I ran across this little float tube company recently. I don't own one of theihttp://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?forum=81&do=post_writer tubes but they look great for packing in to lakes.
http://wildernesslitefloattubes.com/
A very specialized tube, whose primary design is to be lightweight and packable.
Here is an owner review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2XDw17GTGQ
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Thanks for the post and link, CP.
Good to know something that lightweight with more durability is now available.
Did not see an inflatable bottom seat cushion and it rides low in the water from the pics. Means less comfort especially for long periods on the water.
PM
[quote cpierce]I ran across this little float tube company recently. I don't own one of thei[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?forum=81&do=post_writer"]http://www.bigfishtackle.com/...1&do=post_writer[/url] tubes but they look great for packing in to lakes.
[url "http://wildernesslitefloattubes.com/"]http://wildernesslitefloattubes.com/[/url]
A very specialized tube, whose primary design is to be lightweight and packable.
Here is an owner review:
[url "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2XDw17GTGQ[/quote]"]https://www.youtube.com/...r2XDw17GTGQ[/quote][/url]
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If you watch the video, you can see how deep he is sitting...about mid thigh. To me that isn't bad for a tube without an inflatable seat. A small inflatable seat pad would bring your where you sit up a little and wouldn't weigh much.
As I said though, this is a tube designed for the back country. So they left off some comforts etc to keep the weight down.
If it was my only tube, and I was using it at local lakes etc, then I would add a foam or inflatable seat pad.
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[#0000FF]By the time I added all my PVC and my motor the light weight wouldn't mean much. And if I was to use it for backpacking it would have to include a rocket pack to blast my heavy self up the trail.
Had lots of memorable back pack trips in past years but afraid the memories will have to do me. No way I could handle a serious hike any more.
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CP:
Got a virus alert on the video, so I didn't watch. The late sighig's system was also light but more fragile, though I liked his lightweight pak fins. DIY though.
TD, there are various gadgets that can help with weight on hikes like this one:
http://www.packwheel.com/ Probably not enough for a heavy battery propulsion system though, unless it is a flattish walk -but then there is the hassle of assembly/disassembly. Remote waters can sometimes be accessed by riding small rivers or creeks to cut down on the hiking part. Then you can motor yourself out if there's enough depth.
PM
[quote cpierce]If you watch the video, you can see how deep he is sitting...about mid thigh. To me that isn't bad for a tube without an inflatable seat. A small inflatable seat pad would bring your where you sit up a little and wouldn't weigh much.
As I said though, this is a tube designed for the back country. So they left off some comforts etc to keep the weight down.
If it was my only tube, and I was using it at local lakes etc, then I would add a foam or inflatable seat pad.[/quote]
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[#0000FF]I'm a long-time Dirty Harry fan. I believe him when he says "A man should know his limitations." I know mine. I have hiked many long miles in the Sierras of California, the Cascades of Oregon, the Sawtooth and Selway areas of Idaho, the Rockies in Colorado, the Wind Rivers in Wyoming and the Uintas here in Utah. Been there, done that, probably ain't never going back.
If you have not experienced our high western mountains you likely do not have an appreciation for what is involved in hiking them. In most cases you will be going upward several thousand feet in elevation...on primitive trails...no roads...no motorized assistance. And going up does not allow for following a stream downwards.
I have contrived several wheeled carts that allow me to trudge my gear in short distances...without the motor. They work fine but are still not practical for long distance hiking. For that I need a helicopter to fly me in and bring me out. Getting lazy in my old age.
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Plus at those higher elevations it is harder to breath. I try riding my bike as much as I can before we start hitting the Uintas (or Uintah to some)
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[quote flygoddess]Plus at those higher elevations it is harder to breath. I try riding my bike as much as I can before we start hitting the Uintas (or Uintah to some)[/quote]
[#0000FF]As you probably know, the mountains are properly called the Uinta Mountains. But there is a Uintah county and a Uintah city. And lots of Utards routinely call the mountains the Uintahs.
Whatever you call them they are sure purty and they gots lots of purty water and purty fish too.
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I like the Dixon Roller Pack concept better.
http://dixonrollerpack.com/
TD has some great wheeled "tube cart" innovations.
Wilderness areas don't allow ANY wheeled accessories or wheeled modifications on packs etc.
Also many of the lakes I have packed to are completely off the trails. Bushwhacking across some very rough country including boulder fields. Light pack weights are a must. Most of those areas I would never pack any tube into. Fishing from shore works well in many high mountain rocky lakes.
But there are also those lakes with shallow edges, weed beds, and mucky bottoms where a tube would be heavenly to have with you.
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