Pack Cats & Duckies: Boatpacking

[Chip]

I'm keen on adventurous small-boat runs and self-support, particularly outside the high-water season. So I'd like to put together a list of people with the same instincts, so we can be in touch and plan.

One of the best trips I've done was the Escalante River (Utah) in May '05– eight days in redrock heaven (see below) with my partner, Deb, and two Colorado boaters, Moose and Melanie Z.

Escalante.jpg

Putting it together meant keeping a watch on SNOTEL sites and studying hydrographs. But the reward was a perfect water level and great weather for a unique run.

Style-wise, it's backpacking with a boat. Low-volume 'yaks and teeny duckies are ruled out, since they can't hold enough supplies for multi-day trips. No beer barge, alas. But I don't seem to miss it.

There are some obscure and out-of-the way runs I'd like to do– maybe you have your own secret list. I'm also interested in fall, low-water runs on Deso, Lodore, etc. using small, self-supporting boats. I've got well-tested lightweight kitchen and river toilet gear, for parties of 4-6.

If this appeals to you, drop a PM with your contact info, type of boat and gear, and things you'd like to run. I'll distribute the list to all who respond.

yrs, Chip

[Chip]

This is the right thread. Can't figure out how to dump the other one.

[yetigonecrazy]

i have a 8.5' creek company super sport cat that, while it wasnt designed to, i rigged up a system of carrying on my back. the tubes fold up really small and then its a simple matter of halfway taking apart the frame and then just lashing it all together and going. i dont take it far but it works for a few miles or so.

i usually go with duckies for hikeable but close places, never tried serious packing with one. pm me fomoinfo!

lots of errors this morning ha ha

[Mike Hartley]

Chip,

This type of travel is what I have my compass set on also. I sent you a PM w/ more details.

Mike

[Chip]

One last bump, to harvest a few more puff-boaters. I'll distribute the list of those who reply to all.

If you have a Jack's Pack Cat, and remain silent— the curse of Paco upon you!

yrs, Chip

[redbeard]

I just picked up a very old thrill kat from custom inflatables in WV, it needs some mods to be fit, but it has tiedowns as if it wants to be packed...

I'm thinking of getting a frame pack to use as frame and carry device, the cat itself is light, less than thirty lbs for sure. I'd love to get out and try what you speak of!!

I've also considered canyoneering with it, but this is my first puff boat so I don't really have a good comparison...

pm with email forthcoming!!

[okiesylvan]

I have Aire Lynx II (12 ft), have done one self-support on Rio Chama (3 nites, @ 600 cfs), otherwise, several trips in Dinosaur NM and Lower Salmon semi-self-supported (personal gear only). Very interested in some of the types of trips your mentioned. Escalante probably too technical to suit me. I have also dreamed of doing the Rio Grande from Labotos Bridge to (sheep trail ??), take out is 400 ft pack out. Please put me on your contact list. I'm in Arkansas, and have a buddy in Montana with Maravia IK who has been interested in same type of "stealth" trip, as we call it. - Scott

[Chip]

Good to know you're out there.

I'll go through these posts and the PMs and come up with a list, then send it out to all who replied, with some miscellaneous blather on trip ideas. It would help to have your direct e-mail address, so I'll check BUZZ profiles.

To prime your pumps, here's a pickie of the Jack's Fat Cat I paddled on the Grand Canyon (with me on top for a change), snaking around a hole. Wish I could bloodywell remember which rapid it is.


FatCatGrand.jpg
(photo by Jack Kloepfer)

In any event, thanks–
Chip

[jeffsssmith]

I have a very large hardshell kayak and have done several self-supports. I am interested in some of the runs that you listed.kaya

[Chip]

Gotcha– I just sent you the list of those who responded previously, via PM, and will add your name on the next go 'round.

The guy who Abbey had in mind while writing the character of Seldom Seen Smith was Ken Sleight, an outfitter (he & Jane Sleight ran Pack Creek Ranch SE of Moab) and political firebrand. I did a try-out horsepacking trip with him into Grand Gulch (he had the only permit I think). But I didn't like taking a big string of horses through those canyons. So I didn't go to work for him. Yet he is (as they say in Utah) a unique individual.

As a relative, of sorts, you should look him up.

yrs, Chip