This is part two of my conversation with Mark Waring regarding the joys of Packrafting and his 140km trip in 2022 along the River Kaitum in Sweden with fellow packrafters David Lintern and Debra West.
In the conversation he mentions that it involved a 2 day walk to the put in, some it along the magnificent Kungsleden Trail. Once they were on the water, the trip took on all kinds of grade challenges and mixed terrain as they portaged around the more turbulent and high water rapids
It all has the feel of a perfect combination for any multi-disciplined trip. A mix of challenging technical paddling, hiking through dense undergrowth and an assortment of magnificent camping spots on open planes and riverside. Plus a few days to take in the view from high peaks too.
In the interview Mark mentions his previous solo trip a few years earlier along the same route and this can be found on my website.
The map on the Kaitum which is mentioned and shown in the video can be found on my website.
As Mark mentioned in his first interview, Packrafting does indeed offer a unique viewpoint of remote terrain from the water. The penalty of the extra weight of paddling equipment is easily offset by the flexible access and ability not to be hemmed in by water. Be it lake or river.
Now you have the mix of lightweight camping and extensive travel in some cases, to remote locations or shores few others rarely have the chance to set foot on.
However it has to be said you need to expect the unexpected sometimes, as the freak weather conditions brought out the most vicious mosquitos they could possibly encounter. Plan for the worst folks!
There are a couple of centres in the UK run by accredited professionals where you can try Packrafting to see if you like it and maybe explore this pastime further which the guys recommend.
Snowdonia: https://www.tirio.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/tiri0/
Cairngorms: https://backcountry.scot/ https://www.instagram.com/backcountry.scot/
If you wish to contact Mark or David directly to ask further questions, please do so via Twitter for Mark and via David's website.
No 427 - Adventure Travel Show Pt2
No 426 - Adventure Travel Show Pt1
No 425 - GR20 from the Archives
No 424 - Tread Lite Gear
No 423 - Tom Way Wildlife Photographer
No 422 - Alex Roddie Pt2
No 421 - Alex Roddie Pt1
No 420 - Recommended Listening Pt2
No 419 - Chris Townsend Pt2
No 418 - Chris Townsend Pt1
No 417 - 7000kms on a Shoestring Pt2
No 416 - 7000kms on a Shoestring Pt1
No 415 - Competition Time
No 414 - Cycling London to Athens
No 413 - Nicky Spinks
No 412 - Recommended Listening Pt1
No 411 - Say Yes More
No 410 - The Perimeter of the UK
N0 409 - A Walk On The Hills with Martin Rye
No 408 - Slackpacking on the Pennine Way
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