Welcome to Packraft Maine

A Guide Service Leading Paddling, Cycling, and Backpacking Trips

What is Packraft Maine?

The plan is a simple, we will use packrafts to get out and explore. Whether this will be your first time in a packraft or you have been packrafting for years we can work together to design a trip that will work well for you. I will also be designing bikerafting trips for experienced bikers. I think I can convince you that the combination of bikes and packrafts, is a perfect way to explore Maine.

In addition to sharing the sport of packrafting, my goal is to share a new way to think about and practice outdoor recreation. Rather than valuing on remoteness, danger and challenge, the focus is on first finding delight, connection with others, and wildness close to home. In the hopes that when we do head off further afield we will find even more adventure.

 
 

  • If you are new to packrafting, don’t worry I have boats for you to use and will help you learn what you need to know to be safe and enjoy your time on the water.

  • If you are an experienced packrafter, bring your boat and I will share some of my favorite spots with you. We can work together to develop a trip that will draw on advanced paddling and expedition skills.

  • All of our trips can be car-light or car-free. If this is something you are interested in we can plan a trip that minimizes the amount of car driving needed.

 
 

Who is your packraft guide?

Alejandro Strong. For over two decades I have been exploring Maine’s rivers and forests as well as studying and teaching philosophy. I worked for Hurricane Island Outward Bound leading canoeing and backpacking courses as well as training staff in whitewater paddling and safety.

Recently I have become interested in the idea of minimizing the environmental impacts of the trips I lead. I want to reduce the amount of driving I do as a guide. Packrafting and bikerafting are the perfect tool to still access remote and inspiring places with out the need for lengthy car rides and long multiple vehicle shuttles of the common paddling trip, so here we are.

Affiliations

  • Diversify Outdoors Logo

    Diversify Outdoors Member

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  • Maine Outdoor Brands Logo

    Maine Outdoor Brands Member

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  • Maine Wilderness Guide Organization Logo

    Maine Wilderness Guide Org Member

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  • American Canoe Association Logo

    American Canoe Association Rescue Instructor

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What is a Packraft?

A packraft is a small inflatable boat. You can paddle it like a kayak or canoe. It is made of light-weight, durable fabrics. The boats we use weigh around 7 pounds, and roll up to about the size of a paper towel roll. This allows you to pack them up and carry them on a bicycle or in a backpack easily.

 
 

  • Inflatable canoes and kayaks have been around since the invention of vulcanized rubber. The modern packraft evolved from WWII rescue rafts, you can find out more of the history at Alpacka Rafts

  • Light, Durable, and Packable are the keys to a packrafts design. The boats have a rugged bottom material, and lighter inflatable tubes that make up the sides of the boats. We have chosen the boats we use at Packraft Maine to be both stable and fun to paddle on flatwater and whitewater.

  • Packrafts are not the fastest choice, a rigid kayak or canoe will win in a race. Packrafts instead allow you to explore waterways in different ways. We are more focused on how we get to the water, and what we can find along the way.

 
 

How to Packraft?

Packrafting is not a new skill, but a new way to combine familiar outdoor activities. Paddling is only part of the story. Think of your favorite hike along a river, but now you can pull a boat out of your backpack, inflate it and paddle it downstream.

 
 

  • Once the boat is deflated, it is easy to roll it up into a compact tube. In addition the paddles we use break down into 4 pieces which can easily be stored. If hiking, it is easy to strap the raft on top of your pack. If biking, it is easy to strap the raft to your handlebars or on a cargo rack.

  • Packrafts can be inflated with a simple light weight bag. You simply shake the bag open till it is lightly holding air, close off the top, and push the air into the boat. Depending on the size of the raft it will take about 5-10 bag fulls. Once you have the boat mostly full, you can top it off with your mouth or a hand pump.

  • Come on a trip and you can experience it.