Backpacking seems a sort of activity; inflatable boats can never cooperate with. A Redstart is light and easy to handle on a beach or the deck of a larger boat. If you have more load you can take along a companion to share. A Redstart makes a cozy platform for two fishermen; it's not uncomfortable once you come to understandings on who fishes on which side. However, the presence of another person destroys some of the fun filled moments.

It's a lot of while carrying a play boat, and I have met several intrepid outdoor types who have dragged these little boats miles back into the brush. They are even lighter from the smallest inflatable. You don't have to worry much about the load you have to carry. Low priced unreinforced boats are definitely useful and used by lot of hikers.

Just keep in mind that every remote pond or stream often chock full of snags, hidden rocks, and sticks lurking out of sight just beneath the surface of the tannin-rich water. These hazards can rip soft plastic to shreds so if you want to try backpack boating with a play boat, do it with this risk in mind.

While deciding which boat to buy for backpacking, inflatable kayak made by Sevylor called the Tahiti often stands high. It's made from unreinforced PVC in the cheapo model and PVC-coated polyester in the expensive version. It weighs about 25 pounds in both versions, paddles well with one person, carries two as long as they're real friendly and not too big, and comes complete with paddles and pump.

The Pack Cat is the only inflatable designed for backpacking. The boat consists of two inflatable 12-inch tubes about 10 feet long connected by a metal frame with a seat slung between. It paddles well with a standard double-bladed kayak paddle, makes a fine fishing boat for backwoods streams and ponds, will handle whitewater up to Class IV, is safe and stable in ocean surf, and with PVC-coated 1,100-denier polyester fabric construction. Pack Cat weighs less than 25 pounds, and it can even fit into a standard pack frame with enough room left over for camping gear and food. If one is paying $750, for a Pack Cat it is not so inexpensive but it will be comfortable during the trip.

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