Pack rafts for the high lakes

Published 1:52 pm Monday, May 16, 2011

John Nelson of Seattle emailed me to tell me about a new high lakes boat he’d just bought from Alpacka rafts.

He said it only weighs about four pounds, but handles his heavy frame well.He said the company is about to come out with a three pound boat that looks like a watermaster and is just a

s tough.

As someone who’s planning a 16-mile hike this summer over a couple mountain passes in the Pasayten Wilderness north of Winthrop, I can’t wait to check this new boat out.

I’ve used some pretty shaky boats through the years because I wouldn’t dream of going to a high mountain lake without some kind of float tube.

Most high lakes just get fished on the side that fronts the trail. The fishing is just so much better with a boat because you can cover it all.

But I am dreading the hike and have been looking around for all the ways I can shed a pound or two from my pack.

The tube I have now, an Outcast Trinity. is light and pretty durable and it comes with its own pack and tiny backpacking-style pump.

But I’m always looking for something a little lighter and a little more comfortable to sit in. This one looks like it would be.

It you’d like to check out Alpacka Click here

The boats aren’t cheap, but neither was my Outcast. If they’re durable and they last, it could be worth it.