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As I was strolling through my local Bass Pro yesterday, I stumbled upon several new float tubes they brought in, and a new factor that I hadn't considered before came to my mind - back-pack-friendliness.
I realized that the most portable tubes are the Gunnisons, Tetons, Nevadas, and U-Boats, etc., or pretty much any tube that lacks an actual seat.
So I ask the owners of FishCats, ODCs , and Pro 2000's, if you tried , would you be able to fold your entire float tube into a backpack ? I realized that because I do alot of commuting , I might have to fore-go a V tube, and go for a U , which isn't bad, I just really crave the high-n-dry tear-drop design 
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Would depend on the size of your backpack. My old backpack not even close. The new one probably could hold one if I was only taking fishing stuff.
If you want to see just how small something can become look at the size of the box it comes in. Ever try to put one back in? Not easy if its been used at all.
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[url "http://www.waterskeeter.com/"]http://www.waterskeeter.com/[/url]
Try this link I have a 4 foot skeeter and it comes in a shoulder pack it would be great for the hiking trips.
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Just wondering how far are you packing in and are these over night trips or just day fishing trips?
Majja
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[cool][#0000ff]We just had a similar discussion on another thread. I think the general consensus is that you might be better off thinking "outside the pack". In other words, you do not have to sacrifice carrying a good fishing machine simply because it will not fit inside the same old pack you have been using for 20 years. Use the frame and allowable space inside to carry tackle, waders, fins and such. Then, fold the heck out of the tube and bungee it on to the outside. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]You do want to look at such factors as weight, whether you need a pump or lungpower, etc. In short, if you are in basic good shape, you should be able to trudge even a fairly stout tube several miles back into a remote lake. The big weight issues are often the other gear and accessories. [/#0000ff]
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Hi Grilw
Zonker and I spoke about this a while back and I posted a pic of me packing in my Fish Cat 4 Deluxe and all my gear (2 rods, 2 reels, life vest, pump, net, 6 blure boxes and my wife's flippers) with a 65 cubic Inch North Face without a problem.
Here's a pic:
![[Image: packinit.jpg]](http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a40/threedeejesus/packinit.jpg)
-ABT-
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Wow that is awesome !! Thanks for that picture !!
This is another question that I have that I don't think has ever come up he he ....
Most discussions have been about people being concerned about whether the tube is BIG enough for their height and weight , well , I am on the other side of the spectrum , and have used a U-tube before with no problem . With the V-type tubes , at 5'5" and 155 pounds , will I run into any problems ? Probably not , but maybe there is somebody who has 'been there and done that' .
Does anyone have any pictures of friends/family/others in a Trout Unlimited Togiak ? I might be on the verge of getting one , but have only seen one picture all over the net .
Thanks guys !! My maiden voyage will certainly be picture-ful .
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That is one hell of a pack job.
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Don't know about a Togiac, but my wife weighs around 150 + (don't tell her I said it, but it's true [  ]) and in her FC4 Deluxe she is way out of the water, super comfy and has plenty storage space:
![[Image: Wifespicky.jpg]](http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a40/threedeejesus/Wifespicky.jpg)
![[Image: crappie.jpg]](http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a40/threedeejesus/crappie.jpg)
-ABT-
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I would do a little more research before I bought the Togiak. You aren't close to max weight on any of the tubes. I have a Trout Unlimited Gunnison tube and really liked it until I had a problem with the seems. The warranty turned out to be worthless along with the Trout Unlimited customer service department. I finally got it replaced but not by Trout Unlimited. Still love the tube but wont buy from them again. The seems seperating problem I had is not all that uncommon but does seem to show up on Trout Unlimited tubes a little more often.
In the same price range you can get the Fish Cat 4($149) or ODC 420($164.99). I just ordered the ODC Friday for $152 online with free shipping.
There are several good posts on the best of the best board if you want to read more about any or all of the tubes.
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[cool] [#0000ff]Can't help you with the pic of a Togiak. I had a Kennebec for a couple of years and you will find lots of pictures on our Picture Board.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here are a couple of pics for tubers who might be a bit small for "big boy" tubes:[/#0000ff]
![[Image: gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9523;]](http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9523;) [size 1]
Flag colored tube. Designed for water play but could be used by a patriotic tuber.
![[Image: gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9524;]](http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9524;)
Kiddy tube. Can't start 'em too young. [/size]
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Tubedude, but where do I mount the Verado and downriggers ?
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[cool][#0000ff]Ah, Grasshopper, you must learn the ways of PVC. After you have inhaled sufficient fumes from PVC cement, all things are possible. At least they seem possible when you are hallucinating.[/#0000ff]
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