FAQs

After receiving your raft, you may have some questions about basic set-up instructions. To address these questions, we have published a guide on our Setup Guide page, from basic field repairs to setting up your packraft.

Our packrafts are designed for people who are hard on their gear. Part of our goal has been to create boats that don’t need a lot of attention both on and off the river, because we know how important it is to have gear that stands up to frequent use and keeps you on the water. For care, maintenance, and repair tips and tricks, check out our care & maintenance section on our Setup Guide page.

Before long-term storage, wash the raft with fresh water. Get any sand, mud, and debris out of the floor area where it tends to collect. Air-dry the raft, making sure it’s totally dry before storage, and fold the raft loosely so air can circulate around it. The boat’s fabric breathes and resists moisture build-up from condensation better when it’s exposed to the surrounding air. Ideally, keep the boat in a cool, dry place. If considering outside storage in a garage or shed, we recommend storing your raft loosely inside a sealed container, such as a Rubbermaid storage tub, as animals can chew through the rafts when they are left out.

Occasional accidents do happen, and being prepared for and knowledgeable about raft repairs is an important step in being a safe paddler. We have created a Repair Guide to address possible repairs, starting with diagnosing potential issues with your raft all the way to what to carry in your repair kit.

Absolutely! Expedition Rafts have been used in many salt water and chlorinated conditions, from crossing ocean bays and playing in surf waves to practicing rolling in your public pool. We recommend thoroughly rinsing your raft with fresh water after any use in saltwater or chlorine, and as always, allowing it to completely dry before storage.

Yes! Rafting with bikes, known as “bikerafting”, is becoming more and more common with our users. The large surface area and tie-down points on the front of our rafts provide a good platform for strapping your bike to the raft.

Yes! Your packraft will have no problems handling abuse from dogs jumping in and out of the boat or on the seats. We can’t say the same if they try to chew the boat! Just remember to pick paddling conditions where the dog can safely swim to shore if they fall out. We also recommend getting your dog a life jacket.

We back hunters getting out in to the thick of it with an Expedition Raft, drop in with your pack and rifle, and raft out with your animal. When traveling in an Expedition Raft, always stow your rifle safely and securely, unloaded and bolt removed. Never shoot from your packraft or from a waterway and follow all firearm laws for the safety of yourself and others.

The spread of invasive species is an issue of significant concern for New Zealand waterways. Packrafting is great for travel, but creates risks for spreading invasive species. please do your part to follow the rules of clean, check, and dry whenever you are moving between waterways.
For general cleaning purposes, we recommend a gentle dish soap (such as Sunlight or Palmolive) and fresh, clean water to completely rinse your packraft. Allowing your raft to completely dry before transportation also aids in preventing aquatic species from hitching a ride. We do not recommend any bleach-based products as they can negatively affect the fabric’s coating in the sun over time.