finding the perfect backpack for packrafting trips
So, I’m planning a packrafting trip and I’ve hit a bit of a snag with my backpack situation. I want to carry all my gear—packraft, paddles, and the usual odds and ends—but I can’t seem to find a backpack that checks all the boxes. The ultralight, frameless ones (like those from Zpacks or Hyberg) are super light, but honestly, they just don’t feel comfortable once you load them up. My back starts complaining after a couple of hours, and I’m not getting any younger!
On the other hand, the rigid frame backpacks are a pain in the neck for packrafting. They’re just too stiff and bulky, and there’s no way I can squeeze one inside my packraft’s T-Zip compartment. I’ve tried, and it’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—frustrating, to say the least.
So here’s my dilemma: I need a backpack that’s somewhere in between. Something with a bit of padding for comfort, but flexible enough to fold or squish into my packraft when I’m on the water. Plus, I want to be able to strap stuff like the raft and paddles on the outside. Is that too much to ask? Has anyone found a bag that actually works for this? Or am I doomed to keep switching bags every trip?
If you’ve got a go-to backpack for packrafting, or even just a clever hack for making this work, I’d love to hear about it. Bonus points if you’ve actually tried stuffing it into a packraft! Let’s help each other out—my back (and my sanity) will thank you!
#packrafting #backpacking #outdooradventures #gearquestions #middleageadventures #Travel
