Japan packrafting

“The Care of Rivers Is Not a Question of Rivers” — Tanaka Shōzō, the APA, and Packrafting in Japan

Who is the “Shozo Tanaka” quoted on the APA homepage? The Japanese context behind the line, what the APA does, and why it matters for packrafting in Japan.

Packrafting Worldwide

Urban Packrafting the Toyohira River, Sapporo | A 2-Day City River Trip by Public Transit

Meet at Sapporo Station, take the subway upstream, paddle through the city, arrive in Susukino by river. A 2-day urban packrafting trip report on the Toyohira River — with route notes, safety info, and gear.

Trip ReportsToyohira River

Packraft + α: The Mobility of Snow Hiking and Evolving Winter Gear Setup

Discover the incredible mobility of combining packrafts with snow hiking (ski shoes). Explore Hokkaido's snowy rivers with a lightweight gear setup designed for seamless transitions between land and water. Perfect for winter outdoor enthusiasts seeking a new style of expedition.

Trip ReportsNiseko Ukka

Late Season Whitewater — Tension and Elation on an Unfamiliar River

A late-season packraft trip in Hokkaido on a river I'd never run before. Higher water than expected, genuine whitewater, careful scouting, and the particular feeling of the season shifting. A day that delivered more than I anticipated.

Niseko UkkaSafety

Every New Packrafter in Hokkaido Multiplies the Possibilities

Every New Packrafter in Hokkaido Multiplies the Possibilities — Growing the Community

River Season Has Started — Time to Think About What’s Next

River season is here, and with it comes the planning — rivers to paddle, trails to walk, and routes that connect both. A reflection on what makes the trail-and-packraft combination so compelling, and where the season is heading.

Choosing the Right Socks for Packrafting

What's the right sock for packrafting when you're alternating between hiking and paddling all day? I tested the Drymax Cold Weather Running Crew on a multi-portage packraft trip in Hokkaido. Here's what happened.

Building a River Paddling Culture with Packrafts — Supporting the First Step

There are more people who want to try packraft river paddling than you'd think — they just haven't taken that first step yet. In 2025, Packraft Hokkaido is starting to actively support beginners from zero experience to their first real river trip.

Why Paddlers Keep Coming Back to the River — Shiribetsu Fest 2024 Pre-Event

A report from the Shiribetsu Fest 2024 pre-event on the Shiribetsu River in Hokkaido — litter pickup while paddling, a packraft exhibition race, rescue scenario discussion, and what it means when paddlers from all walks of life gather around one river.

Niseko UkkaSafety

Keeping Your Hands Warm While Packrafting in Cold Conditions

A practical guide to choosing between pogies and gloves for cold-weather packrafting — material types, wearing styles, and the tradeoffs of each. Based on experience paddling in Hokkaido from autumn through snowmelt season.

Packraft River Gear List — 13 Essentials I Actually Use in Hokkaido

A practical packrafting gear list from a Hokkaido-based paddler: 13 items, what each one is, why it was chosen, and what to look for. Drywear, PFD, paddle, throw bag, and more — with cold-water context.

Packrafting the Kushiro River — A 2-Day River Trip Complete Guide

A full trip report and practical guide for packrafting the Kushiro River in eastern Hokkaido — route breakdown, difficulty, access, gear, safety notes, and what it's like to travel this river with a local guide.

Guide KokubunHokkaido Packraft Guides

It Was Packrafting That Brought Me Back to the River

The story behind Packraft Hokkaido — a former river guide who stepped away from the water for years, and how discovering packrafting at 40 pulled him back in. A personal introduction to this blog and community.

Have You Practiced Getting Back Into Your Packraft After a Flip?

Falling out of a packraft is more common than you'd think — even experienced paddlers struggle with re-entry. Learn the key technique for getting back into your packraft quickly and safely, and why practicing it every trip matters.

My Answer to the Best Packrafting Shoe: Astral Rassler 2.0

After searching for the perfect packrafting shoe, I finally tested the Astral Rassler 2.0 on the river. Here's why the GSS rubber sole makes it stand out from trail runners and wading boots for packraft use.

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