Alpacka Rafts!

[Fireman78]

Check these out guys! www.alpackaraft.com also www.packraftnewmexico.com

[mountainpete]

Wow! Those things pack small!

Have you seen one in person? What is the material like?

Pete

[Fireman78]

I have had one for about six months or so, I have the "Yukon Yak" model, which is the second from the smallest size. I have rafted class three rivers and paddled alpine lakes in this thing. I love it! It's about 4 pounds and I take it everywhere, even when I fly. Oh ya, it's a lightweight urethane coated nylon that is thin but very durable. It is not like the kind you get at any local "sporting goods" place. I have yet to get a tear/hole or any problems.

[Nullifier]

I likw the names like Denali Llama LOL!

[kellymoe]

Those boats are very cool. I have been looking for the "perfect" boat to do the Zion Narrows with. This might be the one. Thanks.

[toyrunner95]

how do you inflate it? it looks rather tight when inflated and i dont think a person can do it by lung power.

[Fireman78]

These boats are designed to be very lightweight and compact. The inflation is done via an "Inflation Bag", basically a bag about the size of a pillow case with a PVC valve on one corner, and the other end is open. You connect the valve, then "gather" air and close the open end and squeeze the air in. I can inflate mine in under two minutes. There is a small mouth valve to "top it off" with, also , after you put in in cold water, it loses some pressure, so then you can add a little more via the mouth valve. The "Inflation bag" weighs almost nothing. Very cool. I wish I had one of these twenty years ago.

[etbadger]

http://www.badgertrek.com/weblog/2005-06/AmysBoat.jpg

Yukon Yak size. With a bit of squeezing both Amy and I can fit in it, and have crossed lakes a mile or more across that way. Packs down to about the size of a 3 person tent with the inflation bag.

-e

[kellymoe]

Fireman78,

Dont you know you cant say fireman anymore:hehe: It's firefighter. I'm a fireman for LA City. Good to see other firemen on the board.

These Alpakarafts have already got me planning trips for the Spring. I have been a avid kayaker for years and have done a few expedition type trips down rivers but I am getting older now and like to travel in a little more comfort. These rafts are just the ticket. I am already planning a trips down the Dirty Devil, Muddy River and Escalante river with this raft in mind. Some of these rivers have long take out hikes and I would rather carry a 5lb raft than a 40lb kayak with gear. Thanks for turning me on to these boats.

[Fireman78]

I have been going to Utah every year for about twenty years. This spring will be my first with my Alpacka and I can't wait. :rappel:

[Fireman78]

On the main Alpacka website, they are advertising 100 bucks off until Dec 15th on the purchase of a decked boat.

[kellymoe]

On the main Alpacka website, they are advertising 100 bucks off until Dec 15th on the purchase of a decked boat.

I wish I was in position to get one right now. I am hoping I will be in better shape to be able to get one toward the end of winter. Just in time for the Spring runoff:jumping: Pray for snow.

[Fireman78]

You won't regret getting one, I have had a blast every time I take mine out. You can run rivers and creeks at lower levels then regular rafts, and one of my favorite things- you can paddle remote alpine lakes where others can only look from the shore!

[Fireman78]

You guys need to check out these youtube videos! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnlDP-sfddU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pvMIXSTnNY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_G5Co-ve74&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDwVyK4Zz-s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulpb2dPYDVg&feature=related




these boats are awesome, these guys go to the extremes for sure. :rappel:

[Fixed Wing]

Ha, firefighters all over here! I just got out of 6 years in the Forest Service (3 years hotshotting, 3 jumping).

I've had an Alpacka for 3-4 years now. It's great fun, & I have yet to thrash it. I've known people who have carried mountain bikes & hunted moose with them. However, if you really want check out some folks taking them on a journey, look at:

www.aktrekking.com
www.groundtruthtrekking.com

It's a husband & wife couple walking & packrafting from Seattle, WA to the tip of the Alaska Peninsula. Apparently, for big crossings, they take a pole, lash their two boats together, and make a mini viking ship!

[Fireman78]

Glad to hear from another happy Alpacka owner!!! Thank you for your service to our country.