Making the leap... Bikerafting!

[JReeves]

I've been eyeballing a packraft for a while.  It only seems logical that it's the next toy in the quiver...  I've done a ton of research, and I know Alpacka is the leader of the packraft market.  But, I've opted to save about $400 and get the NRS Packraft through REI as my first step towards realizing this new dream/goal/adventure.  I can easily look past the 1lb weight penalty, the slightly larger packed size, and the lack of a spray skirt(not planning any class III or gnarly stuff).  The slightly larger size is a perk to me, as it will carry a bike very stable at the front.  Not to mention, REI's return policy is unbeatable should it suffer a "manufacturer's defect".  Not only am I using this thread to gloat, but I figured I'd spread the word, as this might be the time for others to venture into the sport for cheaper than has been possible in the past.  This is largely due to REI offering the 20% off coupon for members!  So it's an easy $115 savings on the raft. 

[caseygreene]

Sick! Just ordered one of those today too! Got it through a bro-deal. I really wanted an Alpacka but couldn't justify the cost..

Plan to use it with my daughter (6yr old) this summer on numerous class I/II float/fishing trips, and solo with a bike. Kinda hoping it will serve as a gateway drug for an Alpacka in the future, which are the only packrafts i've used in the past.

I don't know if REI carries the "fill bag", but i'd get one of those as well. Also, i've done a bit of research and it seem if you really wanted a skirt there are folks out there who will attach one. Thinking about this myself, but gonna test out the open boat first on some class II stuff first.

[JReeves]

Awesome!  Glad there's someone else out there who's giving the NRS a go.  And I, like you, figured this would be a good trial to see if an Alpacka is worth the money down the road.  I definitely am getting the fill bag, a genius piece of gear!  I'm planning on adding some additional tie down points(d-rings), and even perhaps some thigh straps to it.  Keep us posted on your's and I'll do the same!

[bmike-vt]

jealous. i really want an alpacka for some trip ideas here in the east. across the lake over there we have the Adirondacks - lots of really nice terrain filled with rivers and lakes and ponds - most of it 'wilderness' - where dirt roads go in but do not come out.

i have some ideas for riding in, floating out, riding more, and repeating.

[Andy74]

just got an alpaca, i would like to do some of those snowmobile trails that lead across lakes kind of tour that jhl99 posted about someday

[Andy74]

hey bmike, I have all the national geographic topo maps for the adirondacks, what areas are you looking at? I did the adriondack park loop from adventure cycling a few years back, stealth camped most nights. maybe we could hook up if i can get the time?

[Andy74]

too much too soon, ........
anyway, i did a short trial run this afternoon
a few miles biking, and about five river miles with moony on my denali llama
nice and stable, everything good
ill try to post back with an actual documented tour
possibly the end of summer or fall,
whenever i can get vacation
the new jersey pinelands is huge
consisting of over a million acres
lots of swamp, river crossings, and you can take
sand roads and trails longways across half the state
huge!
i also did 3/4 of the allgheney mountains loop with my brother last spring
oh well
sianara

[bmike-vt]

hey bmike, I have all the national geographic topo maps for the adirondacks, what areas are you looking at? I did the adriondack park loop from adventure cycling a few years back, stealth camped most nights. maybe we could hook up if i can get the time?

those are great maps.

1. i'd love to ride into the area south of 28 near newcomb and then use the boat to navigate out down to indian lake. lots of state land and hunting club land in there. not sure if the water is floatable... but lots of dirt roads (on the sat photos) that end at marshy / water / swampy looking areas.

2. ride from home to lake lila (primitive area). float to a campsite (most are on the lake, not accessible by foot). then float the beaver river into stillwater. that would have to happen in spring, when the beaver is high enough to be 'navigatable'  (legally, a grey area in NY law). from there i'd ride and paddle to the southern edge of the park.

3. ride into the moose river plains (where i did a dirt road trip last year) and instead of riding out to pavement, use the boat to float where needed to connect to points south. part of this would be hike a bike, as i'd be crossing wilderness on foot to access water.

all sketches at the moment, but in the ADKs, a boat that you can carry with you is a good thing. so much water...

curious about the pine barrens. almost did a 600k road event down there a few years ago. sounds like fatbike territory to me...

[Andy74]

i hooked up with a couple of local fatbikers for a nice 20 mile ride thru the pinelands today, one gentleman seems to know the area quite well. The pinelands of nj make up 22% of the state. there literally must be thousands of miles of sand roads, firecuts and trails to explore. I just started a new job last week, but i do get 8 vacation days this year, dont know if i can take any this spring or not. i did see your post some time back about your adirondack ride, very nice. the adirondacks do seem like the perfect place for a fatbike, packraft type of tour, as you said , lots of water.  im going to look at the areas you are talking about, sounds great

[mmeiser]

wow, I too just recieved my REI dividend and I have been dreaming of a packraft. I never even realized REI sold them. Indeed I just was just hiking in the Mohican National Forest (Ohio) this last weekend with a friend and dreaming I had a packraft as the water is a little high and the river was quick.   I do some kayaking and have found there's a huge group of kayakers here in the NE Ohio area. What's more they're all bikers as well. It's wonderful.

I always figured since I really see the value of low weight I'd just go straight with an alpacka and the lightest at that.  But now you have me curious if there's a used market for these?  Especially on the forum here, but also elsewhere.  I'd really love a well loved one by someone who's moving up to something better.

p.s. right now I'm tricking out my UL road rig with a new suit, aka. upgraded frame bags. Have been slowly upgrading and tricking out my kit. If you can belive it I'm still knocking half pounds off my sub-30lb UL road rig (yes that includes the bike). Although at this point I'm adding back in a little weight at well.  For example I really... really need a good harness system for it. I'm hoping to make it packable to use as an approach and chase vehicle for section hikes. Maybe one day do some sections of the AT with it.