Packrafting First Impressions – Alpacka Raft Caribou

Alpacka Raft was based by Sheri and Thor Tingey, a mother-son duo pushed by their love for the outside. Within the Nineteen Sixties, Sheri left Phoenix for Jackson Gap, Wyoming, embracing a river-rat way of life and launching “Design by Sheri,” an outside clothes model. Thor, raised in Denali Park, Alaska, grew up backpacking and mountaineering. Impressed by Alaskan adventurer Roman Dial’s packraft treks, Thor secured grants for packrafting expeditions within the Alaska Vary (1998) and the Brooks Vary (2000). Pissed off with subpar packrafts, Thor and Sheri designed the “White Boat” in 2000, a sturdy, light-weight packraft that sparked what we name the packraft revolution at this time

For extra historical past on the corporate, take a look at this cool video from their website!

First Impressions – Alpacka Raft Caribou

I’ve all the time been captivated by the concept of packrafting, having the ability to carry a light-weight boat into the wilderness, then unfolding it to paddle throughout rivers or lakes. Once I was requested if I wished to check out one of many Alpacka Rafts for evaluate, I used to be stoked on the alternative. I’ve lately been moving into much more paddling since shifting again to Maine, and I like my Outdated City Canoe, but it surely does weigh 87 kilos and that’s loads for one particular person to portage.  After researching choices, the Caribou stored popping up as a prime contender being praised for its featherlight design and flexibility. I made a decision to make the leap and requested one, desirous to see if it lived as much as its fame. Right here’s my first impression after taking it out for a spin (actually).

Why I Selected the Alpacka Raft Caribou

I wished a raft that would deal with a wide range of adventures. As somebody who loves climbing, occasional biking, and exploring distant waterways, the Caribou appeared like an ideal match. Billed as Alpacka’s lightest multi-purpose packraft, it’s designed for backcountry and sidecountry journeys on flatwater and lightwater (as much as Class II rapids). Its fame for bikerafting – carrying a motorbike throughout rivers – additionally caught my eye.

Setting It Up – Alpacka Raft Caribou

When the Caribou arrived, I used to be floored by how mild it was. At simply over 6 kilos for the entire setup with the Cargo Fly, it felt like I may toss it into my backpack. Unpacking it, I seen the craftsmanship instantly. The proprietary 210d hull material felt powerful but light-weight, and the 840d ballistic nylon flooring seemed able to tackle rocky riverbanks. I went with the Cargo Fly configuration as a result of I’ve by no means seen a raft that lets you retailer gear actually contained in the watercraft.

Inflating the raft was a breeze with the included and fairly giant Inflation Sack. It took only a few minutes to get it water-ready. The inflatable backrest was a pleasing shock, providing a contact of consolation I hadn’t anticipated from such a minimalist design. As I ran my arms over the bow strap plates and stern seize loops, I may inform this was a raft constructed for severe adventurers.

On the Water – Alpacka Raft Caribou

I took the Caribou out on a neighborhood lake on a very popular and calm day. Immediately, I used to be impressed by its stability. Regardless of its light-weight construct, it felt stable beneath me. Paddling, although, took some getting used to. On flat water, the Caribou doesn’t monitor effectively.  It tends to spin or drift off target with out fixed paddle enter. At first, this was irritating, as I needed to work more durable to maintain it pointed straight. However after switching to a high-angle stroke, I discovered a rhythm. I realized that the Caribou most likely shines on rivers with a present, the place the water helps information it. I additionally examined to see how troublesome it is perhaps to get again into the raft should you had been to fall out of it from getting tipped over. I’m glad to report it’s very simple to climb again in on flat, calm water, in contrast to a standard Kayak.

Closing Ideas

My first impressions of the Alpacka Raft Caribou are overwhelmingly constructive. It’s not excellent, no gear is but it surely excels at what it’s designed for. The monitoring points on flat water are a small trade-off for its light-weight design and flexibility.  Utilizing the Caribou has reignited my ardour for exploration. The liberty to go the place conventional boats can’t is liberating, and I’m already planning journeys that mix climbing, biking, and paddling. Whereas cheaper choices exist, the peace of thoughts from proudly owning a high-quality, USA-made raft is tough to beat. I’m excited to see the place the Caribou takes me subsequent.