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[font "Verdana"][#ff0000]I have some 30-mile pack trips planned into the Uintas and would love to take something that weighs nothing, floats safely, dry, warm, cheap and durable to fish from. Tall order huh? I know someone out there has the answer. I have never used a tube before. The tubes themselves can be fairly light but the supportive gear weight seems to add up fast. The lakes seem to be about 32 1/2 degrees so not to crazy about getting wet. At this point I am considering a cheep 1 or 2 man 4 pound inflatable with plastic ores, I know, desperate! [/#ff0000][/font]
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well if u really don't wanna get wet a float tube or a pontoon really is not the answer. However i seen some really nice inflatable kayaks lately that would do the trick. your can check out walmart.com or dicks sporting goods, they both have a few. Good luck.
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[cool][#0000ff]One of the big attractions of float tubes has long been because they can be packed in to remote waters. And, there are several manufacturers that make extra light tubes, fins and waders that are helpful in cutting the weight for packing in. But, cheap does not equate to light and vice versa. You can buy very light round tubes that will float an "average" angler. But, for true enjoyment you should look at something like the Trinity made by Outcast. [url "http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/products/default.aspx?id=1"]LINK TO TRINITY[/url][/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Not a good idea to take a cheapie raft on a mountain lake. They are tough to maneuver and subject to being blown around. With a float tube and fins you can fish hands free and deal with even some moderate breezes. I have heard of drownings and near drownings from people "losing it" with cheap rafts on cold high mountain lakes.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you have never used a float tube, don't make your trip the first time you get in one. Buy one and then take it out on the water a couple of times, without tackle, to get a feel for it and how to control it. That will also help you to know and understand the different components of a tube system that you will need to carry. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are ultralight waders and fins available. You do not need to carry heavy neoprene to stay warm. Just buy bulky lightweight waders and add a couple of layers of sweat clothes or wool that you take to stay warm on cool days and nights.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you go properly equipped, you will be able to enjoy fishing that the shorebound backpacker can only dream about. Instead of standing on shore and watching all the fish rising well out of casting range you can kick your way right out amongst 'em and work them over...up close and personal.[/#0000ff]
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I just looked at the Trinity link.
Eight pounds is pretty light for a modern design vee tube, probably the lowest weight tube on the market. I know the guys airfreighting them into distant locations prefer them for that reason.
The lightest tube ever was probably the Del Canty designed Lunker Hunter tubes.
They were round donut tubes with no bladder, the cover being airtight. Total weight was under 3 pounds.
Now that's a target weight to beat!
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Everyone has already given you great advice. I backpack in a float tube three or so times a summer into the Windrivers or Yellowstone. I just plan on my tube waders and fins weighing somewhere near 20lbs.
There is no weigh I would use a raft do to the wind blowing you around.
Windriver
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] Really.