A packraft is a light inflatable boat that can be carried in a rucksack and used on lakes, quiet rivers and simpler trips where walking and paddling are combined.

Is packraft good for beginners?

Yes on quiet water, but it needs the same safety thinking as other paddling. Start close to shore, pick the lee and avoid moving water without training or a guide.

Can you paddle rapids with a packraft?

Packrafts are used in rapids, but beginners should not start there. Moving water needs the right kit, rescue knowledge, a helmet and an experienced judgement of water level and obstacles.

Packraft for beginners

Packraft attracts for a simple reason: you can carry the boat to water that is hard to reach with a canoe or kayak. It fits trips where you walk, inflate the boat at a lake or river, paddle a stretch and continue on foot. The freedom is large, which is why the margins need to be larger than on an ordinary rental trip from a jetty.

Start on quiet water

The first trip should be short and sheltered. Pick a small lake, quiet bay or slow river without rapids, fallen trees or tight passages. A packraft is stable, but it is also light and wind-sensitive. Paddle close to shore and try turning, braking and getting to land before you go further.

Kit that should always come

A life jacket is obvious. On cold water you need to dress for the water temperature, not only the air. Pack a dry change in a waterproof bag, phone in a waterproof case, pump/inflation bag, repair kit and extra energy. If the trip goes in mountain country you also need to think as on a mountain trip: weather shifts, distance, mobile coverage and a backup plan.

Moving water is a separate step

A packraft can be used in moving water, but that does not mean rapids are a beginner activity. Current, holes, rocks, trees and cold water make the consequences larger. Read our whitewater grade guide, paddle with a guide or take a course if you want to move on from flatwater. Helmet, throw line and rescue knowledge belong in moving water.

Plan the land route too

Packraft trips do not always end where you think. The wind can change, the water level can be wrong and landing can be harder than the map suggests. Plan both the paddle stretch and the retreat: where can you land, how do you get back and who knows when you should be home?

Rent first

Rent or take a guided trip before you buy. Then you try size, sitting position, paddle and packing without guessing. On the packraft page we collect rentals and operators where packraft is part of rental, a course or a guided trip.