Packrafting in Victoria

[sim1oz]

For anyone who is into (or interested in being into) packrafting in Victoria, I have started a facebook page for more focussed discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/156445288089260/

I would still encourage people to post trip reports, etc. here and on the APA forum.

[neilmny]

Hi Simone, can you make that a page that you can view without a facebook logon for us non facebookers?

[andrewa]

Hah! Yes, I'm not a facebooker either.

I also actively lost interest in the packrafting forum some years ago when they became the APA and they started getting all anxious about the legal ramifications of posts - eg I once posted about a DIY ultralight multiuse PFD design, and got PMs about how irresponsible it was place the post, and had I thought of the legal consequences if someone happened to make one the same and drowned.....blah blah.

Maybe, as mooted before, there could be a packrafting sub forum on here??

A

[andrewa]

Hah! Yes, I'm not a facebooker either.

I also actively lost interest in the packrafting forum some years ago when they became the APA and they started getting all anxious about the legal ramifications of posts - eg I once posted about a DIY ultralight multiuse PFD design, and got PMs about how irresponsible it was place the post, and had I thought of the legal consequences if someone happened to make one the same and drowned.....blah blah.

Maybe, as mooted before, there could be a packrafting sub forum on here??

A

[sim1oz]

Since my knee op I have been paddling more and bushwalking less, with a bit of mixing up both. I would have loved a packrafting sub forum here but it didn't take off, and figured most people have facebook. I guess I figured wrong. I'll look into an alternative to facebook if there is some demand for it. But I am not really sure where to start.

I remember when that whole APA legalistic thing was happening andrewa! Hopefully we won't go too far down that path here.

[neilmny]

Hi Simone, don't change away from facebook or go to too much trouble for just for a few of us. I am just interested in being able to read the stories. I am not planning to get into pack rafting. Just enjoy reading about the trips people do. Some facebook pages seem to be available to read without logging on or having an account so I thought you might be able to set that up. Of course it does only give access to readers and not contributors.

[Nuts]

Hah! Yes, I'm not a facebooker either.

I also actively lost interest in the packrafting forum some years ago when they became the APA and they started getting all anxious about the legal ramifications of posts - eg I once posted about a DIY ultralight multiuse PFD design, and got PMs about how irresponsible it was place the post, and had I thought of the legal consequences if someone happened to make one the same and drowned.....blah blah.

Maybe, as mooted before, there could be a packrafting sub forum on here??

A

Is there still a link to your DIY Andrew? A mate has the Anfibio vest and I was considering dabbling with an 'UL' version.

(not sure why there's now 3(?) FB groups but yes, not very inclusive, especially the need sign in. The other thing with fb is the poor layout and platform to find anything. Why not start a forum? (ie. somewhere, not here))

[andrewa]

Nuts, ill have a look. It was basically a PFD shaped shell made from 2oz nylon, using 10l wine bladders front and back - I folded the top corners down to fit it in the shell. Wine bladder then useable for water carrying/camp water, and also as a pillow.

I'll take a photo, and post it. But no legal threats!!

A

[andrewa]

Zips at bottom of compartments for inserting bladder both back and front. Velcro on front for holding throw bag, which is also clipped with karabiner onto webbing waist band . Waist band has fastex buckles at sides, and webbing straps at top of sides to snug it in.

Exped inflatable sit mats would also work well.

[Mark F]

Nice design. As a pfd only need 3.5 to 5.5kg of bouyancy. http://www.safetymarineaust.com.au/home/content/lifejackets-pfds-useful-information you could get a ways with much smaller bladders, or was the choice of 10 litre bladders made with the assumption of underfilling them to get a flatter fit. 2 x 3 litre bladders would appear to satisfy the requirements.

[andrewa]

They're under filled. The reason for 10l was they sit out wider and flatter than 4 l, and they make better pillows. 2 of the std exped pillows could also be used, but you can't store water in them, and they are dearer than bladders!

A

[Nuts]

Not that I plan any extreme rafting but I'd use something like that. You could under-fill the back more than front to get you pointing the right way up

Platypus make some long zip top hydro bladders, i had thoughts of using them either side sewn into the front of a zip vest.
Tempted by the anfibio after seeing it, a similar concept but with a neck collar (of sorts) and two inflation points at mouth reach.
(and someone has made it..)

legally, or safety wise, probably not squeakily perfect.. then its worn as a back up to bouncing our bodies at speed between rocks in a tube.. by choice

Have you had any long swims?

[andrewa]

Yes - a few (as in come out and floated 30-50m). It has worked perfectly for me - (there I am, covering my own *&%$#!!) - as long as the waist band is tight around my waist, so it doesn't ride up - or I could add a crotch strap.

A

[Zingiberaceae]

That PFD is amazing! UL indeed! How easy would it be to repair?

[andrewa]

Not that I would ever recommend a PFD like that.....

but...

Repairing plastic wine bladders is just sticking gaffa tape on them. The last field repair has lasted 2 yrs!

A

[sim1oz]

Finally came back to check on this thread. The facebook page is set as a closed group at the moment which is why you can't just have a look. I'll see if I can keep it closed but give you access. Just give me a few days.