REVIEW: Red River Packraft Trout

"Trout" is English and means "Forelle" in German. This is a very fitting name for the Packraft from Red River, because with it you can glide through the water like a fish. Well, more like above the water, but you get what we mean. And it's a pretty big and fat trout...

A Packraft is a small, inflatable boat, but not to be compared with the small boats for children. The Trout from Red River weighs only 5.5 kg (with the seat cushion) and can carry up to 230 kg of payload. Packed together, it has a diameter of 25 cm and is only 45 cm long. The technical data at a glance:

• Weight: 5.5 kg (boat with accessories)
• Total weight: 6.5 kg (boat, packsack, accessories, repair kit)
• Length: 2.45 m
• Width: 0.95 m
• Material: Marine PVC 750 g/m²
• max. Load: 230 kg
• Air chambers: 1 piece Ø30 cm
• Valves: Halkey Roberts
• Packed size: approx. Ø 25 x 45 cm

Included is this stylish, waterproof pack backpack made of PVC. In it, you can store the boat for transport and then your belongings that should stay dry while paddling.

At the bottom of the backpack, you will find a Halkey Roberts valve, the same as on the boat. Here you can attach the supplied hose and inflate your boat. So, the pack backpack is very "multiuse." You can see the whole inflation process very well in the video.

Inflation takes about five to six minutes if you're experienced. At the beginning, it was more like ten minutes. Of course, you can also use a classic air pump, which works well too, but it has to be carried separately. The Trout is suitable for up to two people, with an extra seat cushion for the second person. If you're paddling alone, you have much more space, but the space is also sufficient for two people.

This is what the Halkey Roberts valve looks like when closed. Actually, you only see the protective cap, the actual valve is hidden underneath.

This is how it looks. When the gray cone protrudes, the valve is sealed. During inflation, you can simply attach the adapter in this position and start inflating. The higher pressure from the pump pushes the valve in slightly, allowing air to enter the interior. Towards the end, the whole process makes a whistling noise, so don't be surprised.

To release the air, simply push the gray pin in and it will leave the boat with a hiss. With a quarter turn counterclockwise, the pin is locked and the valve remains open. Letting the air out and rolling the boat back up only takes about five minutes.

The underside of the Trout is very unspectacular. There is no fin, which makes the Packraft very agile, but also very susceptible to uneven paddling. At first, we tended to spin more in place than move forward. The seat cushion is essential because it reduces the bulging downwards somewhat and makes it more even. This allows you to paddle straighter, as any weight shift would otherwise immediately result in a steering movement.

Around the boat, you will find a total of ten tie-down points with metal D-rings. Four in the front and six in the rear.

They can be used to secure the load very well. If you thread a cord through the eyelets all around, which we recommend, you will always have something to hold onto.

The repair kit includes two 5 cm wide pieces of PVC fabric and glue in case you should have a small hole in the boat. Thanks to the sturdy PVC material, we have not been able to damage the Trout Packraft yet. We have not been particularly careful with it. whether sharp-edged shorelines or not, aside from minimal scratches in the top layer of the PVC, nothing has happened.

For longer trips, it is recommended to use a good backpack for all the equipment. We tested this with an ALICE frame as a carrying frame, to which we attached the boat and a medium-sized backpack. A convincing combo. Oh, paddles are not included in the package, you have to get those yourself. Because moving pictures sometimes say more, here's the link to the video on the SPARTANAT Youtube channel.

CONCLUSION: The Redriver Trout has convinced us as a Packraft. Whether on a multi-day hike or in the car on the way to the beach. Thanks to the robust PVC material, it forgives some rough landings. The Packraft is quickly inflated and just as quickly stowed away. Perfect for spending a few hours on the lake or river, the Trout Packraft is perfect for two people.

Available directly from Redriver starting at €295. Accessories are available separately. For information and details, it's best to contact [email protected].

REDRIVER on the Internet: www.redriver.ga

Here's to new horizons!

SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews.
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