Packrafting

All creeks in KNPR are extremely remote, and some will require days of arduous cross country travel. In these circumstances, even a minor injury or punctured boat can have serious consequences. On the river, simple mistakes, such as failing to properly secure a backpack to a packraft, can lead to lost gear and wet, miserable nights in the backcountry. The rivers and creeks are continuous, often with small and/or few eddies. There is no “pool and drop” here, mistakes can have severe consequences. Prepare for the worst case scenario and have a plan on how to deal with it. We recommend carrying the following items in a small dry bag on your person in case you become separated from your boat: fire starter, compass, mirror, water purification, emergency blanket, bear spray and some form of communication device such as a satellite phone.

This isn’t a place for rookies. You are responsible for your own safety. Prepare to handle an emergency on your own. Bring good first aid, repair and pin kits and the skills to use them. Keep in mind it might take days before rescue is possible due to: weather, distance, availability of aircraft and the ability to access your location, among other factors.

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Satellite phones are the recommended form of communication. Other satellite GPS messenger devices, such as SPOT® or inReach®, are also effective. Cell phones do not work in most areas of the park.

Expect to deal with unforeseen hazards such as fallen trees and hidden rocks. Fallen trees are particularly dangerous because they form strainers, where water passes through the branches of the tree but solid objects, like people and packrafts, do not. Strainers can trap you underwater, even with a PFD. Knowing how to recognize strainers or other hazards in the water and avoid them are essential skills that should be learned by every packrafter before they hit the water.

The water in Kluane National Park and Reserve is often glacially fed and therefore very cold. As a result, even relatively calm water poses significant risks. The cold will limit your ability to swim away from hazards such as strainers, or can lead to hypothermia if you are submerged for a prolonged period of time. The shock of hitting cold water also causes involuntary inhalation, which can result in drowning if you are underwater. Improve your chances at survival, wear a drysuit.

Always wear a PFD and a helmet

The shallow nature some creeks and river means that there is always the threat of foot entrapment and colliding with rocks. Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and helmet to lessen the risk of drowning and potential head and spinal injuries.