Edit February 2015: Due to our opening for
other manufactures, Alpacka choose to withdraw from our cooperation
and service, unless we support the brand solely. As we want to represent
the Packrafting as a theme, this is no option. So we no
longer work together.
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| Love the humble setting, so un-American. |
The reason for a trip to Alpacka is pretty obvious. What role Alpacka plays
in the packraft evolution is well known and shall yet be covered in the
coming Part III of the
History series. They did not invent the concept, but resemble a modern synonym with many
inventive steps.
The purpose for seeing Alpacka in real live simply was to get to know the
crew, the people behind the tubes. In order to drive the packrafting road
partly together we wanted to exchange ideas and learn on the workflow and
workmanship. Many things needed to be covered in decent talks and
practises impossible over the phone. This was to alter into a
collaborating relation. Reflections on change of
status beyond this blog
are to come in a following post. As a European outpost we want to share
our impressions and give a short outlook. We feel being
intermediates.
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| Alpacka farm |
Workshop impressions
Despite the complex nature of building a boat, Alpacka very much
resembles the cottage style of manufacturing. The factory contains of
multiple buildings (e.g. for cutting, glueing and assembling), yet isn’t
anything close to fully automated. It is a small farm, a handful people
with lots of resourcefulness. Top quality comes from attention to detail,
not mass. Anyways, machinery and workmanship is very different from those
in the classic cottages of the backpacking world. You need a certain
stock of people. A single sewing machine and some tape isn’t enough.
Material and composition is demanding. One reason Alpacka got stuck
between the outdoor industry and cottage world. Neither of them wanted to
take on the challenge obviously. It is an unfriendly market for
producers.
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| Marc on Taping machin |
Trainings and practise
This for sure was worth enough the trip. Marc might be able to build a
boat himself out of limited material in a simple construction (MYOB, all
my respect), but proper workmanship goes beyond ;) First, witnessing
the regular construction helped understanding the boats in order to
evaluate issues. Seeing the complete workflow from design, cutting,
sewing, glueing, welding and finish gave a good comprehension. Second, both (Sheri of Alpacka and ourselves) wanted us to be able to
fulfil basic services. Two major things had to be learned:
- retrofitting spray decks: putting decks on used boats, respectively exchanging old by current spray decks
- repairs and modification: such as main and secondary valve replacements
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| Valve replacement |
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| Retrofitting a spraydeck |
Purpose to take them practise home simply was to be able to offer this
service in Europe
to avoid time-consuming shippment overseas for European packrafter in
need. Still, this will be a relatively rare occasion, I guess.
New products
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| A packraft or a packyak? The Orca! Note: braces not fitted. |
You gear guys spotted this section to read the first, right ;)? Well, we
can assure, there is things in the pipeline. Yet, the traditional, well
proven line will remain. Not so much of a surprise, we have seen the new
white water boat (prototype name the Orca). This will come for sure.
Question is, if this still resembles a packraft? It is going to be below 4
kg and will be very much packable, so yes, taking such criteria it
is. However, its intentional design is not for classic packrafting
as combination of hiking and boating, rather be a white water travel boat.
It is not meant to take a pack for example. Uhh, kayaking folks don’t hike
anyway ;) If you have seen Wayatt's Costa Rica
-
it contains a massive frame of coaming
-
with strong thigh braces
-
made of special material (no stretch)
-
for maximum tube pressure (pump required)
-
has extra slide protection on the bottom
Other than that, there is the long awaited drysuits. We have seen them,
even worn, but can’t share any pictures before they go into contract.
There will be a super light, add on version (~500g) for taking along and
boating only as well as a semi dry, heavy duty one (>1kg), where you
can skip rain gear, respectively go hiking with. They will come in the
typical price range for drysuits. The fact I like the most is the
innovative opening/sizing combination. One fits nearly all. Truly
adaptive.
Development talks
Bringing our
Sheri scissorhands
Socialising & Tour
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| Scramble Paria |
It is a long way over the
Finally, there is to say a big thank you to Alpacka for hosting us and
share their knowledge. We are overwhelmed by the impressions and results. It is a privilege to have this relation. More pictures from our visit you will find below and in the German
short version of the post.
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| A good relation with Nancy of administration is important ;) |
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| The Process starts |
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| Alpacka Crew |
