I recently spent the austral summer exploring Patagonia by packraft.
This included adventures in and around El Chaltén, Torres del Piane, and
Chile’s Aysén Region. During these two months my packrafting kit evolved and got lighter. The following synopsis of my gear provides a handy reference for packrafting wilderness rivers anywhere.
River Gear: 10lbs
Accessory Straps (4)
*A four-piece carbon Ikelos is a custom order made directly
from Werner and is not available with a bent shaft.
The Patagonia packrafting adventures were primarily Wilderness Flatwater characterized by equal parts trekking and paddling. On the one
occasion I did paddle rapids harder than Class 3; I was equipped with a helmet, Type 3 life jacket and throw bag.
Not having to negotiate much technical whitewater I was content
with the Cruiser Spray Deck and strapping my HMG Porter Pack on the bow of my
boat. This lightweight rig allowed efficient transitions and
easy portages. In addition to securing my Porter Pack, I used Accessory Straps as lightweight thigh straps.
The Kokatat Lightweight Paddle Suit is a pound lighter than
the Kokatat Dry Suit and the neoprene neck gasket more comfortable than a
rubber gasket. While trekking through heavy rain I wore the suit as rain gear.
On a two-month journey in a foreign country with no
opportunities to replace damaged equipment, I opted for a highly durable dry bag.
The Sea to Summit Big River Bag proved incredibly tough yet reasonably light.
To be “for sure, for sure” my down items were double packed in a Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag and important documents in a waterproof accessory case.
Trekking Gear: 7.5lb
Trekking Gear for Patagonia
While the 4-person HMG UltaMid was overkill when traveling
solo it was perfect for spreading out gear and cooking inside while traveling
with a companion. I used an emergency blanket for a ground cloth.
The ultra-light Kathmandu Titanium Backpacking Stove is
compatible with standard threaded fuel canisters readily available in Chile and
Argentina. In Argentina these canisters are commonly refilled.
Clothing: 5lb
Clothing for Patagonia
Amy and Forrest McCarthy, Torres del Paine
One delightful gear discovery during my ventures was how
comfortable and durable Montrail’s ultra-light FluidFlex
Trail Running Shoe are. Much in-line with the writings of Christopher
McDougall in Born
to Run, I find my feet do best with minimal cushion and restriction.
I did not pack rain pants. Instead I wore the Kokatat Paddle Suit when trekking through heavy rain. I would often pull on the bottom half,
tie the arms around the waste, and wear a highly breathable Mountain Hardwear Seraction Jacket on my upper half.
When wading cold rivers NRS HydroSkin Wet Socks were invaluable.
Patagonia is a windy place and my most useful piece of
clothing for its weight was a Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Wind Jacket.
Electronics: 2lb
I have upgraded my navigation tools since I posted GPS for Wilderness Navigation. This includes the new Gaia App and Mophie Juice Pack for my iPhone. Having an iPhone also allowed me to keep
in touch through FaceBook and email when passing through villages with WiFi.
I’m equally impressed with the Suunto Ambit 2. Stay tuned for
an upcoming post on new GPS tools for Wilderness Navigation.
Passing through these villages and towns every couple days
also provided the opportunity to recharge all my devises using a 220V
to USB Adaptor. No other power sources were necessary.
Repair Kit: 12oz
Extra Floor and Tube Material
Tyvek Tape (4-meters)
Squeeze bottle filled with rubbing alcohol
Sewing Needle (2)
Bic Lighter (2)
1.4mm Spectra Cord (50ft)
Fortunately, I had few gear failures. My one incident
involved hanging my Yukon Yak from a tree branch to dry overnight . Unknowingly, the stern rubbed against a rock all night due to the unrelenting Patagonia
wind. The resulting holes were easily mended with McNett Tenacious Tape Patches.
Miscellaneous: 12oz
This 26-pound packrafting kit kept me warm and comfortable while traveling amphibiously through one of the wildest and most fantastic landscapes left on earth. In addition to mountains and rivers, the lightweight packrafting kit also allowed me to easily negotiate buses and airplanes.
question for you - I'm going to be hiking in Iceland in the summer and there are several/many crossings of glacial rivers in my future. I was planning on just Tevas and a vigorous rubbing with socks on the other side to dry off and warm my feet. I'm guessing the majority of the rivers will be knee deep or deeper - any idea if the wet socks you've mentioned would help keep my feet functional and warm(ish) in such a situation?
ReplyDeleteYes - bring NRS HydroSkin Wet Socks. Your feet will appreciate it.
DeleteThanks. I'll get a pair and report back.
Deleteunclear whether my last comment made it in.
ReplyDeleteI got a pair of the HydroSkin socks, and they kept my feet toasty while fording glacial rivers. Tried once without for comparison and thought I was going to die. If screaming would have helped I'd have screamed. Anyway... They are in the bag for the next time cold rivers are anticipated....
Hi,
ReplyDeleteHow is the long term durability of kokatat lightweight paddling suit?
No repaire?
hole in sock?
still dry?etc
a good buy for this kind of trip(and still good for many more trip)
thanks
I have found the Kokatat paddling suit to be highly durable and a great value -- both in weight and cost. After a year of heavy use I recently returned it to Kokatat to have it pressure tested. Other than a small tear in the right leg (occurred while climbing over a barbed wire fence) it has no leaks, even in the socks.
ReplyDeleteCamping, cycling, climbing. There are many adventures you enjoyed...amazing post. We offers patagonia adventure tours. Book with us
ReplyDelete