flyweight designs pack raft

[Brett Rasmussen]

Anyone have any information (or opinions) on this raft besides what is listed on the website?

http://flyweightdesigns.com/products.aspx

I think there are many like me who would like a cheaper Alpacka raft alternative for non-white water uses. In the past I have used a 2 Man Vinyl Raft to paddle in fairly calm rivers and lakes. It was cheap and only weighs about 5 lbs. In preparation for a river trip my wife and I are planing this coming weekend I inflated the raft to check for holes (which there were) and measured it to be 46” X 14” on the inside, so for my wife and I the flyweight raft would actually be 2” wider than what we have been using. It's a tight fit, but we have a combined weight of only 275 pounds. We have definitely used it beyond it's intended use and have multiple patches on it. I'm really not interested in anything beyond moderate to slow moving rivers, but would really like something that does not get a hole in it if you look at it funny.

The flytepacker looks like it could be the ticket, but I really have no experience with anything beyond the pool toy type raft I have been using and would love to get some advice before making a purchase. I'm sure this raft would be great for lakes, but I wonder how it would do going down a moving river. I also saw that Titanium Goat has some kind of raft in the works, but I have no idea what it will be like.

Another thing I wondered about is upgrading to a better paddle than what I have been using. The paddle advertised by flyweight designs sure is light and cheap and I'm sure it would work well for some applications, but I wonder if it would be worth while to go with something more like those used with Alpacka rafts.

Any information regarding the flytepacker is greatly appreciated as is any input or opinions from those with experienced in water craft. Thanks

Brett

[Greg Mihalik]

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[Jason Taylor]

Brett- If you are still interested in trying out a FlytePacker, I have one and live in Iowa City. You can borrow it for a test-paddle if you would like. I have had it out on the Iowa River and at Lake MacBride recently and it worked great in both places.

[>> Bender <<]

I just happen to know the TI Goat raft should be a bit lighter than the flyweight. Unfortunately I have no idea if this will be ready any time soon.

[Brett Rasmussen]

Wow it's a small Iowa after all. I went ahead and purchased one as well. Thanks for the offer though.

I've meant to post a review, but have only been out on it once and don't have any photos. I agree with your assessment of it posted on another thread. Packed up it is smaller than I expected and inflated it is roomier (wider) than I expected. Material and construction are plenty durable. There are a few changes I would prefer, but for its intended use it is a great option.

I don't have any adventure racing plans, but it works great for my daughter and me. We took it down Clear Creek from near the Coralville mall, connected with the Iowa River and got off at Iowa City, City Park. (we did make a quick stop at the Hardee's by the creek for some fast food to continue the float with).

I'm surprised I haven't heard more from the BPL community about this raft. But finding out someone so close has purchased one maybe it is just a silent movement.

[Brett Rasmussen]

I also have some secret information about the Titanium Goat raft in the works. From what I'm told it should be more than a few ounces lighter. Besides that, I also think I prefer the proposed design of the Ti raft. Not to take away from the Fly Weight Designs. But I also have no idea when the Titanium Goat raft will be available.

[Doug Johnson]

I used a FlytePacker on a trip with my son last week. Great raft! It weighed in at 2 lb 0.5 oz and although we were just paddling around on a lake, I would feel very comfortable in mellow whitewater in this raft. For this trip- my 4 year old son's 10th backpacking trip- the packraft added so much enjoyment to our experience. And it doubled as the ultimate toddler sleeping pad. Inflated by mouth with little difficulty. Love the FlyWeight Designs boat!

Note Henry's custom bag by Tim over at EnLIGHTened Equipment. So sweet!

[>> Bender <<]

FYI here is the 1.5 pound TI Goat raft.

[David Chenault]

I think it's awesome that more options are appearing on the market. In many regions of the country, a packraft can totally change how you plan trips.

Alpackas are expensive, but the design and materials quality really does merit the cost. My Yak is amazingly effective, and the urethene impregnated fabrics really are (as Alpacka says) the titanium of waterproof fabrics. At the moment the boat is way more capable than I am.

That being said, my Yak does take up a lot of space (in the pantheon of UL gear). If the TiGoat boat rolls down to the bundle shown on the ground in the pic above, it could be a great tool for flatwater.

[. Callahan]

A raft weighing one and a half pounds sounds amazing!

Is there any news on this raft?

[Marc Shea]

With regards to the TiGoat raft they apparently are not proceeding with that project see this post http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=41063

Does that mean that you won't see a lighter boat? Maybe not. :)

[Ultralite Hiker]

Last I heard, the Ti Goat backed out for various reasons.

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