Sorry if this doesn’t fit backpack hunting but recently ordered an Alpacka raft with the intent to do some float hunts and backpack fishing in remote lakes.

I was just curious if anyone here does the same and would offer any suggestions (gear or incidentals). With another 10 weeks lead time on the build time, I’ve got some time to pick up a few things.

Thanks

I can't help but I've always thought that would be a slick way to hunt. Float down to a remote area, camp, hike up the mountain to hunt, pack the animal back down to the boat and float it out. Good luck.

Ive pack rafted down some smaller remote rivers in the Bob Marshal to access remote areas to fly fish. Ive used a canoe to float down rivers and creeks to access deer hunting

I’m interested in this thread as well and will be checking back. We are thinking of using packrafts for next years sheep hunt.

I can’t speak to all the different raft companies but Alpacka Rafts are based/built in Colorado All but a couple components are all sourced and built in Colorado.

I added a cargo zipper which means I will have an airtight zipper in the stern of the raft allowing gear to be stowed in the raft itself. I watched Randy Newberg shove an entire Stone Glacier frame pack inside the raft prior to inflation.

Alpacka's are great boats which model did you go with?

BHA mule. I really debated about the removable whitewater deck or the self bailer options. I actually ordered it open but may buy the retro self bailer kit if I see the need down the road.

A few years ago, a well respected member posted a video (actually several) on packrafting in Alaska. Wish I could retrieve that video for you. But can't remember the guys screen name. Maybe someone else can retrieve the video.

KC, I've been watching YouTube and Vimeo videos during lunch of folks lucky enough to do those trips. December can't come soon enough to do similar trips here in PA.

I use this one for my fishing trips to Alaska

https://www.davescaddenpaddlesports.com/product-page/assault-xx

That looks good

Totally different game! Alpacka boats are light and packable as in Sub 10lb.

I'm pretty sure that's the rafts Brian Call and his crew used in Idaho. They sure seemed to hold up well to the abuse.

Hunting with a packraft is a terrible idea, especially anywhere I usually go. No one else should get into it

Tell us exactly (coords preferred) where you’ll be at and we‘ll promise not to go to your spot. Haha

Bbassi they were the rafts used. Matter of fact they had Thor on a podcast to discuss the Alpacka line. Gritty2020 was a 10% discount code I used when I ordered mine.

yep I know. I used to have a frameless scaddon around 11 lbs . It got pretty hairy( at least for me) in anything over a class 1 with a load so opted for a heavier more stable platform. And I can get a heavy load out safely if needed. Ive packed the heavier one in 3 miles with a bivy and a tarp for over nighter. It wasn't fun but I felt much safer maybe because Im older lol

Alpacka's can handle loads and whitewater just fine. They are great boats.

Ak lanche had some good packraft threads.

Picked up an Alpacka raft this year. No time to try it out so far unfortunately. Hopefully I can add something useful to this thread later.

Any luck trying out the alpaca, looking at buying one of these or possibly the other one listed on this thread

As of yet, I still haven’t had an opportunity to use it.

What is the difference between the BHA mule and the regular mule other than proceeds from the BHA version go to an anti hunting organization?

I have found a lot of helpful info on packrafting here, https://thingstolucat.com.

Luc also has a book that is a really good resource.

Wow, it's come a long ways from the days of 2 truck tire inner tubes, a 100 feet of rope and a sheet of plywood.

Larry Bartlett of Pristine Ventures produces excellent inflatables of all sizes. Very respected in Alaska.

I have hunted a lot with my pack raft and love it but a larger model like pristines would be cool but they are expensive

Fully loaded with meat, etc, how much water do these rafts need to float? (I know, tough question answer)