With the open Facebook Group 'Packrafting in Europe' it is hard to keep up with news. There is lots of snippets, informal posts and instant messages from free Packrafting folks. The only chance I have, is to anticipate reports.
Coming soon
Coming soon
Louis-Philippe, whom I met in Leipzig, is about to enter the Packraft part of his Polandtrek. So far the Tatras were challenging him a lot. Tough hiking conditions in snow and sun. Check for progress on the river in the coming days. http://www.polandtrek.com/
Joery is back from the French Verdon Canyon (fortunately) and we eagerly wait for his full report: http://dzjow.wordpress.com/
Same with David, an epic trip in the North-West of Scotland of 380 km in 14 days with lots of varying terrain, truely a pack and raft adventure, but not time write it up yet. http://gridnorth.blogspot.de/
Other than that, I can summerize and structure a bit of course.
Other than that, I can summerize and structure a bit of course.
Selections
Most notably, the VIPackrafter Forrest McCarthy from the US on the Balkan (Bosnia).
In contrast to this, more hiking than boating by Joe from Norway. Real nicely edited video:
Our favourite Packrafting playground: No man's land between Poland and Czech Republic. Pictures in this post are all from this trip.
And the Belgians are not to be stopped. The Orthe River seems to be their playspot.
Opportunities
Tommy from Holland (micro-adventures.blogspot.de) made us aware of another 'Quasi-Packraft' of military origin. Weighting ~4kg and made of Non-PVC (Butylrubber) qualifies as such. The outfitter says: "It is light and compact for travel, about the size of a sleeping bag". With 200€ a real real bargain, especially as it can accommodate two people! Details and purchase.
Andy and Rob of Backcountrybiking.co.uk are about to offer Packrafting and Bikerafting related courses guided trips in Scotland. Good chance to try out Packrafts beforehand. They have plenty of models.
Mark of backpackingnorth.com is announcing exiting things to appear soon in Finland/Rovaniemi.
Packrafting-Store and Kanupark Markleeberg hold Packraft specific Whitewater classes in Leipzig/Germany. The first date is almost fully booked.
Last but not least, Benjamin is heading to Switzerland (Engadin) next week with his new boat and looking for partners!
