Pristine Ventures

The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

I’ve been training most of this spring and summer for long treks cross-country, in preparation for this year’s packraft hunting adventures.

I’ve been excited about developing a new packraft for hunters, which I originally referred to as the "IR-9."

However, IR-9 doesn’t quite describe the essence of this freight-hauling packraft. It’s more a Big Rig packraft.



Heather and I have always used the Alpacka Denali Lama (AKA: Explorer). We love them, but they are not comfortably gear plus game haulers. A “Big Rig” has been a dream of mine since starting packrafting many years ago. But the largest of the packraft designs have been too small for big game hunting Alaska style.

So, how does one develop a new packraft?

Well, I began last fall working with China and Canada manufacturers on developing this new design for backpack hunters.

I wanted a lightweight packraft that can haul loads, allows access to remote mountain streams, and is rugged and light enough to pack on our backs overland to reach the remote honey holes. I created the Big Rig by modifying existing packraft designs to fulfill certain packraft hunter requirements.



This shot shows some design concepts that i started with, such as cargo platform systems, strategic lashing points, adjustable seat arrangements for load balance, and dual air chambers.

Enter the Big Rig.

China has made some samples with good workmanship, but packrafters they are not. This early sample was a flop. They built it 3-ft too short and the material weight was unacceptably heavy.



Maybe they’ll get it right eventually, but to make a functionally sound prototype in time for 2011 summer/fall use, I relied on our Canada friends at Feathercraft.


These guys are triple the cost of Chinese samples, but these guys get it, and they got it right the first time.

A few tweaks remain on the final draft, but I’m pleased, and hunters will be too.

So, how does one test a new packraft design?

Training my body for long treks means lots of miles by foot during pre-season. To date I’ve trekked a few hundred miles, walked the toenails right off my feet, and the skin of my heels. Another month and they’ll be tough enough for hunting season.



Next, I needed to test the best prototype on hand.
This 9-ft packraft weighs 11.5 lbs and holds up to 800 lbs, but the sweet attributes are its lightweight properties, generous load capacity, rugged material, abundant lashing points, and shallow draft.

Field Testing is FUN.

I love this part of the job. You never know if you’ll be impressed or disappointed. Kind of like expressions of Alaska weather.

Field Test #1

This past weekend my wife, two dogs, and I hiked about 10 miles overland to reach the midwaters of the West Fork Chena River.



Ridgeline walking isn’t bad close to town, as 4-wheeler trails are everywhere along the Chena Hotsprings Road.
The West Fork is only accessible by foot or by wheeler, so its stream character is considered remote and largely untraveled by boaters.



It took us about 7 hours to traverse miles of ridgelines above and below treeline.

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

The scenery going up was grand, with wildflowers blooming and vistas galore.


Dropping down in to the West Fork drainage was a bitch, crossing an old burn on a south-facing slope. Felled spruce and blowdowns, high grass and mosquitoes pretty much sums up our last 2 miles to reach the stream.

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

The dogs had a great time, although Skeeter had the toughest time with his short stature.


He weighs about 38 lbs and is roughly 15” tall…so the terrain was a new and difficult challenge for him.


Chachi was indifferent, as she’s a seasoned veteran of the remote Alaska landscapes. She takes it all in, and even finds time to roll in the grass and take in the new smells of bear scat and tall grasses on the downslope.

I contemplate the downhill route, and get to it!

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

I wonder how Skeeter will do as a packrafter.

We reached the river after the brutal downhill assault.




Under Chachi’s supervision, Heather made dinner.

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

Skeeter was eager to prewash the dishes after dinner.


The next morning, it was time to float back to the road. No idea about water levels or the obstacles ahead on this route, so excitement builds as we begin our float.

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

It wasn’t long before Skeeter and I began to find value in the new Big Rig. It’s large enough for me, my backpack, and him in the bow.


Shallow draft indeed. Water levels were average and the depth between 3 inches and 3 feet. A comfortable fit for the Big Rig.

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

While I didn’t get to test out extraneous load demands, we had other challenges that allowed me to contemplate the Big Rig’s attributes.

Portages around frequent and extensive log jams were easy.

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

My Mystery Ranch backpack fit perfectly behind my seat, which provided a nice backrest on the drift.





Skeeter liked the cargo platform system I developed for the bow, which kept him off the floor and out of the water that collects in the bottom. He’s happy, albeit a little nervous about moving current and new sights.

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

The Big Rig paddles nicely using a 240-cm kayak paddle. I use a carbon fiber 4-piece Aqua Bound. Perfect!



It took us a few hours to float and portage back to the road, and by the end we were satisfied with our first test the new Big Rig packraft.

More to come

In weeks and months to come, I’ll be testing the load demand of this new design. Stay tuned for more adventures across Alaska. June and July will be more fishing and hiking adventures, while August and September will provide greater load demands on backpack-style float hunts.

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

Larry,
excellent work and congrats on the new design. That will certainly give another option to those needing to previously drop gear by plane. Great idea.
My question is in regard to toughness. You briefly mentioned it. How does it compare to the rafts we all know from here? Mainly if it is loaded with a meat and gear load. How do you see it fairing over rocks etc if dragging is needed?

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

Larry,

It looks like you were using a MR CC. How did it perform with a load that was that bulky?

Brent

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

Brent, not sure what a MR CC is, sorry.

Dan, as for toughness, the material is rock solid durable. The only way to know if it's strong enough is to actually load it heavily and float like a wild man until repairs are needed or we reach the take-out.

I'll keep you posted on the trials. As far as the comparison to rubber, forget it. It's urethane and lighter, which is why it weighs 11 lbs vs. 100 lbs. so, extra caution is required when bouncing like a pin ball downstream.

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

[quote=LarryBartlett]Brent, not sure what a MR CC is, sorry.

quote]

Yeah, I see I wasn't very clear...lol. Sorry.

MR CC = Mystery Ranch Crew Cab

Re: The “Big Rig”: A Packraft for Hunters

Looks like you're really onto something with this design - interested to see how it fairs. A packraft big enough to hunt out of certainly has it's place.

Like those pink crocs too!