35 oz Packraft

[mrsquishy]

flyweightdesigns.com/default.aspx
On-line reviews are very positive. Probably not as tough as an Alpacka for running rivers; it is reminiscent of the Sherpa packraft sold in the 1980s.

[Philip]

Are you getting one? Any trips planned that require such a craft?

[mrsquishy]

I ordered one - 299 + 9.00 shipping. If it's as good as the old Sherpas, it will be a dandy raft. I used one for an Alaska Wilderness Classic race from Dempsey River to Wiseman and it was capable of Class II with no problems. I know folks who've done Class III in the Sherpa. (Claire Holland LeClaire, for one)
I'm thinking of doing your Uganik trip with a variation of dropping down to Uganik Lake and floating the river. I talked to Jim Hamilton who has floated the river and he says it's a slow, flat float for the most part.
I'm looking at the beginning of July when my wife is in London - anyone interested in doing it? I'm hoping the brush will still be light enough.

[Philip]

Cool. That would be a neat trip, though the brush getting down to the lake could be unpleasant.

Check out Roman Dial's videos. He pretty much rules all with those bathtub toys.



$300 is a pretty good price for one of those, assuming it holds up ok.

[mrsquishy]

I've done a few Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classics in which Roman also participated - I'm well acquainted with his adventures. I've used Sherpas, Sevylors (aka deathboats), and Alpackas to run rivers, generally Class I and II - I tend to portage Class III when possible when packrafting. I know a few folks who've done some pretty intense runs with those rafts; i.e. the Hula Hula for one. The video definitely shows the capabilities of the Alpacka.
I'll post a report on the raft when it arrives.

[Philip]

The rivers are booming right now. The Buskin is at flood stage. Too bad Patrick is leaving town, I know he likes this stuff. But then he will be floating the Karluk soon, so I suppose he will get his fill.

[mrsquishy]

I think John Sikes may be headed to the Buskin today......

[johns]

Buskin today 5/24 was high and fast. It was free of obstacles except for the trees that washed against the bridge just downstream of the Fish and Game weir site. That combined with the smolt trap made for a very narrow opening that was barely navigated with the packraft. It in involved sliding over one of the trees and if the water gets much lower a portage will required under the bridge.

[mrsquishy]

John, thanks for the report. I hope other local river runners will post their floats as well.

[Philip]

This was many years ago, but one time I hiked up Mike Milligan's trail up Kashevarof, then descended down the backside to where the Salonie canyon starts, and then floated Salonie down to the highway. My 'raft' totally sucked, but it was a fun combo of hiking and floating a mellow river. Salonie really needs high water to work though. It is quite ephemeral between the canyon and above the rifle range. It would probably work right now, but not for long.

[Philip]

I hope MrSquishy is out there right now. The weather sure is purdy.