Hi-I know I just missed the boat...HA HA-I know, pretty bad, with the Curtis raft that just sold but if there is anyone out there contemplating selling theirs, please let me know. Thanks a million!

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Chad... There"s a Alpaka Scout up for sale on the Hammock Forums .... it weighs in at 3 lbs but I believe it is the lightest in-production raft out there now. IMHO they are asking too much but you could make an offer offer....

Hey Chad,

Check out flyweightdesigns.com for info on a 2 lb 3 oz Curtis-style raft that's currently in development. It looks like the designer has also posted some info at NWHikers.net. I feel like I came across this somewhere on the forums here, but can't find where. I'm surprised there hasn't been more discussion of it.

Here's a through-linked image:



It's listed at $269.00

Edited by dsmontgomery on 03/08/2010 21:06:10 MST.

Thank you for the information! (Boy, do I wish there was more DIY (MYO) whitewater-able packraft information out there...)

Thanks for all of the info guys. I'll check out both-what are they asking for the Scout? That's why I'm looking for an older Curtis-the Alpackas are incredible rafts but WAY expensive. Probably won't do much whitewater either so don't really need something that burly. Anyhow, thanks again guys!

Yeah, $590 for the Scout vs $269 for the Flyweight designs makes it a no brainer. I'll wait til the FD comes out. Thanks for the heads up on the raft Devin and the Scout Leonard!

Edited by the-gear-recycler on 03/08/2010 21:11:50 MST.

Alpacka anounced that they are reworking the scout to bring down the cost, maybe the weight too?

We are working on one at TiGoat also.

270 bones would be nice. I wasn't able to find any info on the material, however. Durability is the question.

Dave, we are using a 200D nylon material from a fabric manufacturer that specializes in this type of application. By comparison, Curtis rafts were made of a 70D nylon material. If you are looking for a Curtis raft alternative we think that our boat is a great option.

Additionally, all seams are RF welded for strength. RF welding creates a seam that can be as strong as the original fabric.

Our goals were to ensure that the boat was reasonably priced, while still remaining strong and durable...we think that we have succeeded.

If you have any additional questions, please let us know. info@flyweightdesigns.com

I'm very excited about this boat and have bookmarked your page.
I don't foresee myself using a packraft enough to justify an Alpaca's cost, and the majority of my use will be flat water/alpine lake fishing, so I don't need an Alpaca's durability.

I've considered the Sevylor Trail Boat at $60, but have heard plenty of bad stuff about the durability. While an Alpaca is too much for me, I'd also like something more than a pool toy.

It sounds like your boat fits a perfect middle ground for folks like me.

The competition is on..three lightweight rafts coming soon and should be well under $500 for each.

Thanks Marc, sounds like a pretty good compromise of weight, size, and durability.

nm

Edited by jshann on 03/11/2010 06:05:18 MST.

Quote:
"Thank you for the information! (Boy, do I wish there was more DIY (MYO) whitewater-able packraft information out there...)"

There was a guy over on the Alpacka Forum that went the MYOG route.

I believe that its on hold at the moment though.

I would really like to hear the opinion of any one who has handled the flyweight designs raft or any information on the upcoming raft from Titanium goat.

As of today

Hello All

Curiosity killed the cat. I just ordered the Flyweight Designs raft. I will post an opinion asap.

Jim

I was just thinking about getting a scout about a week ago because I was wondering if the FD raft got production pushed back...very interested in your thoughts!

I just got off the phone with Mark @ Flyweight and they are already sold out of their first batch!

This is great news. the flyweight design raft looks awesome. finally a decent priced alternative to the alpacka. If they come out with a class II capable raft, i may have to smash the piggy bank.

FlyWeight Designs has more FlytePackers currently in stock. www.flyweightdesigns.com.

Hi everyone,

There is a review posted on the FlytePacker


http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7983818&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15&sid=97d9390393d30ad4c5f5a176dda064a3

Edited by alexmaslov on 06/14/2010 11:11:19 MDT.

I purchased one of the Flyweight Designs FlytePacker and have taken it out a couple times on standing and moving (albeit slow) water. Here are a couple of things I noticed:
1)Deflated it is extremely light and packable. I would say it is approximately the size of a small loaf of bread. This is crucial to me as I primarily bought it to use in an adventure race.
2)You are not going to win any races against a kayak or canoe, but that should be obvious. With a kayak paddle on my first voyage I was able to average around 2.5 mph.
3)It is much more stable than I anticipated. I was able to actually stand up in it when I was on flat water.
4)I had plenty of room to move around when paddling by myself, and was able to paddle both from a kneeling position up front and also by sitting back with my legs extended, crossed, or knees up. There is enough room for two people, which is possibly how we will use it during one of our races.
5)The raft seems very durable, although I haven't tested this too far. I would stay away from sharp rocks or running into sharp sticks at high speed, but thats kind of my policy in any watercraft.
Overall, the raft is perfect for how I am planning to use it. I am going to try to glue some additional lash-tabs on it (it comes with three built-in), but other than that plan no other alterations. I'll admit, I originally was looking into trying to make a pack raft myself, but after reading some other posts, this seemed like a much easier (and quicker) way to go.

Jason, so it does not come with anything to inflate it? If not, what did you buy to inflate that raft?

according to there website.

Inflation time: under 3 minutes with lungs

It takes me 5 minutes and at the end I feel quite tingly. For fun I've held my breath afterward with a pulse oximeter on. After breathing off so much CO2 I was able to hold my breath long enough to get my O2 saturation down to 58%. Maybe I could inflate it faster at higher altitudes which are more conducive to hyperventilating.

Personally I think it's fine without an inflation device, but I can see how others would prefer it.

I posted some inflation options at this website. (http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7981820&start=75) In addition there is some information on how to convert an Alpacka inflation bag to work with our product.

Personally, I really like using the Exped Pillow pump to inflate the boats. It actually works pretty well (2:45 sec by my watch)and I can also use it to inflate my POE Thermo 9 without getting condensation on the insulation. It also makes a great lightweight compact pillow too.

This was just posted on the Lightweightoutdoors.com blog in the UK. It is a pretty in-depth review including video of the raft in action.

http://lightweightoutdoors.com/?p=1154