Luggage in a packraft
Bow, boat or tube: how to carry luggage in a packraft and which system suits which trip.
Gear and accessories
Seats, backrests, floor mats, spray decks, paddles, luggage systems and protective gear.
48 terms in this topic
Guide
Self-bailer, spray deck or open?
Open boat, spray deck or self-bailer: pros and cons of the three concepts and which suits which trip.
All terms
Paddle locking (clamp and spring button)
The locking system connects the pieces of a sectional paddle. Clamps allow any length and angle, spring buttons click into fixed steps.
Inflatable vest (Buoy Boy)
Inflatable vests are light and small but have to be inflated by mouth or cartridge. Anfibio offers an inflatable vest called the Buoy Boy.
BackBand (Comfort and Performance)
BackBand is Anfibio's name for its backrests: the Comfort BackBand is tall and inflatable, the Performance BackBand is a snug foam band.
Blade angle (feathering)
The blade angle is how far the two paddle blades are rotated against each other. Feathering makes the paddle less sensitive to wind.
Block seat (BlockSeat)
A block seat is a box-shaped inflatable seat. It adds height and wedges itself between the tubes.
Floor mat
An inflatable floor mat stiffens the hull, insulates against cold and raises the seating position. In a self-bailer it is essential.
Cargo Fly (Alpacka)
Cargo Fly is Alpacka's name for the airtight zipper used to stow luggage inside the tube.
DeckPack
A DeckPack is a bag you strap to the front of the boat to keep small items within reach.
First aid kit
A small first aid kit belongs on every trip, packed waterproof, together with a plan for how to get help in an emergency.
Foam vest
A foam vest floats thanks to built-in foam. It needs no triggering and still floats after a tear.
FoamSeat (foam seat)
A foam seat can't burst and lets water drain through channels. Anfibio recommends the FoamSeat in a self-bailer for whitewater.
Footrest
A footrest gives your feet support. That lets you brace against the backrest and control the boat better.
Luggage systems
Luggage travels on the bow, in the boat or inside the tube itself. Each system has pros and cons.
Helmet
A helmet is mandatory in whitewater. It protects you from rocks if you capsize.
ISS (Internal Storage System)
MRS's ISS has an air- and watertight TiZip zipper at the stern. Luggage goes in dry bags straight into the tube.
Latex gaskets and socks
Latex gaskets seal dry suits at the neck and wrists, sewn-on socks keep your feet dry.
Multi-paddle
A multi-paddle can be used as a double-bladed paddle or, with two grip pieces, as two single-bladed paddles.
Neoprene
Neoprene is a foam rubber that keeps you warm when wet. Wetsuits are cheaper than dry suits but protect less well when paddling.
Open boat
An open packraft has no spray deck. It's lighter, packs smaller and you get in and out quickly.
Dry bag
A roll-top dry bag keeps clothes, sleeping bag and electronics dry, even if the boat capsizes.
PackSeat (Anfibio)
The PackSeats are light inflatable seat cushions from Anfibio, available as PackSeat light, long or with an integrated backrest.
Paddle (double-bladed)
Packrafts are usually paddled with a sectional double-bladed paddle that has a blade at each end.
Paddling gloves and pogies
Gloves protect against blisters and cold. Pogies are paddle mitts: sleeves attached to the paddle that wrap around your hands.
Paddle length
The right paddle length depends on boat width, seat height, body height and use. Packrafts are wide, so paddles are a bit longer than for a kayak.
Paddle leash
A paddle leash connects paddle and boat so the paddle doesn't drift away during a break or capsize.
Paddling shoes
Paddling shoes protect your feet when getting in and out and on portages. They should fit snugly and not soak up water.
Rescue knife
A rescue knife with a blunt tip is carried within reach on the PFD to cut lines or straps in an emergency.
Life jacket
A life jacket turns an unconscious person onto their back. For paddlers there are special whitewater rescue vests with a rescue harness.
RTC (Roll Top Closure)
With Anfibio's RTC, the tube opens via a special roll closure. That lets you fill the whole interior with luggage.
Backrest
A backrest supports your lower back and keeps you upright. That's easier on your back and improves your paddling technique.
Thigh straps
Thigh straps connect your thighs to the boat. They let you edge, brace and, at best, even roll.
Life jacket
A PFD (buoyancy aid) is always part of packrafting. It keeps you afloat if you capsize.
Signal whistle
On the water a whistle is louder than any voice. It belongs on your PFD.
Seat
The seat determines comfort, seat height and control in a packraft. It's usually inflatable, but there are foam seats too.
Seat height
The higher you sit, the better your leverage for paddling, edging and bracing. The lower you sit, the more stable the boat.
Straps
Straps are used to lash luggage or a bike to the boat. Ladder buckles are easy to retighten.
Spray deck
A spray deck closes the boat from above and keeps out waves, spray, rain and cold.
Spray skirt
The spray skirt is worn on your body. Its edge is stretched over the coaming and seals the cockpit.
Single-bladed paddle
A single-bladed paddle has one blade and a grip at the other end. It's used for canoe-style paddling.
TiZip
TiZip is a manufacturer of air- and watertight zippers. In packrafts they turn the tube into a luggage compartment.
Dry suit
A dry suit keeps you dry if you capsize and protects against cold shock. In cold water it is the most important protective gear.
Dry pants
Dry pants keep legs and feet dry. They are a lighter alternative to a dry suit for trips in an open boat.
TubeBags (Anfibio)
TubeBags are luggage compartments in the side tubes of Anfibio boats, with two IPX7-waterproof zippers and 70 litres each.
Ultralight paddle
Ultralight paddles are optimised for low weight and packed size. In return they are less stiff and give less propulsion.
UniDeck (Anfibio)
The UniDeck is a fully removable spray deck from Anfibio for the DeckReady versions of the Delta MX and Sigma TX.
Throw bag
A throw bag is a bag with a floating rope. You throw it to a person in the water to pull them to the bank.