Winter Yakpacking the Kings River

A spur of the moment yackpacking over nighter near the end of December 2013.
My friend and I set out on an over night yackpack trip to take advantage of good river levels at our local put-in. Still wo

[@ktownc936]

I just did the weekend solo in Killarney Ontario Canada and the loons were out of control. That bald eagle hits hard. I love the birds of the wilderness, the great communicators, you're never alone.

[@kbbgood]

Would love to see you make a video of how you dress for winter float trips in your kayak. Would be very informative.

[@MeetMeOutside]

Life is good man ! Thanks for sharing.Peace

[@ChannelTheron]

Cool trip to watch.The eagle was a strange sight.Subbed ya.

[@garygoldsmith9844]

Way cool. I bought a kayak a few months ago and am waiting for a little warmer weather before Yakpacking :)

[@MeetMeOutside]

Gary, Really ? Did you let the dog take the fall for the kayak too ? Get yourself together man ! Just say No ! ..... Peace my friend !

[@garygoldsmith9844]

Hee hee hee, yep, that damn dog is going to have to be more frugal in 2014…peace back at ya….gary

[@MeetMeOutside]

Hope all is well, and Happy New Year ! Craig

[@garygoldsmith9844]

Heading out in the morning for an overnight at Pt. Reyes National Seashore. The weather is awesome……..gary

[@kjohnston6418]

New sub....awesome....going to check out kayaks, always thought they were tipy but yours looked stable and easy too maneuver. ...question for you how deep should the water be for a 170 lb guy and a 45 lb pack of supplies to float the boat?

[@PeteBraginton]

Thanks for the sub K!
You'd be surprised how little water is needed to float in. Different kayaks sit differently in the water (depending on hull shape & total weight of occupants + gear). In your case, I'd say 12-14" of water and up would keep you from bottoming out. Also, wider boats provide more stability, but are a bit more sluggish whereas a longer narrower boat will have faster top end speed but seem a bit more "tippy". My friend uses a 12' Perception Carolina, and loves it on the straight-away, flat water and for gear storage options...but says it lacks maneuverability and stability on twisty fast water. Personally, I like a nimble stable boat.

[@williamdykes2750]

ete, it is September 2018. I hope you receive notification of a new post. I hope to be back in Arkansas full time in the Spring of 2019. On one of your vids you detailed your load out.and how you pack. You mentioned a pistol. Do you feel the need for protection from four-legged animals or the two-legged ones. I plan to carry a M1911 w/ball ammunition. I'd kind of like to get your perspective about carrying weapons. If you get to me thanks.I'd appreciate it.

[@williamdykes2750]

Hey Pete. Right now it is Feb 13th 2018. Are you still paddling like this?

[@PeteBraginton]

William Dykes If you mean do I still paddle like this in winter?....short answer, not yet this year. Been pretty dry around here and have not had luck co- ordinating trips.

[@coffinshaker]

Is that orange boat a Prijon?

[@PeteBraginton]

The orange boat is a Perception Carolina 12'. A Prijon would be sweet tho!

[@guidingmike2823]

that is a pretty location. where is it? what state?

[@PeteBraginton]

Hello Mike, this is the Kings River in Northwest Arkansas.

[@survivewithout]

that is so sad to see the eagle laying there. I sure hope someone didn't shoot it.

[@PeteBraginton]

Very sad about the eagle...it did not look shot (from what I could see)...I would bet natural causes. We saw more than 30 mature and juvenile bald eagles on that trip and I would assume not all are healthy and spry, Mother Nature has her ways.