Exciting New Packraft Designs

[Luke Schmidt]

Just saw two new packrafts on the market. Both look pretty interesting

First is the Bakraft. It looks sort of like an inflatable whiteater kayak. Here is Forest's report.

http://forrestmccarthy.blogspot.com/2014/09/bakraft-by-aire.html#more

A 6.5 pound self bailing boat sounds pretty cool.

Second it looks like Alpacka will soon sell the whitewater rafts that have been talked about for a long time.

http://www.alpackawhitewater.com/

The whitewater Alpacka isn't something I need but I'm sure my packrafting friends will have a ton of fun with it. The Bakraft looks tempting for a couple reasons. I love my Alpacka but have caught on the skirt a few times. Normally not a big deal but a bit scary. So a self bailing boat I come out of faster is attractive. Also from the pictures I assume it would be easier to manover the Bakraft through rock gardens. Aside from cost I wonder how you carry a pack on the Bakraft. Didn't see that issue addressed on either the website or Forest's blog.

[Billy Ray]

This is not my field of expertise, but whitewater packraft would seem to be a bit of an oxymoron to me… being that all that extra weight of the pack would make handling a bit sluggish for any kind of serious whitewater, no?

Billy

[Luke Schmidt]

I don't think its meant to compete with hardshells, I think its just meant to be a packraft for people who want to do more whitewater and who don't mind an extra 4 pounds of raft.

I don't see myself buying either of these anytime soon but more competition and innovation is a good thing.

[Forrest G McCarthy]

Currently there's room to store a pack in the stern behind the seat. Future models will have the option to stow gear inside the main tube as well. The BAKraft already has full length zippers on the shell of the main tube and therefore it's an easy modification.

[Luke Schmidt]

Thanks for the update Forest, can't wait to hear what you think after you've played with it a bit more.

[Author]

Posts