What is Packrafting? A Beginner’s Guide to the Ultimate Adventure Vessel
Ever wondered what packrafting is all about? If you’re looking for an adventure that combines the freedom of hiking with the thrill of paddling—and unique accessibility—packrafting might just be your next obsession.
NAHUA EXPEDITIONS
25 Jan 2025 ・ 10 min read
Being able to strap a lightweight raft to our backpacks has allowed us to explore some pretty beautiful and remote rivers, lakes, and coastlines. The kind of terrain you won’t see in a guidebook—just wild, untamed landscapes. From navigating tranquil waters in the backcountry to paddling through exhilarating rapids, packrafting has completely changed the way we experience the outdoors.
So, what exactly is packrafting, and why should you give it a try? We’ll break it down for you.
A packraft is a lightweight, inflatable raft, designed to be carried into hard-to-reach locations.
The Basics: What is Packrafting?
Imagine this: you carry an inflatable raft, small and light enough to fit into your backpack, all the way to a remote river or lake. Once you get there, you inflate it, and suddenly, you’re floating down waterways that are far off the beaten path. At its core, packrafting is about combining the joys of hiking and paddling into one seamless adventure.
A packraft is sort of like an inflatable kayak — only much lighter, more durable, and can be folded down smaller. Packrafts are often made using the highest quality materials and fabrics available, and are designed to be carried in a pack.
Why Packrafting?
If you’re into outdoor adventures, packrafting gives you a whole new level of freedom. You get to explore places that are unreachable by foot or by other watercraft. Not only this, but packrafting is entirely human-powered! That means you’re not relying on motors or fuel—just your own paddling strokes and the current of the water. This makes packrafting one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore the outdoors!
These little boats open up a world of exploration, letting you navigate places that traditional boats can’t reach. Unlike bulky, traditional kayaks or canoes, packrafts are designed for adventurers who want to explore places that are otherwise hard to access. They grant ultimate freedom; whether you’re drifting along calm, serene waters or braving exhilarating rapids, packrafting lets you access wild landscapes that few others ever get to see!
What are some of the most common activities that packrafts are used for?
Hike, paddle, camp: Hiking into a remote spot, camp, and then paddle out via a secluded body of water.
Whitewater thrills: For those who crave adrenaline, some packraft models are designed to handle strong rapids, giving you the rush of whitewater rafting without needing a massive raft or guide.
Fish from your raft: Packrafting is a fantastic way to reach remote fishing spots, where you can cast a line in pristine waters.
Hunting access: If you’re into hunting, packrafts can grant you low profile access to bodies of water where you’re able to scope out your target.
Viewing Wildlife: Packrafts can enable accessing rivers or streams which would otherwise be very challenging to haul heavy rafts, kayaks, or motorized boats into.
Search and Rescue: For teams and personnel tasked with performing rescues in challenging locations—only accessible by water, packrafts can be the solution.
Family fun: Packrafts can be excellent for taking the kids, and even the dogs out on the lake to just relax and have a fun day paddling around!
The Gear: What You Need to Get Started
Before you rush out and buy a raft, let’s talk gear. The beauty of packrafting is that it’s incredibly lightweight and minimalist, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to plan ahead. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need for your first packrafting trip:
- The Packraft
It all starts with the raft. Most packrafts weigh between 1.5-2.7kg / 3-6lbs, and when packed up, they’re small enough to fit into a backpack. There are a plethora of different customizations and configurations of packrafts, for various different uses (we’ll write a separate article on that). A few big names in the packrafting world include NRS, Alpacka Raft, and Kokopelli, but there are also smaller brands that produce good gear.
- Paddle
The paddle is the most important component to your packrafting setup. Without it, you won’t be able to steer or direct your raft. Contrary to oars (for canoeing), paddles are typically a single piece of shaft material, with rounded blades on either side. Many paddle manufacturers also sell detachable or collapsable paddles that break down into pieces (2 or 4 piece), which make transporting much easier. We use 4-piece paddles by Aquabound — and highly recommend them!
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Also known as lifejackets or life-vests, PFD’s are a must. A good PFD is necessary for any packrafting outing, especially if you’re venturing into large bodies of water, or fast moving water. A PFD keeps you buoyant in the event that you flip or fall into the water. When choosing a PFD, look for one that’s comfortable, fits snug, and is low-profile to allow you to move freely while paddling. Brands like Astral and NRS are top contenders in the PFD space. We recommend the NRS Ninja PFD for entry level paddlers!
- Dry Bags
Before you set off onto the water, you’ll more than likely need a containment option to keep your non-paddling gear dry: backpacks, tents, cameras, food, etc. Whatever it is you are packing for your adventure, if it’s left exposed, it might get wet—especially if you tip your raft over. For our expeditions, we typically use two drybags: A large 65L drybag with backpack straps, and a small 11L handbag sized drybag for quick access items like camera gear and snacks. There are many different drybag options on the market. We use Watershed drybags.
- Repair Kit
Because packrafts are inflatable, they’re susceptible to punctures and tears. Carrying a basic repair kit for punctures or damage is always a smart move, especially when you’re far from civilization and you’re relying on your packraft as your means of transportation. Packrafts can be made with different materials and fabrics, requiring specific glues and patch materials. Typically, packrafts are made using a treated nylon fabric. For these nylon-made packrafts we always carry the following products or materials in our repair kit: Tyvek Tape, Aquaseal FD, Aquaseal UV, Gorilla Tape, Tuck Tape, Patch-N-Go, Tenacious Tape, small scissors, alcohol swabs, and a needle & thread.
What To Expect On The Water
One of the most exciting things about packrafting is that no two experiences are the same. You could be floating down a lazy river one day, taking in the scenery, and the next, you might find yourself navigating roaring rapids.
Navigating the river was like a physical puzzle that I had to figure out on the fly.
The overall experience and feel of being in a packraft can depend greatly on the type of rafting or paddling that you choose to do—and the build specifications of the packraft (ie. manufacturer, model, and intended use: whitewater vs. flatwater). Most packrafts are anywhere between 2.1 to 2.7 meters / 7 to 9 feet in length, and feature a single, large air chamber that you need to inflate.
These large air chambers can provide good stability while on the water; however, because packrafts are inflatable, they are less rigid, and can feel a bit bouncy or wobbly if the water gets choppy. So if you’re thinking the experience is going to be similar to hard-shell kayaking—you’ll be in for a surprise! Although the foundations are similar between kayaking and packrafting, the experience is totally unique.

So you might be wondering—well, which packrafts are suitable for whitewater, and which are best for flatwater? This can be an entire topic in and of itself, but for starters, whitewater packrafts are typically more narrow, pointy, and feature smaller air chambers. These designs are more comparable to hard-shell kayaks. Packrafts designed for whitewater can also feature add-ons like thigh-straps, and whitewater decks. These are more advanced configurations, typically chosen by experienced rafters who are looking to take on more powerful, fast-moving water.
Packrafting doesn’t just have to be about the thrills, though. It’s often about moments in between; immersing yourself in the journey. Whether you’re paddling through a quiet meandering river or cruising across a glassy lake, there’s a unique sense of peace that comes with being out there, moving freely across tranquil waters. For most adventures, you might not necessarily need a whitewater specific packraft. Traditional packrafts are often more basic, wider, feature a larger air chamber, and don’t come with complicated add-ons—this also reduces the price significantly!
Paddling Safety and Best Practices
Packrafting is all about adventure, but like any outdoor sport, safety should always come first. Water can be unpredictable, so knowing your limits is key. Whether you’re just starting out, or an experienced paddler, always paddle with a buddy! Packrafting is not an individuals sport, and is best practiced in small groups so that adequate safety measures can be taken.
With packrafting, it's important to facilitate and establish a culture of safety before venturing out onto the water.
The most important gear item you should never go without, is your life jacket. No matter where you paddle, make sure you’re always wearing a well-fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It’s a simple step that could make all the difference if things don’t go as planned—keeping you afloat and giving you the peace of mind to enjoy the experience fully.
If you’re new to packrafting, start with calm rivers or lakes and avoid rushing into rapids that are too challenging or beyond your skill level. As exciting as the adrenaline rush of navigating whitewater can be, it’s important to build your skills gradually. A good rule of thumb that we practice is; if you’re approaching a rapid that makes you feel uncertain or uneasy—even just a bit—it’s best to pull off to the side, scout the rapid again, and reevaluate.
It’s also worth mentioning, that regardless of skill level, there is no shame in portaging (walking) a rapid. Even the most experienced paddlers portage rapids. The beauty of packrafts in these scenarios is that they’re so lightweight that it makes portaging that much easier.
Before you head out on your trip, make sure to check the weather forecast and water conditions. For our adventures, we use a combination of tools:
- For weather data, prior to our adventure, we use Accuweather, including Accuweather’s Rain Radar tool. For weather data updates while we’re off-the-grid, we use the weather feature on our Garmin inReach Mini 2.
What might look like a peaceful river could quickly turn into something more dangerous if the weather takes a turn or the current picks up. We also keep up to date with snowmelt conditions if we’re travelling on a river that is primarily fed by snowmelt runoff.
Packrafting is a fantastic way to explore remote places, but those places can sometimes be hard to reach in an emergency. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry a few extra safety essentials like a first aid kit, a whistle, and a basic raft repair kit—just in case.
If you’re venturing beyond cell service connectivity, consider getting a GPS Satellite Communications Device, like the Garmin InReach Mini 2. Being able to contact friends, family, or rescue personnel if the need arises, better allows you to enjoy the adventure without constantly worrying about what could go wrong.
Additional practices related to safety, can be to take a Wilderness First Aid Course, and for packrafting specifically, consider joining a Swiftwater Rescue Training Course if this sport is something you’d like to dive deeper into!
Lastly, having rescue insurance coverage is a smart move before taking on adventures in the wild. If you’re looking to go beyond your local lake or local creek, we recommend getting rescue coverage for the duration of your adventure with a company like Global Rescue. With a membership for the duration of your adventure, you get a host of benefits; the primary ones being Medical Evacuation and Field Rescue from point of illness or injury—with transport from anywhere in the world to your home hospital of choice.
If you’d like to learn more about this topic and why we choose Global Rescue, check out our Rescue Insurance Page. This is a great resource regarding the topic of insurance, which can certainly be confusing and even daunting at first!
Where Can I Go Packrafting?
The beauty of packrafting is that it opens up a world of possibilities, no matter where you are. You don’t need to be near a major river to enjoy this sport—local lakes, tranquil rivers, and even coastal waters are great places to enjoy packrafting. Being a beginner to this sport is a great opportunity to sign up for a course, or a multi-day packrafting experience.
One of the beauties of multi-day trips that involve packrafting is that you get a chance to fully immerse yourself in the sport; an adventure which enables you to try out packrafting without the commitment of buying all the equipment. Some of the most popular destinations around the world for packrafting adventures include: Canada, Alaska (US), New Zealand, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colorado (US), Austria, Italy, France, Montenegro, and Slovenia.
We often get asked: “What’s the best place in the world to packraft?”. Before we can answer that question, it’s important to note that there are so many incredible locations to try packrafting, develop your paddling skills, and really take your abilities to the next level—even beyond the previously mentioned destinations. For us however, the answer is simple: The best places to learn packrafting (especially for first-timers) are in warm water regions.
Any destination can be tons of fun, but beginners may find the packrafting experience and requirements needed to be more challenging in cold weather regions. For example, the equipment you would pack for warm weather trips simply isn’t adequate for cold water destinations; this includes not only your packrafting gear, but your clothing, and even your camping gear. Cold water destinations often require additional layers such as Dry Suits, or modifications such as Whitewater Decks built into your raft for Spray Skirts. These add-ons are necessary to keep your body dry and warm on those cold water trips.
Now, this isn’t to say that great adventures aren’t to be had in cold climates—on the contrary, those destinations have some of the most epic rivers and lakes you can access! You’ll just find that tropical rivers can be more enjoyable and more forgiving for beginners.
When you embark on a packrafting adventure to warm weather destinations such as tropical rivers found in Guatemala, Mexico and Costa Rica, for example, you often only need the basics when it comes to gear. You can paddle in your shorts or swim suits and don’t have to worry about getting extensive gear to keep you from freezing.
Learning how to packraft in a forgiving, warm-water river makes all the difference!
Nahua Expeditions offers two beginner friendly packrafting adventures to Mexico’s most scenic and remote rivers. These expeditions are perfect for entry level packrafters and paddlers who are looking to dip their toes into this new sport. Both trips feature canyons that are low-consequence in nature, and flow warm rainwater or springwater as water sources. Both trips commence as Class I rivers and slowly progress each day as you make your way further into the canyon. By the time you reach Class III rapids, your skills—and most importantly your confidence has built up so that you can conquer the obstacles ahead of you in a fun and engaging way.
Is Packrafting Right for You?
If you love the outdoors and are looking for something new, packrafting is an adventure you won’t want to miss. It’s perfect for those who enjoy backpacking but want to add an extra element to their journey. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or someone new to outdoor sports, packrafting has a little something for everyone. It’s about exploration, adventure, pushing your boundaries, and having a ton of fun!
What's Next?
So, are you ready to give it a try? Our packrafting expeditions are a fantastic way to introduce you to this new sport. The trips are designed in low-consequence settings; where the canyons provide you with the perfect progression of difficulty, allowing you to develop your paddling and packrafting skills in a fun and engaging way — all while doing so in truly once-in-a-lifetime locations.
Stay Safe & Be Prepared: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Packrafting involves inherent risks, and individuals are fully responsible for their own safety. Nahua Expeditions and its authors disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of the information from this article.
What is Packrafting? A Beginner’s Guide to the Ultimate Adventure Vessel
Ever wondered what packrafting is all about? If you’re looking for an adventure that combines the freedom of hiking with the thrill of paddling—and unique accessibility—packrafting might just be your next obsession.
25 JAN 2025 ・ 10 min read
Nahua Expeditions
Being able to strap a lightweight raft to our backpacks has allowed us to explore some pretty beautiful and remote rivers, lakes, and coastlines. The kind of terrain you won’t see in a guidebook—just wild, untamed landscapes. From navigating tranquil waters in the backcountry to paddling through exhilarating rapids, packrafting has completely changed the way we experience the outdoors.
So, what exactly is packrafting, and why should you give it a try? We’ll break it down for you.
A packraft is a lightweight, inflatable raft, designed to be carried into hard-to-reach locations.
The Basics: What is Packrafting?
Imagine this: you carry an inflatable raft, small and light enough to fit into your backpack, all the way to a remote river or lake. Once you get there, you inflate it, and suddenly, you’re floating down waterways that are far off the beaten path. At its core, packrafting is about combining the joys of hiking and paddling into one seamless adventure.
A packraft is sort of like an inflatable kayak — only much lighter, more durable, and can be folded down smaller. Packrafts are often made using the highest quality materials and fabrics available, and are designed to be carried in a pack.
Why Packrafting?
If you’re into outdoor adventures, packrafting gives you a whole new level of freedom. You get to explore places that are unreachable by foot or by other watercraft. Not only this, but packrafting is entirely human-powered! That means you’re not relying on motors or fuel—just your own paddling strokes and the current of the water. This makes packrafting one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore the outdoors!
These little boats open up a world of exploration, letting you navigate places that traditional boats can’t reach. Unlike bulky, traditional kayaks or canoes, packrafts are designed for adventurers who want to explore places that are otherwise hard to access. They grant ultimate freedom; whether you’re drifting along calm, serene waters or braving exhilarating rapids, packrafting lets you access wild landscapes that few others ever get to see!
What are some of the most common activities that packrafts are used for?
Hike, paddle, camp: Hiking into a remote spot, camp, and then paddle out via a secluded body of water.
Whitewater thrills: For those who crave adrenaline, some packraft models are designed to handle strong rapids, giving you the rush of whitewater rafting without needing a massive raft or guide.
Fish from your raft: Packrafting is a fantastic way to reach remote fishing spots, where you can cast a line in pristine waters.
Hunting access: If you’re into hunting, packrafts can grant you low profile access to bodies of water where you’re able to scope out your target.
Viewing Wildlife: Packrafts can enable accessing rivers or streams which would otherwise be very challenging to haul heavy rafts, kayaks, or motorized boats into.
Search and Rescue: For teams and personnel tasked with performing rescues in challenging locations—only accessible by water, packrafts can be the solution.
Family fun: Packrafts can be excellent for taking the kids, and even the dogs out on the lake to just relax and have a fun day paddling around!
The Gear: What You Need to Get Started
Before you rush out and buy a raft, let’s talk gear. The beauty of packrafting is that it’s incredibly lightweight and minimalist, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to plan ahead. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need for your first packrafting trip:
- The Packraft
It all starts with the raft. Most packrafts weigh between 1.5-2.7kg / 3-6lbs, and when packed up, they’re small enough to fit into a backpack. There are a plethora of different customizations and configurations of packrafts, for various different uses (we’ll write a separate article on that). A few big names in the packrafting world include NRS, Alpacka Raft, and Kokopelli, but there are also smaller brands that produce good gear.
- Paddle
The paddle is the most important component to your packrafting setup. Without it, you won’t be able to steer or direct your raft. Contrary to oars (for canoeing), paddles are typically a single piece of shaft material, with rounded blades on either side. Many paddle manufacturers also sell detachable or collapsable paddles that break down into pieces (2 or 4 piece), which make transporting much easier. We use 4-piece paddles by Aquabound — and highly recommend them!
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Also known as lifejackets or life-vests, PFD’s are a must. A good PFD is necessary for any packrafting outing, especially if you’re venturing into large bodies of water, or fast moving water. A PFD keeps you buoyant in the event that you flip or fall into the water. When choosing a PFD, look for one that’s comfortable, fits snug, and is low-profile to allow you to move freely while paddling. Brands like Astral and NRS are top contenders in the PFD space. We recommend the NRS Ninja PFD for entry level paddlers!
- Dry Bags
Before you set off onto the water, you’ll more than likely need a containment option to keep your non-paddling gear dry: backpacks, tents, cameras, food, etc. Whatever it is you are packing for your adventure, if it’s left exposed, it might get wet—especially if you tip your raft over. For our expeditions, we typically use two drybags: A large 65L drybag with backpack straps, and a small 11L handbag sized drybag for quick access items like camera gear and snacks. There are many different drybag options on the market. We use Watershed drybags.
- Repair Kit
Because packrafts are inflatable, they’re susceptible to punctures and tears. Carrying a basic repair kit for punctures or damage is always a smart move, especially when you’re far from civilization and you’re relying on your packraft as your means of transportation. Packrafts can be made with different materials and fabrics, requiring specific glues and patch materials. Typically, packrafts are made using a treated nylon fabric. For these nylon-made packrafts we always carry the following products or materials in our repair kit: Tyvek Tape, Aquaseal FD, Aquaseal UV, Gorilla Tape, Tuck Tape, Patch-N-Go, Tenacious Tape, small scissors, alcohol swabs, and a needle & thread.
What to Expect on the Water
One of the most exciting things about packrafting is that no two experiences are the same. You could be floating down a lazy river one day, taking in the scenery, and the next, you might find yourself navigating roaring rapids.
Navigating the river was like a physical puzzle that I had to figure out on the fly.
The overall experience and feel of being in a packraft depends greatly on the type of rafting or paddling that you choose to do—and the build specifications of the packraft (ie. manufacturer, model, and intended use: whitewater vs. flatwater). Most packrafts are anywhere between 2.1 to 2.7 meters / 7 to 9 feet in length, and feature a single, large air chamber that you need to inflate.
These large air chambers can provide good stability while on the water; however, because packrafts are inflatable, they are less rigid, and can feel a bit bouncy or wobbly if the water gets choppy. So if you’re thinking the experience is going to be similar to hard-shell kayaking—you’ll be in for a surprise! Although the foundations are similar between kayaking and packrafting, the experience is totally unique.

So you might be wondering—well, which packrafts are suitable for whitewater, and which are best for flatwater? This can be an entire topic in and of itself, but for starters, whitewater packrafts are typically more narrow, pointy, and feature smaller air chambers. These designs are more comparable to hard-shell kayaks. Packrafts designed for whitewater can also feature add-ons like thigh-straps, and whitewater decks. These are more advanced configurations, typically chosen by experienced rafters who are looking to take on more powerful, fast-moving water.
—Packrafting doesn’t just have to be about the thrills, though. It’s often about moments in between; immersing yourself in the journey. Whether you’re paddling through a quiet meandering river or cruising across a glassy lake, there’s a unique sense of peace that comes with being out there, moving freely across tranquil waters. For most adventures, you might not necessarily need a whitewater specific packraft. Traditional packrafts are often more basic, wider, feature a larger air chamber, and don’t come with complicated add-ons—this also reduces the price significantly!
Paddling Safety and Best Practices
Packrafting is all about adventure, but like any outdoor sport, safety should always come first. Water can be unpredictable, so knowing your limits is key. Whether you’re just starting out, or an experienced paddler, always paddle with a buddy! Packrafting is not an individuals sport, and is best practiced in small groups so that adequate safety measures can be taken.
With packrafting, it's important to facilitate and establish a culture of safety before venturing out onto the water.
The most important gear item you should never go without, is your life jacket. No matter where you paddle, make sure you’re always wearing a well-fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It’s a simple step that could make all the difference if things don’t go as planned—keeping you afloat and giving you the peace of mind to enjoy the experience fully.
If you’re new to packrafting, start with calm rivers or lakes and avoid rushing into rapids that are too challenging or beyond your skill level. As exciting as the adrenaline rush of navigating whitewater can be, it’s important to build your skills gradually. A good rule of thumb that we practice is; if you’re approaching a rapid that makes you feel uncertain or uneasy—even just a bit—it’s best to pull off to the side, scout the rapid again, and reevaluate.
It’s also worth mentioning, that regardless of skill level, there is no shame in portaging (walking) a rapid. Even the most experienced paddlers portage rapids. The beauty of packrafts in these scenarios is that they’re so lightweight that it makes portaging that much easier.
Before you head out on your trip, make sure to check the weather forecast and water conditions. For our adventures, we use a combination of tools:
- For weather data, prior to our adventure, we use Accuweather, including Accuweather’s Rain Radar tool. For weather data updates while we’re off-the-grid, we use the weather feature on our Garmin inReach Mini 2.
What might look like a peaceful river could quickly turn into something more dangerous if the weather takes a turn or the current picks up. We also keep up to date with snowmelt conditions if we’re travelling on a river that is primarily fed by snowmelt runoff.
Packrafting is a fantastic way to explore remote places, but those places can sometimes be hard to reach in an emergency. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry a few extra safety essentials like a first aid kit, a whistle, and a basic raft repair kit—just in case.
If you’re venturing beyond cell service connectivity, consider getting a GPS Satellite Communications Device, like the Garmin InReach Mini 2. Being able to contact friends, family, or rescue personnel if the need arises, better allows you to enjoy the adventure without constantly worrying about what could go wrong.
Additional practices related to safety, can be to take a Wilderness First Aid Course, and for packrafting specifically, consider joining a Swiftwater Rescue Training Course if this sport is something you’d like to dive deeper into!
Lastly, having rescue insurance coverage is a smart move before taking on adventures in the wild. If you’re looking to go beyond your local lake or local creek, we recommend getting rescue coverage for the duration of your adventure with a company like Global Rescue. With a membership for the duration of your adventure, you get a host of benefits; the primary ones being Medical Evacuation and Field Rescue from point of illness or injury—with transport from anywhere in the world to your home hospital of choice.
If you’d like to learn more about this topic and why we choose Global Rescue, check out our Rescue Insurance Page. This is a great resource regarding the topic of insurance, which can certainly be confusing and even daunting at first!
Where Can I Go Packrafting?
The beauty of packrafting is that it opens up a world of possibilities, no matter where you are. You don’t need to be near a major river to enjoy this sport—local lakes, tranquil rivers, and even coastal waters are great places to enjoy packrafting. Being a beginner to this sport is a great opportunity to sign up for a course, or a multi-day packrafting experience.
One of the beauties of multi-day trips that involve packrafting is that you get a chance to fully immerse yourself in the sport; an adventure which enables you to try out packrafting without the commitment of buying all the equipment. Some of the most popular destinations around the world for packrafting adventures include: Canada, Alaska (US), New Zealand, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colorado (US), Austria, Italy, France, Montenegro, and Slovenia.
We often get asked: “What’s the best place in the world to packraft?”. Before we can answer that question, it’s important to note that there are so many incredible locations to try packrafting, develop your paddling skills, and really take your abilities to the next level—even beyond the previously mentioned destinations. For us however, the answer is simple: The best places to learn packrafting (especially for first-timers) are in warm water regions.
Any destination can be tons of fun, but beginners may find the packrafting experience and requirements needed to be more challenging in cold weather regions. For example, the equipment you would pack for warm weather trips simply isn’t adequate for cold water destinations; this includes not only your packrafting gear, but your clothing, and even your camping gear. Cold water destinations often require additional layers such as Dry Suits, or modifications such as Whitewater Decks built into your raft for Spray Skirts. These add-ons are necessary to keep your body dry and warm on those cold water trips.
Now, this isn’t to say that great adventures aren’t to be had in cold climates—on the contrary, those destinations have some of the most epic rivers and lakes you can access! You’ll just find that tropical rivers can be more enjoyable and more forgiving for beginners.
When you embark on a packrafting adventure to warm weather destinations such as tropical rivers found in Guatemala, Mexico and Costa Rica, for example, you often only need the basics when it comes to gear. You can paddle in your shorts or swim suits and don’t have to worry about getting extensive gear to keep you from freezing.
Learning how to packraft in a forgiving, warm-water river makes all the difference!
Nahua Expeditions offers two beginner friendly packrafting adventures to Mexico’s most scenic and remote rivers. These expeditions are perfect for entry level packrafters and paddlers who are looking to dip their toes into this new sport. Both trips feature canyons that are low-consequence in nature, and flow warm rainwater or springwater as water sources. Both trips commence as Class I rivers and slowly progress each day as you make your way further into the canyon. By the time you reach Class III rapids, your skills—and most importantly your confidence has built up so that you can conquer the obstacles ahead of you in a fun and engaging way.
Is Packrafting Right For You?
If you love the outdoors and are looking for something new, packrafting is an adventure you won’t want to miss. It’s perfect for those who enjoy backpacking but want to add an extra element to their journey. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or someone new to outdoor sports, packrafting has a little something for everyone. It’s about exploration, adventure, pushing your boundaries, and having a ton of fun!
What's Next?
So, are you ready to give it a try? Our packrafting expeditions are a fantastic way to introduce you to this new sport. The trips are designed in low-consequence settings; where the canyons provide you with the perfect progression of difficulty, allowing you to develop your paddling and packrafting skills in a fun and engaging way — all while doing so in truly once-in-a-lifetime locations.
Stay Safe & Be Prepared: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Packrafting involves inherent risks, and individuals are fully responsible for their own safety. Nahua Expeditions and its authors disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of the information from this article.