I think I’m in a world of hurt….

[Ryan ALLISON]

New to packrafting. Planning on going on a week long trip where we will stay at alpine lakes almost every night. Thought I'd bring my new boat. I have a Granite Gear Virga. This is how I was planning on packing it. I think it's going to be painful have such a weighty item furthest from my body. Looks like I may need an internal framed pack.

[Ryan ALLISON]

Should I pack the boat inside the bag? I've read that some folks do this. It still seems to go against packing guidelines. This would be the heaviest item at the bottom of the bag.

[Greg Mihalik]

I have not dealt with a packraft before, but I have dealt with wet 8# tents and GG VaporTrail carrying heavy loads. If packed well/tight, I found it did just fine.

I'd try to fold/roll the boat to 1/3 to 1/2 it's current length, and the then figure out how to strap it onto the top of the pack.

Personally, I'd keep it on the outside. If I did pack it inside, I'd situate it high and close to my back.

[David Thomas]

An intermediate step between your UL pack and a full-on, Lowe-style internal-frame or a traditional external frame, is to take the external-frame only without the pack bag associated with the external-frame (just undo the 6-8 clevis pins). Then strap your UL pack pack raft, and paddles onto the frame. That would add as a little as 1.5 pounds but would carry so much more comfortable by allowing you to pack the weight higher and closer to your body.

[Jon Holthaus]

Ryan,

I carry my packraft often in a pack, and find with practice this method works out extremely well. I don't use the stuff sack it came with, I just roll it up and use a strap to hold it together.
I highly recommend putting the packraft inside the pack, however I'm not sure how you are waterproofing the interior contents of the pack. If it's a trash compactor bag, roll the "snoot" tuck it to the side, place packraft on top, then close the top of the Virga.
Practice makes perfect, keep in mind in the wilderness you may not have a nice and neat grassy field to roll it.

[Aidan Kerr]

I do the same as Jon mentioned. If you havent already seen this, this video is a good way to pack up your raft small.

[David Chenault]

Fold as Roman says in the vid, put the boat in the bottom of your pack against your back, put food bag on top of that, tie light stuff outside if necessary. I never carry my boat outside the pack.

[Ryan ALLISON]

For a 7 day trip, and now the added weight of the boat and accessories, I've decided to get me the ULA Catalyst.

I have my Ridgerest rolled up inside burrito style. My sleeping bag and clothes at the very bottom in a plastic bag. Then I have my boat folded like in the video. Then I have my food and miscellaneous items surround. I have my tarp, raincoat, and my Sawyer in the mesh. The side pockets are AWESOME! They are huge! I have my paddle, rod, and a liter of water in each.

I'm very happy with my decision. I haven't had a framed pack in quite some time, but with the addition of the raft for long trip, this pack will be much more comfortable (and safe on my body). Plus, I am SO hoping to do some winter camping and this will help.

I think, under this scenario, the added weight of this internal framed pack is a smart move.

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