A packraft is a light inflatable boat that folds down small enough to fit in a backpack. It is not a kayak and not a dinghy, but something else entirely. Packrafts are made for people who want to reach water where a car cannot go: in the mountains, in nature reserves, on remote stretches of river. The category is still little known in Lithuania, but it is quickly gaining popularity around the world.
Read also: Inflatable kayaks: pros and cons, Kayak touring.
What is a packraft and how is it different from a kayak?
A packraft is a single person inflatable boat that weighs 1.5 to 4 kg. That is less than a decent backpack with water. Folded up it takes as much space as a small sleeping bag. It inflates in a few minutes by mouth or with a special bag, and deflates even faster.
Nuo kayak a packraft differs mainly in size and weight. A kayak weighs 15 to 40 kg and needs a car to transport it. A packraft simply goes in your backpack and you walk. That is why packrafts are especially popular with hikers, cyclists and adventurers who travel light.
Of course, a packraft is not as fast or as stable as a full size kayak. It is made for a different purpose: reaching water anywhere, paddling shorter stretches, carrying it over land sections (portages) and getting back on the water.
Who is the parkraftas Lietuvoje for?
Lithuanian rivers and lakes are great for packrafting. Some of the most popular uses:
River routes with portages. When a river has dams, footbridges or shallows you need to walk around, a packraft is ideal. Deflate it, put it on your shoulders, walk around the obstacle and inflate it again. With a 30 kg kayak that is impossible.
Hikes with water. You can hike to a remote forest lake, inflate your packraft and fish or simply enjoy the peace. Or plan a route where you walk part of the way and paddle the rest.
Bike trips + packraft. An increasingly popular combination: cycle to the top of a river, paddle downstream and cycle back. The packraft and paddle fit on the bike or in a backpack.
A backup boat. When you travel by car and want the option to stop anywhere and go for a paddle, a packraft in your backpack is a great plan B.
Which NRS packrafts are available?
NRS is one of the best known packraft makers in the world. At VAKA Sport we offer three NRS packraft models for different needs and budgets.
NRS Aster (from 575 EUR) is an entry level packraft. It weighs about 2.7 kg and carries a person of up to 113 kg with gear. It is the simplest NRS model, but the quality is still high: welded seams and tough TPU fabric. If you are trying packrafting for the first time, the Aster is a sensible choice. Available in Standard and XL sizes.
NRS Pulsar (from 1 275 EUR) is a mid range packraft with higher sides and better tracking. It suits longer trips and light whitewater (up to class II rapids). If you are planning more serious river routes, the Pulsar will be safer and more stable than the Aster. Also available in Standard and XL versions.
NRS Neutron (from 1 445 EUR) is a premium packraft with the best NRS materials and design. The Neutron has a longer hull, better tracking and is made for serious adventure enthusiasts. Neutron SL is the lighter version (Super Light), while the Neutron XL is made for bigger paddlers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a packraft safe?
Yes, if used correctly. NRS packrafts are made from tough TPU fabric with welded seams that stand up to serious use. But a packraft is not a kayak: it is smaller, you sit lower and handling takes a little practice. As with any water sport, you must wear a life jacket and start on calm water.
Can you fish from a packraft?
You can, although it is not what a packraft is mainly for. A packraft is not as stable as a fishing kayak and has no room for rod holders or tackle boxes. But if you want to reach a remote forest lake and cast where nobody else fishes, a packraft lets you do it. For fishing with a full set of gear we still recommend a fishing kayak.
How long does it take to inflate a packraft?
Su NRS Inflation Bag (39.99 EUR) inflation takes 3 to 5 minutes. Without the bag, inflating by mouth takes longer (8 to 12 minutes) and more effort. The Inflation Bag is worth the investment, especially if you use your packraft often.
All NRS packrafts and accessories can be found in the VAKA Sport shop. If you have questions about packrafting or want advice on which model would suit you, write to [email protected].
Related articles
- Life jackets: NRS, WALLYS and Baltic Lifejackets compared
- Where to paddle in Lithuania: the best spots
- Water sports clothing: what to wear on the water
- NRS inflatable kayaks: Akamai and Pike
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