Congratulations! That looks super fun!
Wow, that packraft packs small! My only experience with packrafting has been watching Norwegian adventurer Lars Monsen do it on TV, but that's enough to teach me that you have a miraculously small raft 😅. So exciting! I hope you get the rest of the kit together soon!
Have the kokopelli hornet lite and love it but wish it had the cargo hold like the caribou. Hope the adventures are fun!
Nice. I paddled the Escalante a couple times in the early 90s. It is remote and quite an adventure. that would be quite a lot of calories to carry bikepacking and paddling food from a single starting point. I am guessing a cache or resupply would have to be in your plans.
I’m stoked for you! I wanna do something like that too!
Not quite a pack raft, but the one new piece of gear I picked up in 2024 that really has changed everything is...... a pee bottle. No more middle-of-the-night getting out in the cold. Game changer. Loving it.
Brand name
@@loyaltyisroyalty5616the 48oz Nalgene Canteen (collapsible) is the best one I’ve found.
@@loyaltyisroyalty5616 I use a no-longer-used Befree collapsible with the wide mouth. I get by with the .6L - ymmv.
@@wanttogo1958 many thanks!
@@loyaltyisroyalty5616 I use a no-longer-used Befree collapsable bottle with the wide mouth. I get by with the .6L but ymmv.
how exciting! fun fun fun. thanx for inspiring us,
You got it! 🤙
I have a Gnarwhal & and Onyx. So much fun
Any chance you can flip the raft over and use as a bed too?
I finally bought a trekking pole tent. Which one did I pick? …well the Altaplex of course… I hope I love it as much as you do.
stoked for the alpaca tour. I have an aquaglide to explore/fish alpine lakes in WA
If it were anyone else, I’d say this were clickbait.
It was an ad
@ Naa, we got learn about Darwin’s future plans for how/where he’s gonna use his pack-raft. There’s a difference between a commercial and a partnership with a gear company. This was helpful.
@@wild7gooseLoosely helpfull and barely different.
I definitely just gave it a thumbs down for being click bait.
I too bought a pack raft, only used on local lakes, would love to backpack more with it.
WOW!! looks like a lot of fun! New gear I picked up -- a backpacking form pillow (no more blow-ups for me). I'm hoping it helps me sleep :)
I’m so eager to see the adventures you get up to
we are boundary waters and remote canada padlers! Canoes of course. Can't wait to see spme of your packraft vids!
This is exactly my plan for summer 2025 also. Getting an ultralight backraft. I want to camp on islands.. alone.. by my self. Lets see how it goes.
I’ve had an alpaca pack raft for close to 20 years still works great. It looks like I might get the Caribou. I wonder if Thor still works there. It was just a small company from Alaska the last time I heard about them
Brooks range will be amazing! Bucket list location for sure.
Im getting a folding bike that i can also bikepack on. This would be a interesting combination with a packraft.
That is so tempting
This is an amazing idea that I've never considered before. Now, I'm imagining myself floating down the Rio Grande as part of bike-camping trip. Wow. Thanks, Darwin! More of this please. :)
I bought a packraft last year and went camping, that was fun and exciting but I prefer a kayak. 👋🏻
Soooo cool! Congrats, Darwin!
Love it.
When they come out with an anti-gravity pack I'll agree that there's a new piece of gear that "changes everything." That said, the packraft does look pretty cool and opens some new possibilities.
I've been looking at the mule. I need a big and tall. It seems to be a good balance of capacity, durability, and weight. I won't need it until next season, but I'm planning to take my Backcountry fishing game to the next level.
I've float camped for more than 25 years, usually flyfishing my way from site to site. This totally opens up some great scenery and gets you (mostly) away from crowds. I like the concept of multi-modal backcountry exploration, so I bought a Lectric E-bike a few years ago with the notion I could do my own shuttles if I couldn't get folks to accompany me on certain float trips where that might be a possibility (roads... camp one end, retrieve my vehicle using the bike). I later purchased panniers and a small trailer, again hoping to incorporate a boat, camping gear, having the e-bike with extras to move the lot up to a high lake on a rough road or abandoned RR grade I couldn't otherwise drive my truck. As a backpacker for north of 50 years (started in scouts, retired now), I like the idea of basic gear being muled by a boat, bike or both rather than all on my back.
I float/fish mainly rivers in Colorado and Wyoming, so the multi-modal possibilities work when road traffic isn't too bad. Sorry for not being a bit more clear.
I guessed it ! I have an old friend that is an addict. Not my thing, although water is my element.
I would love this! On the first part of the JMT, Tuolumne Meadows to Mammoth -- past all of those great lakes, I carried a 4 lb float that turned out impossible to blow up -- so useless weight. I sent it home - so bummed. I look forward to seeing what trips you take this on.
Nothing News worthy… but i bought a light weight chair and sand skirt. On a trip in noticed i could no longer tolerate sitting on rocks, logs etc. The chair supports my butt so i can extend my legs and really let them relax. Other piece of kit was a titanium coffee press. No instant coffee no more! 🥾
NICE!
Use the chair to prop up your legs when you siesta or when you take a rest.
thank you
Psyched for this new journey!
It's a nice partnership video, it's interesting, it's even helpful, but it doesn't change everything.
Better title would be "Pack rafting opens up a whole new world". Would it garner less views? Who's to say.
Once you open up the packrafting rabbit hole, there’s no going back!
This is an awesome purchase. Can’t wait for your adventures with it. Am I understanding your intent? A combined backpacking trip with some rafting mixed in? How much weight does it add and do you need a different backpack setup to haul it around?
I like your thinking!
Bought a Surly Cross-Check to start bikepacking/touring. Also have a Pa’lante pack on its way now to play in the uberlite world. Still need to pick out a tarp.
Hopefully your adventures in Alaska go well- I watch The Outdoor Boys YT channel as well and the gentlemen up there has had quite a number of adventures in that region of the world. Take care of yourself and stay safe, Darwin! :D
COOL! I've been wanting a packraft!!!!
I don’t comment often on TH-cam, but I felt it necessary to apologize for thinking this would be a commercial for the new Durston tent like all the other TH-camrs are doing now. I’d fall in love with a pack raft too. It definitely adds a new dimension to anyone’s outdoor experience.
😂 No... I try not to make the same videos everyone else is always making & I definitely won't be making a video about that tent. I'm happy with what I have in the stable currently 😉
@@DarwinOnthetrailWhat?! You mean you don’t want to be like every other TH-camr where they discuss the importance of using a SmartWater bottle instead of a Nalgene on every single video they upload??
AZ packraft meetup and trip when? 😁