Join Steve and Mark as they speak with Thor Tingey of Alpack Raft and talk about using Alpacka Packrafts for their upcoming Alaskan Caribou hunt. They discuss how to select a pack raft for hunting, what to know about using a packraft, the additional gear needed with a raft, how to stay safe on the water, and much more…
Listen Now — Hit play in the header above, access the podcast on Spotify, or download the episode from SoundCloud.
Topics Discussed
- How Alaskan adventures led to the creation of Alpacka Rafts, and the various types of rafts that Alpacka offers today
- Raft selection for big game hunters, and why many types of rafts aren’t suitable for hunting
- The weight capacity of pack rafts for hauling big game, and the pros and cons of larger and smaller rafts for hunting
- How to choose between material options for pack rafts, and the pros and cons of choosing 210d vs 420d
- Why packrafts are more durable than you probably think they are, and understanding what they can and cannot handle
- How to repair a packraft in the field, and other ways to care for the raft on a trip
- Storing items inside the raft’s tubes with Alpacka Raft’s Cargo Fly system
- How to load a raft at the end of a successful hunt, and the best ways to secure camp, hunting gear, meat, and antlers
- How to transport a packraft with your backpack, including the best ways to deflate and secure the raft to your pack
- How to inflate a packraft in the field when you are ready to float
- What to look for when evaluating the inflation pressure of the raft and why most users under-inflate their rafts
- How to stay warm and dry on a packraft trip, including the best waders, footwear, and more
- Using a PFD (life jacket) with a packraft, and the types to consider
- Considerations for storing your pack raft in bear country and how to keep the raft safe when it is not being used on the water
- How to determine if waterways are passable with a packraft, especially when e-scouting new areas that you have never been to
- Tips for navigating safely when you are on the water and how to avoid dangerous situations
Header Photo via Alpacka Raft
