Packraft Fly Fishing written by: Matt McCourtney Packrafting & Fly Fishing Guide Packrafts are small, lightweight, easy to transport, deploy, and maneuver. They allowing you to access water you usually would not consider or dream off. The most rugged pacrrafts fold up to the about the size of a backpack and weigh in around 5-15 pounds. They inflate in minutes and are ready to hike into remote areas or simply push off from traditional access locations. I have been fly fishing remote backcountry waters for over a decade now.  Getting myself into some pretty tricky ..read more

Last winter Ryan, Mike, Haruka and I finally met up for a canyoneering trip we’ve been dreaming of for a few years. The four of us have run several canyons together in the Pacific Northwest, but this was one really special for several reasons. First, it’s a really unique canyon and waterfall that terminates right in the Columbia River which is one of the largest rivers in the US and is the border between Washington and Oregon. Second, we'd made plans to do this canyon at least three times but every time we got shut down by weather issues. Third, it has never been done before, so heading into t ..read more

TLDR: Here’s what you need to know about planning for your next multi-sport adventure trip, from research to fitness to packing, and more… Multi-sport adventure trips are one of the best ways to experience a variety of your favorite activities alongside new adventures and athletic experiences. For adventure-seekers and adrenaline junkies, multi-sport adventure travel can be a fun yet physically challenging way to spend time off in nature. But when it comes to getting started, what should you know?  Kokopelli is here to help you get your bearings. Here are six steps to planning your outdoo ..read more

TLDR: Packrafting involves rafting, backpacking, and, when taking multi-day excursions, camping. You’ll have to make sure you pack enough for all of these activities, accounting for emergencies. You’ll also need to know how to roll or fold your packraft while not in use. We explore all of these things in this blog post! There’s nothing quite like the freedom and wonder of hiking to a remote river or scenic lake, then being able to paddle down to a secluded campground, staying the night laying out under the stars, and doing it all over again. Multi-day packrafting excursions can be exhilarat ..read more

Kayaking is as much an outing as it is a low-impact exercise activity. And with so many natural wonders to explore across the United States’ various system of rivers, lakes, inlets, and oceans, it’s no wonder that since 2010, the number of kayakers in the U.S. has been steadily increasing. But when it comes to finding the perfect kayak, where do you start? Combing through this buying guide for kayaks should help. We’re here to help you choose the right boat (not to mention the perfect playlist for a day spent paddling). Ready to get rolling (on the river, that is)? Let’s go! TLDR: When choosin ..read more

When it comes to kayak paddles, size matters. But bigger isn’t always better. Thankfully, it’s not too hard to determine the right paddle size for you. It is important to size your paddle correctly, though, because doing so will make the paddling experience much easier.  There are also a number of other factors that matter when choosing a paddle other than size alone, including paddle shape and material, shaft shape and material, and more. Let’s paddle into the depths of this topic further so you can uncover how to size a kayak paddle quickly and easily. TLDR: What size paddle is right fo ..read more

Looking for another pet-friendly activity to do with your canine companion? Kayaking can be a great way to spend time with your dog while doing something you both love - exploring the great outdoors.  With summer right around the corner, there’s never been a better time to bring your pup on an adventure off the beaten path. With some considerations, training and preparation taking a dog on a kayak is easier than you think. Read on to learn more about how to kayak with a dog so you can bring them on your next kayaking trip. Can Dogs Go Kayaking? While you shouldn’t expect your pup to pick ..read more

Kayaking might just be your favorite weekend activity — but cleaning your kayak? Not so much. Still, you don’t want to be *that* person. You know, the one that shows up to the lake with a kayak that smells like swamp and low tide. Plus, dirt and sand can scratch your kayak’s finish, or, in the case of inflatable kayaks, wedge themselves into crevices and seams and cause rubbing or slow leaks. So for the love of boating, keep your kayak clean. We’ll show you how. TLDR: Cleaning a kayak properly requires attention to detail but it’s something almost anyone can do. The trick is to rinse inside an ..read more

American Packraft Association P.A.C.K.R.A.F.T. Safety Code  At Kokopelli we believe safety and education are critical to the responsible growth of the sport of packrafting. As part of our commitment to packrafting safety and education, we are promoting the American Packraft Association’s P.A.C.K.R.A.F.T. Safety Code through an 8 part blog series to highlight and detail the key aspects of staying safe while paddling.  The APA’s acronym P.A.C.K.R.A.F.T. stands for 8 key elements to help you plan, prepare, and execute a successful packraft trip. The acronym stands for the following.&nbs ..read more

Fannette Island is the only island in Lake Tahoe and is located in the South West corner of the lake in Emerald Bay. In 1929 a small tea castle was built on the island by Laura Knight who also built Vikingsholm, which is a beautiful Nordic inspired cabin on the shoreline of Emerald Bay. The tea castle later became the home of Capitan Dick in the 1960's and then in 1994 it became protected by becoming part of the California State Park system.  To get to the tea castle on the island, first head over to Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe. There is a small parking lot and there is addition ..read more