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What can you fit in a packraft?

Garrett Stimax from Alpacka here to discuss, what can you fit in a packraft? One of the best features of packrafting, the thing that really sets it apart, is the zipper system that lets you store gear inside the tubes. Yes, you heard that right. The entire perimeter of your packraft doubles as a giant drybag. It is one continuous chamber you can load up with everything you need for your trip.

The Essentials Go First

Obviously, you will stash your tent, sleeping bag, clothes, and food inside the tubes. That is the bread and butter of the system. But here is the fun part: the tubes do not stop there. They will hold way more than you might think, especially if you are not hiking in and do not need to obsess over weight.

Shape Over Weight

When you are launching from your car rather than trekking in, you are less worried about weight and more concerned with shape. The big questions are:

• Does it fit through the zipper?
• Will it slide into the tubes without creating hard edges?
• Can you avoid those awkward corners that might risk a puncture?

Think smooth, think packable, think tube-friendly.

The Cooler Upgrade

One of my go to luxuries is a cooler. Yes, a full on cooler inside the tubes. I have a Hydro Flask cooler with a sealing zipper that slips neatly into the stern. Load it up with frozen meals and meat, and you will still be eating fresh on day four or five of your trip. It beats the usual line up of dehydrated meals by a mile.

Beyond the Basics: Luxury and Adventure Items

Packrafts do not discriminate. With the right shape, plenty of extras can come along for the ride:

• Backpacking chair: Because comfort matters, especially riverside.
• Musical instruments: Ukuleles slide in beautifully, and yes, I have even packed a slim backpacking guitar into the side tubes.
• Groovers: Essential for regulated rivers that require you to pack out your waste.
• Technical gear: Ice axes, skis, you name it. I have seen it all stashed away safely.

Performance Benefits

Here is the kicker: loading your gear inside the tubes is not just about space. It can actually improve performance. Keeping the weight low and balanced helps the boat track straighter and hold speed better through features. It is like tricking physics into giving you a smoother ride.

Practice Makes Perfect

Packing takes a little trial and error. You will probably wrestle with a few oddly shaped items at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will be amazed at what you can bring along. From multi-day luxuries to technical gear, the tube system transforms your packraft into a river ready adventure capsule.

And let’s be real. It sure beats trying to jam everything into a kayak hatch.