PR49 Packraft Questions

[207-12A]

I’m doing a Grizzly float hunt in June and a moose float in September. Looking to have some questions answered about PR49 rafts.
- How small do they actually get when rolled up?
- Is packing one 10+ miles in the load shelf of a Metcalf feasible?
- Pristine Ventures lists a 850 pound capacity, is this legit? And if so what kind of draft / overall performance can be expected with an 800+ load? (Planning to supplement with a smaller pull behind raft for the moose hunt, but worried about shallow water performance)

Thanks for your time.

 

[AkMtnRunner]

I've used the PR49 for about 5 years with at least one multiday hunt each year.

I can roll it up into a cylinder shape about 36" long by 12" diameter, or if I take the time to carefully fold, it can be about 36" x 18" x 4". It's still the least dense of all my gear so I usually strap it to the top or back of my pack and not in a load shelf.

It's about 15lbs, I think that is the only factor precluding how far you can hike with it. It can be easily strapped to a pack. I've taken it about 16 miles a couple times, broken into 2-day trips up stream. Though it definitely adds 15 lbs, it makes the trip out infinitely easier.

It is extremely comfortable bringing out a caribou and all of my gear and myself. I've brought out half of large moose, my partner brining out the other half in their PR49, and I would say it was about 75-90% of its capacity, which I think matches the quoted 850 lb capacity. It may be possible to go up near 1000 lbs, but I would worry about dragging on gravel bars and difficult maneuverability paddling. I certainly wouldn't try to bring out an entire moose in one trip. It may be possible to do with another lighter packraft tethered, but only in mostly class 1 water.

By the way, the photo in my avatar is of bringing out that half-moose.

 

[207-12A]

You’re the man thanks a bunch for the answers and quick response. I’ll be picking one up at the Sportsman’s show for sure.