Packrafting in Sweden - 140kms on the River Kaitum

[@michaelburnett7854]

Glad to have new episodes again, love listening to the podcasts especially interviews like this.

[@TheOutdoorsStation]

Doing my best to fit it all in :)

[@buffalo4127]

This was excellent!

[@TheOutdoorsStation]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks :)

[@hntrains2]

I listened to the first one, I am back for this second episode. Having gone rowing a few times myself, I can relate to quite a few of the things mentioned here. At the same time, I am curious as to why they needed that many days, eight, for such a relatively-short distance. While a packraft is not very fast, it is still faster than my raft (sort of an elongated doughnut), and I can cover in excess of 20 kilometres on a slow, or bad, day in it. On fast waters, I can reach speeds of up to 12 km/h (that happened at the very end of 2023, when I covered 23 km in about three hours and fifteen minutes of barely rowing). Insects - mosquitos, in particular - are always a concern when on, or around, the water; that is why it is quite surprising to see how these packrafters were taken aback by them. Perhaps, they did not have the right repellant? When, a couple of years ago, I went, for weeks, on a river renowned for, and even feared because of, the high density of mosquitos on it, I had two different types of repellant on the boat; I used one of them and was fine. The secret was to merely spray the little patches of skin which stayed exposed during the critical moments in the evenings: face, ears, neck, and fingers. It would certainly be nice if such questions, which everyone following the story surely has, could be put to the packrafters themselves. Until we get such a chance, we are looking forward to the next conversations.

[@MJDW1972]

Thanks for your comment. I've been wandering Lapland for 25 plus years. The mosquitos in late June/early July 22 were exceptional (and I really mean it) due to a very cold winter/spring followed by a period of intense heat which launched several waves (I clearly explain this in the video) I've seen nothing like that ever. Have a look at the Swedish local press for that period. If you think we were slow have a crack at the Kaitum yourself and see how you fare! Ourselves, we had repeated runs on some rapids (this is clearly discussed in the video) and of course were required to portage!

[@hntrains2]

​@@MJDW1972, thank you for your reply and explanations! I did not listen to the podcast religiously (you seem to have expected me to do so); I played the video once, then played a few parts, which, for some reasons, were more relevant to me, a few more times. But that was it. I might even have multitasked at times. The comments section exists exactly for such an exchange as this to take place post-watching. Preparation before any trip is key. I learnt that the hard way myself: when going river rowing for the second time ever (a 22.5-hour, 70-kilometre trip which I only saw as a training session before my major trip which was to come), I forgot at home half of an oar shaft. I was on the riverbank when I realized that it was missing. But I was also 50 kilometres from home; no way would I not get on the river! I improvised an oar from the paddle I had taken with me for some testing and I started on my journey. Never again have I left on a rowing trip without a spare pair of oars, nor anything else needed on a rowing trip, no matter how long or short the trip was. That is why, knowing how mosquitos were a particularly big problem at the time of my trip, I would take extra measures to make sure they would still not pester me. You probably did what you thought you should do; it was just not enough. Things of that kind happen. As for the length of the trip, you probably paddled for a limited amount of time every day. You took your time; I get it now. On the other hand, it might not be that easy on that kind of boat; I might get close to such an experience - paddling in a packraft - at some point in life myself, then see what and how. Portage is something I, for one, loathe with all my heart and every sinew in my body. I had to do it twice and it felt, both times, like a chore in hell. Time-consuming to the max! Enjoy your future adventures, wherever they might take you!

[@PapaBearOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you for this follow-up conversation about your trip at Kaitum. Wow, what a trip! Thank you for the beautiful pictures you shared. It helped me imagine what your experience was like. I've been paddling packraft for a few years now, just on my own. Mainly in calm lakes and rivers. What would you suggest to be the next step for people like me who are starting to get a lot of practice and experience. How did you develop your packrafting skills? What steps did you take to become more confident with more rapids rivers? I feel very humbled when I'm out paddling and I'm so glad to have found this interest. It has really given me new perspectives on the beautiful nature that surrounds me. Please make a third conversation around this. Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪 😊

[@MJDW1972]

Thanks for your comment. I'd advise perhaps learning whitewater skills either through friends or through courses. Your best approach might be through a course using a traditional hardshell kayak or canoe at a local whitewater center as that's probably the most accessible way to do it. Then these skills will simply transfer across to the packraft. Hope your journey goes well. Mark

[@PapaBearOutdoorAdventures]

@@MJDW1972 Thanks for your advice Mark. Let's hope that spring and beautiful weather soon can wake up the packrafting season.

[@hntrains2]

@@PapaBearOutdoorAdventures, I would also suggest going out more. Only direct experience, if frequent enough, will take you where you want to get. If you consider attempting more rapid waters as well, which could be packed with dangers, and often are, I would advise that you should find a companion - or more. Enjoy a new year filled with most-memorable adventures!

[@PapaBearOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for this comment. Yes, I need to create space for mor direct experience of packrafting, that is of course the best way to learn 😀. @@hntrains2

[@awatt]

Can't post links but there is a government partition that if it gets enough votes will be discussed in parliament. Search for... "Enshrine in law rights to roam and wild camp in national parks"