Packrafting Gear List – and first post

I’d take a look at the WS1-IPR course document for ideas. I’m afraid you might be light on insulation for your time on the water.

Actually I attended the IPR course in June…ideas noted :-)

I'm going to be up there in Aug helping instruct that IPR course and plan on having 2 layers for my legs (thin neoprene + splash pant) and 3 for my torso (thin wool + thin neoprene + splash jacket). This is based on what people were using at the instructors course in May where the mean temps were similar. Of course it's 40 in Bozeman right now so the neoprene thickness might increase some if the current patterns persist.

I imagine conditions (flows) will be a bit more manageable in August than they were in May, eh? I don't plan on getting toooo wet based on the rivers I'm running, so a thermally efficient when wet merino layer should suffice if the weather's OK. That's actually what I used at IPR in June for the float portion of the trip, with Spring flows still in effect and temps in the 70s. Of course, if it's going to be cold/rainy out I would add insulation and splash protection accordingly.

Five.Ten shoes are really heavy for their virutes, though the rubber is really good.

I did a trip in the Bob last August, and night temps were quite nice. You could definitely get away with the lighter side of your sleep options.

Thats a killer list you have there.

I don't see anything missing. Although my personal preference would be to bring more toilet paper (assuming you included it in your 2oz "assorted toiletries") for a week long trip. Or are you using a different technique?

You can shave some weight in a couple areas:
-As mentioned already you might target the shoes.
-I'd also recommend looking at your pack. I would consider the GoLite Pinnacle if you can get comfortable with a frameless setup. The Pinnacle weighs approximately 19oz less. At least the prior edition did (not sure if they bloated the new one like they did with the Jam).
-Also consider ditching the drysack and stuffsack for a trash compactor bag (used as a pack-liner) and loose another 11oz. Assuming you aren't going to swim bad LOL.

What rod/reel/line are you using in your fly setup? I'm just about to buy a setup and could use some advise.

No particular lightweight revelation on rod/reel setup. I am going for the fishing as much as anything and taking an 8'4" Orvis TLS Power Matrix 3wt with a Batenkill Bar Stock reel. I am actually more concerned with managing an assembled rod/reel while in the packraft than the weight. it will be awkward. If weight and compactness were the driver for me I would go Tenkara all the way.

Is the Astral Bouyancy really only 8 ounces?

Probably should be 1 lb 8 oz.

I have the same one.

Just picked up a scale the other day…am refining unit weights…looks like the shoes and pfd are a bit heavier, other items within tolerances…will repost list over weekend.

Where did you see a listed weight of 8 ounces for the V-Eight? I've never been able to find a published weight on it.

I scoured the www to find a weight on the V8 (which is a sweet PFD) but to no avail. The fact that I was so far off on my estimate shows the importance of a precise scale, eh?

Haha. Yeah, I did the same and found nothing either. The lighest PFD according to Ryan J. is the Stormy Seas which is an inflatable and 14 oz. 10 oz heavier for a more featured foam model doesn't seem like a bad deal to me.

if I missed it on your list I apologize, but I'd think about carrying some bear spray (if you aren't already planning to do so). Not sure where your floating, but both the entire BM complex is very prime grizzly country. When I worked in the Middle Fork I could not complete a ten day hitch w/o bumping into at least one grizzly.

Also if you happen to be floating the Middle Fork, consider throwing in a couple of large streamers- there are 8-10 lb bull trout that can be a heck of a lot of fun :)

Hi Mike – the recommendations coming from someone who knows the region as you must is appreciated. I do have a current canister of bear spray in possession and on the list. Especially since I am going solo and covering some territory, I consider it a must have for this trip even if I hope to be smart enough not to need it in the end.

As for the bull trout, I believe they are illegal to fish for now after July 31 in this year's regulations. However, cutthroat will also hit streamers, so one never knows…it has happened before.

^ ah good deal :)

I've fished for small cutthroat to eat and have on occasion been reeling one in only to have a bull trout emerge from nowhere and engulf the small fish! That will give you a little start. They are a voracious predator (I say that w/ the utmost respect- a really neat fish)

You'll have a great time, some of the wildest country in the lower 48.