Pack rafting paddle

[Mark F]

I have wanted to do a few coastal trips which require crossing river mouths for a few years now and have been trying to put together a very light packraft kit for the purpose. I bought a version of the Klympit LWD raft (see https://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/klymit-lwd-litewater-inflatable-dinghy/14LDBl01C for details) with a lighter top deck (790 grams) a couple of years ago and have played with it a bit since then but have been hunting around for a simple, light, compact paddle to complement the raft. I think I finally found a contender.

5 piece paddle

The Sevylor paddle is actually a pair of oars which, with a little fiddling can be turned into a 210cm paddle weighing 640 grams that breaks down to 5 pieces with a maximum length of 59 cm. Cost $29.99 on special from Anaconda. This gives me a setup that weighs under 1.5kg for flat water adventures. Does anybody have other thought on a similar paddle?

[eggs]

I have yet to test out using a 992g Klymit LWD, but I bought the Advanced Elements Ultralite Paddle set to go with it.
Normal setup is 669g and 224 cm length, shorter setup is 567g and 169cm length.
Packs to 60cm.

[andrewa]

As background, I have had Alpacka rafts, and Manta Ray paddles for about 10 yrs. The paddles are basically proper kayaking paddles - stiff Carbon fiber - albeit 4 piece. Heavier, yes.

I'd be happy paddling my sea kayak with one. They also make really rigid tarp poles, and the middle 2 sections ( with a rubber stopper on bottom) makes a great walking stick - ie multipurpose.

I have "puddled" around before this with a Sevylor pool raft, and it's 4 piece paddle - it was like trying to paddle with a piece of damp cardboard on a flexible pole. Paddle looks similar.

I suppose it comes down to use and expectations.

A