We have decades of experience backpack hunting, but only in the past few years have we started using packrafts to unlock new areas to hunt and to increase the level of adventure of those hunts.
Our first true packraft hunt was a trip to Alaska for caribou, which we followed up with another hunt in Alaska for moose. Those two hunts, which you can watch in The Experience Project Film Series, demonstrated two very different use cases of packrafts for hunting. The caribou hunt included big miles and swift water, whereas the use of the rafts on the moose hunt was more for efficient transfer of meat on calm water. In both cases, the rafts were invaluable.
Recently, we returned from another packraft hunt in Alaska, which you'll be able to watch in the months to come. (Subscribe to the Exo Mtn Gear YouTube channel if you don't want to miss it.)
On that trip, we filmed how we load a packraft with meat, antlers, and gear, discussing some of what we have learned to do (and to avoid) when hunting with a packraft. If you want to know how to haul meat in a packraft, this video is sure to help you out...
A Packraft Primer
For the basics of selecting and using a packraft for hunting, we highly recommend listening to Episode 473 of The Hunt Backcountry Podcast...
In that episode, we interview Thor Tingey of Alpacka Raft and discuss:
- 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
- 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
- How to transport a deflated packraft with your backpack, including the best ways to deflate and secure the raft to your pack
- How to stay warm and dry on a packraft trip, including the best waders, footwear, and more
- 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
The Rafts We Use
A common question we have received over the years is which model(s) of Alpacka rafts we use. There are two raft models we have used, which we would consider the best packrafts for big game hunting — the Ranger and the Forager. The Ranger is a great single-man raft when hunting big game smaller than moose. The additional size and capacity of the Forager is beneficial when hauling moose, and also opens up the potential of sharing the raft with another paddler. (Keep in mind that adding more people or gear in the raft also reduces the total weight capacity remaining for hauling meat.)
Alpacka has a dedicated line of hunting-focused packrafts, and we would recommend reaching out to them with your questions about which raft would best fit your needs.
Additional Gear for Packrafting
To hunt with a packraft, you need more than a raft. Here are the "extras" you need to think through, and some of the recommended gear we have used on our hunts:
- Pump + Backup: We always carry the inflation bag that comes included with the raft, but having a faster pump method is nice. The inflation bag serves as our backup, while our primary pump methods are the Flextail Max Pump 3 (fast and efficient) and the Alpacka Pack-A-Pump (for topping off to reach full pressure).
- PFD: Don't float without one. Find a PFD that is comfortable, provides mobility for paddling, and offers storage for emergency and repair gear. We use an older, discontinued version of the Astral V-Eight.
- Repair Kit: Alpacka has a great repair guide, which includes recommendations for what to include in your repair kit. We followed their advice and recommended materials, but thankfully haven't had to make any repairs.
- Paddle: We have used Aqua-Bound Manta Ray paddles with great results. There are cheaper paddles on the market, to be sure, but having purchased some of them, let's just say they were not confidence-inspiring. If you are embarking upon a remote expedition and your packraft (and paddle!) are your lifeline to returning, we wouldn't recommend skimping. Regardless of price, brand, or model, we have found the smaller packed footprint of 4-piece paddles to be massively beneficial.
- Paddling Apparel: Between inflating, launching, and exiting your packraft, you'll be IN the water, not just ON the water while rafting, so you need something to keep you dry and warm. We have worn wading pants or chest waders, with rain jackets on top. However, be aware of the risks of water filling your waders in the event that you "go under" in deep or swift water. The ultimate solution for packrafting is a full drysuit, such as those from Kokatat, but we have not used them yet.
- Gloves: The Showa Temres 282-02 is a phenomenal, affordable glove for packrafting. These gloves are waterproof, warm, offer good grip and dexterity, and feature extended cuffs with a drawstring enclosure, which makes it easy to get a good seal over the cuff of your upper outer layer (rain jacket, dry suit, or similar).
- Drybags: As discussed in the video above, having drybags for gear on the raft, as well as for items in the raft is a must.
Using a packraft for your hunt will not only enable you to explore new country and have an effective way of hauling meat, but the added element of packrafting also makes the entire hunting experience more adventurous. We will continue to use packrafts on hunts where they are needed, and also plan hunts specifically around the use of packrafts because we enjoy the added experience that comes from using them.