Last year I brought an inflatable kayak (Sevylor Rio) to hunt and fly fish rivers in New Zealand. I’m happy with the crafts performance but now that I plan more trips I realise that the weight of my Rio (16kg) is going to be a problem, limiting me to road end or fly in destinations. Having “found” pack-rafts I see there are further options but because I want to hunt & fish with a dog this throws up some issues, namely the size of craft required and the impact of not been able to use a spray skirt.
I’m 5’8", 73kg. My pooch is 15kg. My pack, rod & rifle is 20kg. I could have 20kg of boned-out game. All up weight 128kg.
Rivers would be grade II-III. I consider myself an intermediate kayak paddler, having raced down river kayaks for a number of years.
I think I’ve narrowed it down to two options; the Alpacka Unrigged Explorer (2.6kg) and the Feathercraft Bolder (5.68kg). The self bailing floor on the Bolder is appealing but it’s twice the weight.
I would appreciate any feedback.