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Pack raft

Pack raft


Postby Fairweather Softie » Wed Aug 17, 2022 11:11 am

Hi All,

Tried a search on site and cant find anything on this, has anyone got a recommendation for a reasonably priced inflatable kayak or pack raft, its will be infrequently used but some of the walk reports on possible routes using one of these look fantastic so thought I'd consider a wee present for myself.
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Re: Pack raft

Postby Skyelines » Wed Aug 17, 2022 2:06 pm

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Re: Pack raft

Postby Mal Grey » Wed Aug 17, 2022 2:12 pm

Decathlon's inflatable range are quite well respected for the price.

If you just want to go to a loch, paddle across it, then hit the hills, an inflatable kayak will be just fine. I would not recommend the really cheap sub-£100 types, but from a few hundred quid upwards they start to be pretty good.

If you also want to be able to carry it in your backpack, for multiple water crossings en-route for example, then you need a Packraft. Decathlon have also recently launched one of those, a friend has bought one, though not tried it for a proper trip.

Packrafts are more expensive than inflatables really, but that's because they have to be MUCH lighter.

Both types need to be used with care, and with the conditions taken under careful consideration, especially as inflatables are more affected by wind than "hard shell" canoes and kayaks. For example, don't set off with the wind behind you if its more than about 10mph, as you might not be able to get back against it. However, on a calm day, they open up a whole new raft of adventures (see what I did there? Sorry!).

It seems most newcomers to paddle sports are buying inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards now, but I wouldn't if you want to carry anything much more than lunch!
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Re: Pack raft

Postby Fairweather Softie » Wed Aug 17, 2022 7:11 pm

Thanks both, will have a look at forum and decathlon.

Yeah just to cross a loch for me, no carrying it about the hills. :lol:

Probably use it 3 or 4 times and then it will be relegated to the garage. Might even look out for a 2nd hand one and hope it floats. :?
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Re: Pack raft

Postby Caberfeidh » Thu Aug 18, 2022 11:13 am

Fairweather Softie wrote:Thanks both, will have a look at forum and decathlon.

Yeah just to cross a loch for me, no carrying it about the hills. :lol:

Probably use it 3 or 4 times and then it will be relegated to the garage. Might even look out for a 2nd hand one and hope it floats. :?


If that's all you want, get a wee inflatable dingy for about forty quid, lifejacket about thirty quid. Footpump and paddles should come with the dingy. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intex-Explorer-Inflatable-Paddles-Person/dp/B00GEZ9J5C/ref=d_bmx_dp_hngmbksn_sccl_3_5/261-8067110-2655023?pd_rd_w=tinFk&content-id=amzn1.sym.bb2af879-d65c-43a7-a7c9-910f48fd4c86&pf_rd_p=bb2af879-d65c-43a7-a7c9-910f48fd4c86&pf_rd_r=5CW5CX9HAW4VMJ53YECV&pd_rd_wg=kIdQD&pd_rd_r=0e97ca70-946c-40ef-b48c-ef8b5f62693f&pd_rd_i=B00GEZ9J5C&psc=1
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Re: Pack raft

Postby Fairweather Softie » Fri Aug 19, 2022 7:20 am

Caberfeidh wrote:
Fairweather Softie wrote:Thanks both, will have a look at forum and decathlon.

Yeah just to cross a loch for me, no carrying it about the hills. :lol:

Probably use it 3 or 4 times and then it will be relegated to the garage. Might even look out for a 2nd hand one and hope it floats. :?


If that's all you want, get a wee inflatable dingy for about forty quid, lifejacket about thirty quid. Footpump and paddles should come with the dingy. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intex-Explorer-Inflatable-Paddles-Person/dp/B00GEZ9J5C/ref=d_bmx_dp_hngmbksn_sccl_3_5/261-8067110-2655023?pd_rd_w=tinFk&content-id=amzn1.sym.bb2af879-d65c-43a7-a7c9-910f48fd4c86&pf_rd_p=bb2af879-d65c-43a7-a7c9-910f48fd4c86&pf_rd_r=5CW5CX9HAW4VMJ53YECV&pd_rd_wg=kIdQD&pd_rd_r=0e97ca70-946c-40ef-b48c-ef8b5f62693f&pd_rd_i=B00GEZ9J5C&psc=1


Can never tell when your serious or just looking for next victim to practise amputation on.
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Re: Pack raft

Postby Mal Grey » Fri Aug 19, 2022 9:16 am

Fairweather Softie wrote:
Caberfeidh wrote:
Fairweather Softie wrote:Thanks both, will have a look at forum and decathlon.

Yeah just to cross a loch for me, no carrying it about the hills. :lol:

Probably use it 3 or 4 times and then it will be relegated to the garage. Might even look out for a 2nd hand one and hope it floats. :?


If that's all you want, get a wee inflatable dingy for about forty quid, lifejacket about thirty quid. Footpump and paddles should come with the dingy. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intex-Explorer-Inflatable-Paddles-Person/dp/B00GEZ9J5C/ref=d_bmx_dp_hngmbksn_sccl_3_5/261-8067110-2655023?pd_rd_w=tinFk&content-id=amzn1.sym.bb2af879-d65c-43a7-a7c9-910f48fd4c86&pf_rd_p=bb2af879-d65c-43a7-a7c9-910f48fd4c86&pf_rd_r=5CW5CX9HAW4VMJ53YECV&pd_rd_wg=kIdQD&pd_rd_r=0e97ca70-946c-40ef-b48c-ef8b5f62693f&pd_rd_i=B00GEZ9J5C&psc=1


Can never tell when your serious or just looking for next victim to practise amputation on.


Both, surely? :lol:
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Re: Pack raft

Postby Caberfeidh » Sat Aug 20, 2022 8:36 am

Fairweather Softie wrote:Can never tell when your serious or just looking for next victim to practise amputation on.


Nonsense! A life on the ocean wavey, that's for me!
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=41165&p=234364&hilit=+dingy#p234364

Lochan Nan Arm 004a.JPG
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