r/packrafting

Built this for a recent trip to Japan to explore some ideas I had for future pack builds. Overall love the way it turned out. I need an extra inch in torso length for this to really fit me well so throwing this out there as a very lightly used option for someone who’s looking for a high volume pack built from Ultra. I also need to rebuild the removable hip belt so that would be able to be customized to your waste size and could include (or not) hip belt pockets.

Details:
- Challenge Ultra 400X main body
- Challenge UltraGrid pockets
- two internal aluminum frame stays
- HDPE + foam pad insert
- removable Y-strap and roll top side compression straps (so you have three different ways to close the pack depending on how much you’re carrying and how you want to configure)
- weighs roughly 3.5lbs with frame stays and sleeve
- built to be used for packrafting and/or other high volume carry needs

Holler if you’re interested or have comments / questions. Thanks for viewing!

- brad

Had to get involved

Trying hard to get more freestyle moves out of a packraft. What kayak moves are worth to try in a packraft?

This is a lightweight but high-volume load-hauling backpack, weighing around 1.2 kg, that I built specifically with packrafting expeditions in mind. It has been used on two test hikes and is still in very good condition.
The pack uses a lightweight yet sturdy aluminium U-shaped frame. The frame transfers the load directly into a large, fully wrapping hip belt. I have used this type of load-transfer system on previous backpacks and expeditions with loads of up to around 50 lbs.
With its 110L capacity, the pack is particularly well suited to packrafting. It easily accommodates a complete whitewater packraft setup together with camping gear and other expedition equipment. The large side pockets provide plenty of room for paddles, water bottles and additional gear. The compression straps can be removed when not needed, and the pack can be compressed down easily enough to fit inside a packraft tube. Despite being designed primarily for packrafting, it also works well anywhere a bulky or relatively heavy load needs to be carried.
The main body is made from Ecopak EPLX400, with a more abrasion-resistant Cordura 1000D bottom. The side pockets are made from Ultragrid. All main seams are sewn and then covered with 1” grosgrain binding, giving them a double-stitched construction. The side pockets are deliberately sized to provide a generous amount of usable space and can easily accommodate two 1L water bottles.
The hip belt and shoulder straps are constructed from 210D nylon with 1/8” spacer mesh. The shoulder straps use 5mm genuine Evazote EV50 foam, while the hip belt uses a slightly denser 10mm Evazote foam. My torso length is approximately 19”, and the pack fits me well. I would expect it to work for torsos in the 18–20” range, depending on your preferred fit and how high or low you like to carry the pack. The height of the hipbelt can be adjusted for different toso sizes in a range of 3“. The most reliable way to check is to measure the same distance on a backpack that already fits you well, ideally one with load lifters.
I have built a handful of backpacks so far and use them exclusively on my own packrafting trips and expeditions. I’m an amateur MYOG enthusiast who occasionally sells a pack to help fund the next project — MYOG is an expensive hobby!
I build my packs using an industrial sewing machine, 1/2” seam allowances and Heavy Duty serafil 30 yarn. I’m not a professional pack manufacturer, but I’ve used my own packs extensively and have a high level of confidence in their construction.
If a failure occurs as a result of my workmanship, I’ll make it right, up to and including a full refund.

Details:

- 110l Volume
- 1,2kg weight
- carrys up to 25kg/ 50lbs
- detachable hipbelt & shoulder straps
- detachable compression straps
- durable & light load carrying system

Prize: 270€ (shipping in EU) - payment via Paypal

If you got any questions, let me know. I am based in Germany.

Every year the Isola Tiberina Paddling Festival gives water lovers the opportunity to descend the Tiber in one of its most technical and historic points just by the Tiberina island where Rome was founded! This was just the second edition but there will surely be more. Safety crews and permits for descent are available on the day but this section is not recommended outside of these days.

I have also done the full Tiber descent with my Alpacka Gnarwhal organised by Discesa Internazionale del Tevere! Anyone can join.

You can find more pics with a fascinating mix of boats/SUPs going down if you look for #isolaTiberinapaddlingfestival online.