Packrafting.infoPaddle
Anfibio Smash
Packraft paddle for whitewater and touring: stiff, extra-large blades, adjustable length and feathering angle.
Packraft gear: what you really need
A packraft on its own isn't enough. Which paddle, which life jacket, do I need a dry suit? Answer five questions and get your personal gear list, sorted into essential, recommended and optional.
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Our rules of thumb
- Paddle: For ultralight boats like the Nano we recommend the Anfibio Fly. For beginners, the Anfibio Basic. For touring boats like the Delta MX, the Anfibio Wave if you don't paddle whitewater, and the Anfibio Smash if you want to get into whitewater. A whitewater boat calls for a whitewater paddle like the Smash.
- A life jacket is a must, always. We recommend foam buoyancy aids, for example from Hiko: they float you immediately, without needing to be triggered. In whitewater, a fully whitewater-ready vest with impact protection.
- Cold water = dry suit. Capsizing in cold water can quickly become life-threatening.
- Paddle leash: yes on calm water; in whitewater many paddlers leave it at home because of the risk of entanglement. There, a helmet, knife and throw bag belong in your kit.
- Multi-day trips: dry bags, repair patches and a first-aid kit.
More on our page Safety in packrafting. The packraft finder tells you which boat suits you, and you'll find our reviews at Packraft-Reviews.de.
All gear at a glance
Paddle
Paddle
Anfibio Smash Multi
The Smash with handle extensions: converts into two canoe paddles, ideal for tandems.
Paddle
Anfibio Wave
Light touring paddle with a carbon shaft for calm water and long outings.
Paddle
Anfibio Basic 4p
Affordable four-piece double paddle with a good packed size, for beginners or as a spare paddle.
Paddle
Anfibio Basic Multi
Simple, affordable multi-paddle for beginners, especially for tandem packrafts.
Paddle
Anfibio Fly
Ultralight five-piece paddle (178 to 210 cm) for trips with lots of hiking and for calm water.
Life jacket
Life jacket
Hiko Player PFD
Foam buoyancy aid with an ergonomic 3D design: comfortable fit and plenty of freedom of movement when paddling.
Life jacket
Hiko Miqmak
Fully whitewater-ready foam buoyancy aid with impact protection and high tear resistance.
Helmet
Helmet
Hiko Buckaroo V.2
Whitewater helmet with ear protection, around 430 g (size M).
Dry suit
Dry suit
Anfibio PackSuit
Compact dry suit made of light, breathable 3-layer fabric with latex gaskets.
Dry suit
Anfibio ZipSuit
Dry suit in jacket style: especially light and easy to pack.
Dry suit
Anfibio SplitSuit
Two-piece dry suit; the trousers can also be worn on their own.
Dry pants
Dry pants
Anfibio DryPants
Breathable dry pants with latex socks: no more wet feet when getting in.
Leash
Leash
Flexi Twist paddle leash
Elastic leash between boat and paddle, so your paddle doesn't drift away.
Leash
Anfibio MultiLeash
Elastic safety, towing and carrying line for land and water.
Safety
Safety
HMG River Rescue Throw Bag
Lightweight throw bag with a waist pouch for rescue situations.
Safety
Palm River Knife
Light folding knife with a serrated edge to cut ropes quickly in an emergency.
Safety
Hiko signal whistle
Loud signal whistle for emergencies, belongs on every life jacket.
Safety
BasicNature first-aid kit
Ultralight, waterproof first-aid kit for packrafters.
Protection from the cold
Protection from the cold
Ultralight paddle mitts
Paddle mitts that wrap around the shaft: protection from wind and wet.
Protection from the cold
Hiko Grip Glove
Neoprene glove with pre-shaped fingers and good warmth.
Packing
Packing
Anfibio Dry Bag
Ultralight waterproof dry bags, also usable as liners for backpacks or TubeBags.
Packing
Anfibio MobilPack
Water- and sandproof hip pack for your phone, keys and valuables.
Packing
Anfibio Buddy
Waterproof hip pack: your most important emergency gear always within reach.
Packing
Anfibio FlexCore 70
Ultralight, waterproof 70-litre roll-top backpack for packrafting and trekking.
Repair
Repair
Packraft repair patches
Patches for a permanent repair on the boat.
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