I tried to synthesize a decision matrix, if interested, you can find it on the Alpacka Raft blog (https://www.alpackaraft.com/rafting/should-it-stay-or-should-it-go/). Online trip-planning course: Jan-March 2022! To the degree possible, these incidents were used to inform the content of The Packraft Handbook. Im planning a fishing/packrafting trip for July of 2017. Denali provides a wide range of rivers to run in the park, from wide, braided streams to deep, boulder-strewn rivers. Check Price at Amazon. Great detail that it works with the shorter torsolight and that it's actually better to avoid a full body wrapyou're going for a taco rather than burrito :~). $$$ We think the Wind River is the finest river trip on the south side of the Brooks Range. Nova Alaska Guides extricated Marty and boater #3. For fisherman an Alpacka in the Winds is an ideal way to fish some of the remote alpine lakes in search of the elusive goldon trout. On Sunday, we put in back at the trailhead and paddled ~8miles below the lakes to the Big Bend pullout (http://wyomingnaturalist.com/river_green_warren.html ). Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible. The major difference is the inability of the packrafts to edge as aggressively. But, at 0.9lbs it would almost be worth adding two external front pockets. These are the fatalities Im familiar > with; all but one have occurred in Alaska. All boats were Alpacka Llamas. It remains a special place for those seeking adventure off the beaten path. Virginia resident Peter Jolles, 46, was reported overdue at a Bugaboo Creek takeout, British Columbia, and has not yet been located. There is a concerted effort to efficiently develop a Culture of Safety for packrafters in the hopes that we can skip the history of incidents that our peers in other water crafts have experienced. For those with packrafting skills, this route offers a quick, easy-to-access, multi-sport adventure. Wyoming Rivers Cooperative is strategically located just 2 hours from Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole Wyoming, nestled in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains. Hanmer to Put-in - 30km (allow 45 minutes by car) Clarence to Hanmer - 234 km. Is the Aug 24-25 class still a go? Richard, we pulled into camp late and didn't want to inflate our rafts until morning, but yes, they are actually pretty comfy. Backpacking in one of the lesser-known areas of the CO Rocky Mountains. Wind River Range. The average packraft falls somewhere in the $800-$1000 range, which is a pretty penny for people just looking to get into the sport. As part of the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic, Rob Kehrer (44) and Greg Mills portaged the Tana River Canyon (Class IV), putting in below the technical features. Youll find picture perfect stops at Worthen Reservoir, as well as Frye, Fiddlers and Louis lakes. I will soon own one of those Kokatats. See you next year! Seemingly defying gravity, the Hollyford's waters take you to the coast, then after only crossing an 80m high saddle, the Pyke guides you most of the way back towards where you began. The ideal packrafting PFD. If you prefer the calm of floating rivers and lakes without a fishing rod in your hands, there are a lot of places and options for adventure in Fremont County. One of the best is the Upper Green River. 6. I like my TorsoLite-under-a-rain-jacket the most, until I can find (or make) something better than the Stearns model. Theres beautiful hiking in the area, for after you get your fill of time on the water. This sub Class warrants mention as packrafts can often tackle tight creeks at low flows that are quite technical in nature with lots of manoeuvring required. Heck, it might even be the best solo boat of any type we've paddled. Its perhaps one of the best ways to practice presence and to learn to notice. One specific question I came across only one blip about fishing on the river above Green River lakes, saying that there were no fish due to the glacial sediment. Jeffrey DeRonde was trapped in river debris (I assume wood) and fully submerged. He was always willing and ready to teach, to talk, to listen, to do another hike, or to lie low in camp if we were beat. And yup there are some big creeks flowing from those hills. You can now take guided packrafting trips in Wind River Country. If you get hot, jump in the river for a cool down. It is not uncommon to have eagles above you and salmon or steelhead below you in the crystal clear water. Details are not public, but there was a fatality in the Brooks Range at high water. The fourth boater exited river left then searched down stream with #2. Getting onto rising river, capsize and inability to get back into craft due to rising water levels, this river floods all the time and portaging the gorge is a bit of a nightmare bush-bash). Peter was visiting BC for an adventure race and stayed after the race to continue exploring the region. So the takeaway is that glacial rivers tend to be more continuous. Looks like an awesome trip. Such a joy to spend days where time was meaningless. This could be you on a fishing expedition. 1. Thanks for the video, I was having a hard time wrapping my head around reeds and strainers, but seeing what you were dealing with makes it very clear. Much more comfortable than I was expecting. I bought the Kokatat Swift Entry drysuit with relief zipper. This, combined with wearing it under a shell, keeps it in place quite well. But I had to go. Strong fjords winds are also common. Check Price at Amazon. His partners found him after thirty minutes and performed CPR, but recovery was not possible. Has anyone been out with a guide they reccommend? No other details are available at this point. Winner Creek to 20 Mile Packraft. What Ive learned is that you can be reasonably comfortable in a drysuit even in warmer weather wear lightest layers or shorts under it. Imagine this: waking up to the smell of crackling bacon, watching morning sunlight hit the Dinwoody Cirque and listening to a Clarks nutcracker sing from a whitebark pine outside your tent. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. He allowed Adrian and me to hike at our own pace and he encouraged all of us to explore the area surrounding our campsites. I have some friends with some gnarly stories. Yukon . Thanks to the drysuit and thermal layer, my core was 100% normal the whole time. Thank you for posting the pictures on your blog. I'm wanting a real whitewater PFD. I know the others would concur in my praise. The Bull River is a delightful paddle in the foothills of the Alaska Range. Grant Gunderson | September 24, 2014. I could head into the Uintas again and meander between familiar pines and emerge at familiar lakes in familiar bowls where moundy rock lifts up on all sides. Popular Activities Hiking & Backpacking Hunting & Shooting Higher, Longer, Deeper: Wyoming's Largest Range! ADN News articleCity of Valdez press release. Check out Lander-based Wyoming Rivers Cooperative for details (they also offer incredible rafting trips). The Wind River Range runs along the Continental Divide and boasts some high elevations. Lander, WY 82520. Sunny and no wind! The first two gorges feature Class III/IV drops and frequent wood hazards. Stephen and two partners were on a three-day packrafting excursion. In Alaska, I urge people to consider the cost of the drysuit as part of the packraft purchase price. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. The classic Alaskan boots we were given were a source of concern, as well. Some are day trips, and some are overnight trips. I have led several canoe/backpack loops of the Bigelow range and Flagstaff lake in western Maine. Or you can rent a canoe or kayak at Louis Lake Lodge and have a fun overnight stay.