Intrigued by ultralight roll top packraft. Tell me why it’s a bad idea

[Eli]

This seems like such a cool idea for an ultralight packraft for lakes provided it can hold pressure well. Does anyone have experience with this style of raft and its potential pitfalls?

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[Mrmagoo]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>The roll top closure doesn’t intrigue me as much as the 3 piece construction does.  According to anfibio that results in lower weight for the same fabric strength.  Not sure how true that is, but their RTC is pnly 2.6 lbs for 210D fabric.  Planning to make my first packraft in the coming months.</p>

[Eli]

Ended up ordering one from Alibaba just to play with it. Will probably glue on a removable MRS skeg and use it for quick paddles on the lake before making it the packraft I give to my nieces and nephews when they visit

[Uncle Fred]

That sounds like a great idea for it. Let us know how it feels.

[Uncle Fred]

There’s a couple of these drybag designs floating about. This looks ideal for playboating, or adventure river crossings.

With the ubiquity of electric pumps these days, I’m not sure if the tradeoff of a rolltop that might be a bit more vulnerable deflation makes much sense.

Personally, I prefer just having one-do everything heavy-duty boat I can pump up to crazy pressures.

[Author]

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