When your adventure takes you far beyond the trailhead, gear matters—and that’s exactly where the Glacier Packraft from Go North Rafts  separates itself. Designed for rugged environments, heavy loads, and real backcountry use, the Glacier is a purpose-built raft for hunters, anglers, and explorers who demand durability without sacrificing packability. Built for Hunting & Fishing Missions The Glacier Packraft shines in environments where access is everything. Packrafts are wid

When it comes to relaxing on the river, simplicity, comfort, and durability make all the difference—and that’s exactly what the River Float Tube from Go North Rafts  delivers. Designed for smooth, easy drifting and long days under the sun, this float tube is the perfect setup for anyone looking to enjoy the river without compromise. Made for River Floating The River Float Tube is built specifically for leisurely river drifting, social floats, and laid-back water days . Whethe

At Go North Rafts , every design decision comes down to one thing: reliability in the real world. When you’re deep in the backcountry or pushing through technical water, your gear has to work—no questions asked. That’s exactly why we use removable D7 valves on every raft we build . The Leafield D7 valve  is widely recognized as one of the most durable and trusted inflation systems in the industry. Built from high-strength engineering plastics with resistance to chemicals, UV

When your adventures demand both durability and performance , the Badger Packraft from Go North Rafts  delivers. Designed with a balance of strength, agility, and packability , the Badger is the perfect companion for hunters and anglers who need a reliable raft in remote, unpredictable environments. Built for Hunting & Fishing Access The Badger is made for those who go beyond the easy spots. Packrafts are widely used for remote fishing and backcountry hunting  because they ca

When versatility matters most, the Element Packraft from Go North Rafts  stands out as one of the most dependable all-around rafts in the lineup. Built for stability, load capacity, and rugged backcountry use , the Element is designed for hunters, anglers, and adventurers who need a raft they can trust in real-world conditions. Built for Hunting & Fishing Adventures The Element was specifically designed with gear-heavy missions in mind , making it an ideal choice for both hun

At Go North Rafts , we don’t just build packrafts—we design tools for real adventure. Every detail is intentional, built for riders who demand performance, control, and reliability whether they’re exploring alpine lakes or charging through whitewater. What sets us apart starts with control. Our integrated thigh strap system  gives paddlers a locked-in feel, allowing you to stay connected to the boat in technical water and push your limits with confidence. Paired with our supp

Calling all outdoor explorers, paddlers, fishermen, and adventure seekers! The Central Oregon Sportsmen’s Show is back this March 5–8, 2026 , at the First Interstate Bank Center & Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon — and Go North Rafts  is heading there with something truly special. ( cosportsmensshow.mpetickets.com ) We’ll be at Booth 225 , ready to share our passion for lightweight, packable watercraft and meet fellow outdoor lovers eager to take their a

At Go North Rafts , we’re driven by a passion for exploration — to seek out wild places and capture the stories that unfold there. That’s why we’re inspired by the incredible work of Dailyn Matthews — Adventure Photographer and Storyteller , whose photography beautifully reflects the spirit of outdoor adventure we champion. Dailyn’s journey as a professional adventure photographer and former stuntwoman has taken her to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. From

At Go North Rafts , we live for the call of the wild. Whether that’s gliding across a pristine alpine lake, tackling whitewater, or sharing stories around a campfire after a long day in the backcountry. That’s why we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Northwestern Outdoors Radio , an award-winning weekly radio show that has been a trusted voice for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the Pacific Northwest since 2008. Hosted and produced by lifelong outdoorsman John Kruse , North

Earlier this month, Go North Rafts had the opportunity to exhibit at the Pacific Northwest Sportsman Show in Portland, Oregon—one of the region’s premier gatherings for outdoor enthusiasts, overlanders, anglers, and backcountry explorers. Surrounded by innovators and adventurers who share our passion for pushing deeper into the outdoors, we connected with an incredible team that immediately understood the potential of packrafting: PAD Overland. PAD Overland specializes in bu

Flowing entirely above the Arctic Circle, the Noatak River is one of the last truly untouched rivers in North America. Located deep within Gates of the Arctic National Park, this remote waterway offers packrafters a rare opportunity to experience wilderness exactly as it has existed for thousands of years. With no roads, no trails, and no signs of civilization, the Noatak delivers a level of isolation and natural beauty that few places on earth can match. Packrafting the Noat

At Go North Rafts, we partner with brands that share our commitment to building gear capable of supporting true exploration. Tembo Tusk is one of those companies. Known for manufacturing rugged outdoor cooking systems, Tembo Tusk designs equipment for adventurers who operate far beyond traditional campgrounds. Their products are engineered with durability, portability, and reliability in mind—qualities that perfectly complement Go North Rafts’ mission of enabling self-support

Whether you’re chasing alpine lakes, desert rivers, or sneaking down a local waterway after work, Go North Rafts was built for people who want freedom, not limits. Here’s why more adventurers are rolling with Go North 👇  1.⁠ ⁠Designed by People Who Actually Use Them These aren’t boardroom rafts. Go North Rafts are designed by outdoors people who pack, paddle, hike, and push gear in real-world conditions—so the features actually matter when you’re miles from the trailhead.  2

If packrafting has been on your “someday” list—or if it’s already your favorite way to travel through wild places— Packraft RoundUp 2026  is the event you don’t want to miss. Hosted by the American Packrafting Association , this year’s RoundUp returns July 15–19, 2026  to the beautiful Hot Springs Campground  in Garden Valley , right along the iconic South Fork of the Payette River . Five days. One campground. Endless rivers, skills, and stories. Why Packraft RoundUp Is Speci

Get ready — the Pacific Northwest’s most anticipated whitewater event is back! The 40th Annual Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival , affectionately known as Clack Fest , is scheduled for May 15th–17th, 2026  on the scenic waters of the Clackamas River near Estacada, Oregon. This iconic three-day celebration is one of the longest-running whitewater festivals in the nation, drawing paddlers and river lovers from across the region to test their skills, enjoy river culture, and c

Why Adventure Seekers Are Choosing Portable and Two-Person Rafts Adventure is evolving, and so is the way people explore the outdoors. At  Go North Rafts , adventure begins where the road ends. Designed for explorers who crave freedom, Go North packrafts make every journey—from alpine lakes to hidden backcountry rivers—effortless and unforgettable. Whether hiking deep into mountain terrain or flying overseas for your next big expedition, these ultralight and durable rafts are

Packrafting blends the best of backcountry trekking with the thrill of paddling remote water. Whether you're looking for glacier-fed rivers, canyon scenery, or untouched wilderness, these five destinations offer multi-day routes that deliver true adventure. 1. Gates of the Arctic, Alaska For pure isolation and dramatic Arctic beauty, nothing beats packrafting in Gates of the Arctic National Park. Expect tundra treks, caribou sightings, and crystal-clear rivers like the Noatak

What are strainers? According to ‪@APA-ED‬  , the APA's ED and a Swiftwater Safety Institute instructor: "Strainers are obstacles like fallen trees, bridge pilings, or debris that let water flow through but can trap paddlers and boats.. Water pressure can pin a person against or under a strainer, making escape nearly impossible. These hazards are especially dangerous in swift currents, where even strong swimmers can be forced underwater. Understanding and respecting these haz

As summer fades and the crisp air of autumn settles in, there’s no better way to soak up the season’s beauty than from the seat of a packraft. Across the United States, rivers transform into winding corridors of gold, crimson, and amber—offering paddlers both serenity and adventure. Whether you’re chasing mirrored reflections of fiery maples, gliding through quiet mountain valleys, or navigating gentle rapids beneath canopies of fall foliage, the country’s waterways provide e

Foot Entrapment occurs when a paddler’s foot becomes wedged between rocks or debris in a riverbed, causing them to be pinned underwater by the current. This is especially dangerous in swift-moving water, where the force can quickly submerge and drown a person. Attempting to stand in strong currents increases the risk significantly. Understanding and practicing defensive swimming protects paddlers, reinforces the Culture of Safety, and helps ensure our rivers remain safe and e