Students packrafting down rapids in Alaska surrounded by green foliage and large rocks.

Packrafting Trips & Courses

Camera Tim Kelley

Packrafting River Trips

The Ultimate Fusion of River Rafting & Backpacking

Packrafting merges the thrilling aspects of river trips with the explorative spirit of backcountry hiking and backpacking. This innovative travel method's growing popularity is due to the adaptability and accessibility it offers adventurers, opening up otherwise inaccessible routes that cover vast mountain ranges and secluded waterways.

Why Choose NOLS for Your Packrafting Trip

Unlock unparalleled opportunities to explore remote routes where untamed rivers meet rugged trails in remote wilderness locations.

Student packrafting in Alaska with mountains beyond.

Comprehensive Packrafting Skills Curriculum

Meticulously designed to act as both a beginner's guide for those new to packrafting, as well as an opportunity to refine essential packraft skills for those already familiar with the sport, our curriculum covers a wide range of essential techniques and knowledge from packing dry bags for "river mode" to advanced river navigation and self-rescue skills. Students begin the class with the basics of packraft paddle strokes on flat water and progressively advance to more challenging whitewater river sections. This progression builds a robust foundation suitable for novices and experienced packrafters alike.
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Explore Otherwise Inaccessible Routes

Utilizing lightweight, single-person inflatable boats, you'll traverse a range of landscapes, from river valleys to high alpine passes. Paddling along winding rivers and hiking among scenic lakes, alpine forests, mountainous regions, and rugged coasts, you'll navigate through a variety of terrains on foot and by boat. This method of adventure, effective in various regions, from Alaska to New Zealand, exemplifies the versatility and efficiency of packrafting, making it ideal for accessing some of the most captivating routes available.
Instructors teaching good risk assessment when out on the Salmon River rapids

Experienced Packrafting Instructors

Our packrafting course instructors are seasoned adventurers with extensive knowledge and experience in wilderness navigation and packraft skills. Our instructors hail from a wide array of disciplines including environmental science, emergency medicine, and adventure education, enriching the course with a holistic approach to learning. Packrafting course participants benefit from their seasoned instructors' hands-on experience and guidance. Beyond their accomplishments, our instructors hold certifications in swiftwater rescue, wilderness first responder, and are trained in the latest wilderness risk management practices. Our packraft instructors create a learning environment where managing risk and nurturing safety is a priority, empowering participants to make informed decisions on the water.
Students paddle packrafts down a river in Alaska, surrounded by tall green trees and boulders lining the shore of the river.

Forge Deeper Connections with Nature

Beyond technical packrafting skills and leadership development, our packrafting courses offer the opportunity to form a profound connection with the backcountry. Packrafting simplifies wilderness travel, allowing participants to celebrate exploration in its most elemental form. It's an invitation to engage deeply with nature and observe breathtaking wildlife. Observing wildlife in their natural habitat, from the majestic flight of an eagle to the quiet grace of a deer walking by the riverside, instills a sense of responsibility towards these ecosystems. Participants emerge not just as skilled packrafters, but as ambassadors for conservation, inspired to protect these wild places for future generations.
Three students stand around a tent fly preparing gear for a day of packrafting near a glacier in Alaska.

Versatile & Practical Equipment

Packrafting equipment is as versatile as it is practical.

Paddles can double as supports for camp shelters, most packrafts can be used as cushioned loungers or sleeping platforms, and cutting-edge packing techniques maintain the raft's equilibrium and keep belongings dry. This gear's multifunctional nature not only elevates the wilderness camping experience but also fosters creative gear utilization.

The essential gear setup for a NOLS packrafting adventure encompasses only a few things—a lightweight packraft, a foldable paddle, a drysuit, a personal flotation device (PFD), and a helmet. Weighing in at approximately 20 pounds, these essentials make way for a light and minimalist personal gear philosophy and maximum efficiency and mobility. This approach helps manage the inherent weight of packrafting gear, urging adventurers to thoughtfully assess their gear choices. Such mindful selection of what to carry not only lightens the load but also significantly enhances the overall enjoyment and fulfillment of the expedition, ensuring adventurers have easy access to what they need, when they need it, without being weighed down.
 

2025 Packrafting Courses

Students backpacking through a luscious green meadow in Alaska carrying folded packrafts in backpacks.

Alaskan Backpacking and Packrafting Course - 18 and Over

Our Talkeetna's Traverse Packraft trip is an exhilarating 30-day expedition, with 2/3 of your time spent hiking through diverse Alaskan alpine ecosystems and 1/3 navigating the pristine waters of Alaska's rivers and lakes via packraft and paddle. Designed for adventurers eager to immerse themselves in the isolated and rugged Alaskan wilderness, this course offers an exceptional opportunity to explore diverse landscapes through a variety of modes, from paddling along the Maclaren River and the glacier-fed Susitna River to hiking among the Terrace Lakes and Watana Canyon. Participants will gain whitewater rafting, hiking, and self-rescue skills, a deeper respect for the power and beauty of wild Alaska, and memories that last a lifetime.
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New Zealand Packrafting Course: Alps to Ocean

Travel from high in the Southern Alps of New Zealand down to the vastness of the Pacific Ocean during our exciting 30-day Alps to Ocean Packraft trip. From the source of the Waiau Toa / Clarence River all the way to where the river opens into the sea, this course offers both beginner and experienced packrafters the unique opportunity to navigate whitewater rapids, hike through native beech forests, paddle across alpine lakes, and climb through sharp peaks, deep valleys, and steep slopes of the mountainous backbone of the South Island. This expedition challenges participants physically while inviting them to create a deeper connection with the ecological wonders of New Zealand's biodiversity.
Four students in Alaska float down a river on packrafts heading toward a scenic mountain landscape.

Plan Your Next Packrafting Trip

Begin your packrafting adventure with NOLS and explore the world from a new perspective!

Our courses are designed to suit various interests and skill levels, offering everyone a chance to embark on an adventure. Whether you're looking to explore the wilderness in a new, exciting, and fun way or seeking to challenge yourself with advanced river navigation skills, NOLS has a course for you. 

Beyond packrafting, we invite you to explore our wide range of adventure courses that cater to every type of explorer. Dive into our backpacking trips to traverse untouched trails in the Himalayas, Alaska, or Wind River Range, or elevate your adventure with our river rafting trips and whitewater adventure courses designed for those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush on the Salmon River. 

Learn More About Packrafting with NOLS

Packrafting FAQs

  • What is packrafting?

    Packrafting is an adventure sport that combines backpacking and rafting. Participants use small, lightweight inflatable boats to navigate waterways, seamlessly transitioning between hiking and paddling to explore remote wilderness areas.

  • How stable is a packraft?

    Packrafts are highly stable due to their buoyant, inflatable design. This makes them excellent for navigating a variety of water conditions, from calm lakes to moderate whitewater.

  • Are packrafts more stable than kayaks?

    Yes, packrafts are generally more stable than traditional kayaks due to their wider base and inflated design, making them forgiving in rough waters and suitable for beginners.

  • What is the difference between a packraft and a Duckie?

    A Duckie, or inflatable kayak, is typically larger and designed for two people, whereas a packraft is smaller, designed for solo travel, and easily carried in a backpack.

  • Are pack rafts self-bailing?

    Some packraft models are self-bailing, featuring holes in the floor to allow water to drain out, while others require manual bailing. The choice depends on the specific design and intended use.

  • What are packrafts made of?

    Packrafts are usually made of durable, lightweight materials such as urethane-coated nylon or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), designed to withstand the rigors of wilderness travel.

  • How long do packrafts last?

    With proper care and maintenance, a high-quality packraft can last for many years, even with frequent use. Durability varies by material and construction quality.

  • What is the weight limit of a packraft?

    The weight limit for a packraft varies by model but typically ranges from 250 to 500 pounds, accommodating a person and gear.

  • How do you carry a packraft?

    Packrafts are designed to be lightweight and compact, easily rolled up and carried in a backpack or strapped to the outside, making them ideal for multi-modal wilderness exploration.

  • How do you pack for packrafting?

    Packing for packrafting involves selecting lightweight, compact gear that can easily be stored in dry bags and secured in the packraft. Essential items include a PFD, helmet, paddle, repair kit, and personal gear.


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