Introducing the O2P Stashraft™
The Osborne2paddle Stashraft™ series packrafts were derived in an exhausted effort to find the ideal hard shell large volume creek boat. A creek boat that’s lightweight, durable, responsive, stable, forgiving, and enjoyable to paddle. A creek boat to paddle during those cold winter months when you’re paddling more conservatively and it’s no fun to roll a kayak or worse swim. A creek boat that I eventually realized just didn’t exist in a hard shell form.
Concept & Solution
It was time to find or design and build an inflatable kayak that best mimics a hard shell large volume creek boat. This is when I re-discovered and fell in love with the packraft which was surprisingly a perfect fit for my needs. Not only was it lightweight, it can be rolled up and carried very easily in a backpack. The big bonus though… the stern can be opened from the TiZip air/water tight zipper which allows gear storage within the packraft tubes.
As my research continued I discovered DIY packraft and learned the process and art of making your own packraft. This eventually led to finding a team of inflatable builders which would help build my packraft designs in a timely and cost effective manner.
The mighty Stashraft™ series packraft was born and my first concept design was created. I named it the “Elemental” because it was my first packraft design, I learned so much in the process and the colors I chose represent the elements of my happiness: Sun, Water, Fire, and Space. These colors also represent the Southwest which Stash (my dog) and I originated from.
Tested & Approved
Now that the first Stashraft™ was in my hands it was time to set-up and paddle down river! I was impressed as to how easy it was to air up with the included pillow case self pump which packs up so nicely. The included adjustable backband and inflatable seat offer great support and comfort. I find the optional 4 point thigh straps were easy to adjust and offered good support in conjunction with the inflatable foot brace/pad. I felt well connected and very comfortable in the Stashraft™ to both lean forward and paddle aggressively or lay back relaxed to paddle more recreation style.
On water the Stashraft™ performed better than expected for an inflatable raft. Being extremely lightweight it was easy to navigate, control and paddle quickly to avoid river obstacles. For a kayak without edges it was fairly nimble and easy to turn into and out of eddys. Great secondary stability that can be easily balanced and controlled. The Stashraft™ was certainly more stable and forgiving than a hard shell creek boat but to my surprise felt similar to a playboat since it was so light and easy to both handle and control.
Lastly, in the event of a self rescue it was extremely easy to flip the Stashraft™ upright and jump back in while in the middle of a rapid. I’d honestly feel comfortable putting a beginner in a Stashraft™ and taking them down class III rapids knowing it would be stable, reliable and forgiving. It’s tough to roll but is possible, truly requires precise technique due to the amount of volume. Future models will have less stern volume which will increase the ability to lay back and roll more easily.
Durability & Options
For a medium weight material I’m very pleased with the overall durability and quality of the 420 denier single coated nylon chosen for the Elemental model. 420d is a thicker, slightly heavier and less elastic material compared to 210d which many competitor packrafts are built from. I’ve paddled it for over 3 months now and have yet to puncture or tear/cut the tube material.
I chose the more durable 420d nylon for the Elemental since the primary intent for this Stashraft™ was class V white water and below. This model is not self bailing.
The Elemental comes standard with a removable spray deck and nylon spray skirt, 4 point adjustable thigh hooks and an inflatable secured foot brace/pad. Adjustable padded back band and inflatable secured seat are also included.
Everything you need to feel completely connected and in control of the Elemental Stashraft™ is included to better enjoy more challenging white water. The cool thing, all these options are removable so if you’d prefer a recreational flat water adventure, have a less experienced friend or family member or you simply want to pack lighter you can outfit accordingly.
Specifications
Stashraft™ – Elemental
Tube Diameter = 30cm/11.8″
Tube Material = 420d Single Coated Nylon
Bottom Material = 840d Double Coated Nylon
Total Weight = 8lbs w/ Included Outfitting
Size Small
Outer Length = 246cm/8.07′ | Width = 98cm/3.21′
Inner Length = 116cm/3.80′ | Width = 37cm/14.5″
Size Medium
Outer Length = 256cm/8.39′ | Width = 98cm/3.21′
Inner Length = 126cm/4.13′ | Width = 37cm/14.5″
Size Large
Outer Length = 276cm/9.05′ | Width = 98cm/3.21′
Inner Length = 146cm/4.79′ | Width = 37cm/14.5″
Keep in mind, I’m 5’10” 180lbs and I fit perfectly in a size small. You may consider a smaller size since you must bend the knees to properly utilize the thigh straps.
Demo & Buy
Wanna test drive a Stashraft™ series packraft before you buy? If you’re in the Asheville, NC area this can certainly be arranged. Contact me to schedule a time to demo.
Stashraft™ – Elemental = $1,199
What’s Included
- Adjustable Padded Back Band
- Inflatable Secured Seat
- Removable Spraydeck & Sprayskirt
- 4 Point Adjustable Thigh Straps
- Inflatable Secured Foot Brace/Pad
- 2x Internal Tube Webbing Loops
- Pillow Case Air Pump
- Nylon Cinch Sack
- Adjustable Mounting Strap
- Patch Repair Kit
- TiZip Lubricant
Order time varies based upon when the order is placed. Typically takes 10-14 business days for all standard and most custom orders to be completed.
Stashraft™ - The Equalizer
For my second Stashraft™ series packraft I had a broader target audience in mind. I wanted to build a Stashraft™ for every style of paddler, from a strong class III & IV paddler to the seasonal recreational flat water paddler or a complete beginner. The idea was to build a Stashraft™ with just the necessary options to accommodate a wide range of paddlers and paddling styles while keeping the price point under $1000. This was also an opportunity to design the ideal Stashraft™ a commercial outfitter would purchase for a rental fleet.
Given the general purpose nature and equal opportunity this Stashraft™ was designed for I decided to support the equal rights movement with the chosen color scheme and named this Stashraft™ the “Equalizer”. The large grey stripe chosen for the bow is a reminder “with an open mind… there will always be shades of grey”.
Durability & Options
For a lighter weight material I’m also very pleased with the overall durability and quality of the 210 denier single coated nylon chosen for the Equalizer model. 210d is a thinner, slightly lighter and more elastic material compared to 420d. I’ve paddled it for over 3 months now and have yet to puncture or tear/cut the tube material. It seems to be almost as durable as the 420d but packs much lighter.
I chose the lighter weight 210d nylon for the Equalizer since the primary intent for this Stashraft™ was class III white water and below. This model is self bailing to make for an easier self rescue and overall paddling experience.
The Equalizer comes standard with 4 point adjustable thigh hooks and a removable inflatable full length floor. Adjustable padded back band and inflatable secured seat are also included.
Everything you need to feel comfortable and in control of the Equalizer Stashraft™ is included to better enjoy your day on the water. The cool thing, most of these options are removable so you can outfit accordingly.
Specifications
Stashraft™ – Equalizer (self bailing)
Tube Diameter = 30cm/11.8″
Tube Material = 210d Single Coated Nylon
Bottom Material = 840d Double Coated Nylon
Total Weight = 5lbs w/ Included Outfitting
Size Small
Outer Length = 246cm/8.07′ | Width = 98cm/3.21′
Inner Length = 116cm/3.80′ | Width = 37cm/14.5″
Size Medium
Outer Length = 256cm/8.39′ | Width = 98cm/3.21′
Inner Length = 126cm/4.13′ | Width = 37cm/14.5″
Size Large
Outer Length = 276cm/9.05′ | Width = 98cm/3.21′
Inner Length = 146cm/4.79′ | Width = 37cm/14.5″
Keep in mind, I’m 5’10” 180lbs and I fit perfectly in a size small. You may consider a smaller size since you must bend the knees to properly utilize the thigh straps.
Demo & Buy
Wanna test drive a Stashraft™ series packraft before you buy? If you’re in the Asheville, NC area this can certainly be arranged. Contact me to schedule a time to demo.
Stashraft™ – Equalizer = $899 (self bailing)
What’s Included
- Adjustable Padded Back Band
- Inflatable Secured Seat
- Inflatable Full Length Floor
- 4 Point Adjustable Thigh Straps
- 2x Internal Tube Webbing Loops
- Pillow Case Air Pump
- Nylon Cinch Sack
- Adjustable Mounting Strap
- Patch Repair Kit
- TiZip Lubricant
Order time varies based upon when the order is placed. Typically takes 10-14 business days for all standard and most custom orders to be completed.
Wanna Place A Custom Order?
Which Stashraft™ Style, Size, Optional Accessories and Colors would you Prefer?
If you’re feeling creative and want to mix and match colors and/or customize optional accessories and construction of a Stashraft™ please contact me. I will explain limitations, provide design mock-ups and help you create the Stashraft™ that is best for you.
Purchase From Current Inventory
Elemental $1,199 | Equalizer $899 | Local Pick-Up Available
Not terribly picky, just wanna purchase a Stashraft™ and get on the river? Easy peasy… that works great for me. Take a look at my current Stashraft™ inventory then contact me to let me know which one you want. Most optional accessories can be easily changed if you prefer a different set-up.
Photography Credits (top to bottom): Unkown | Cheryl Hulings | Rich Osborne | JC Hulings Photography
Let's Talk
Have questions? I’m typically open to talk about paddling, gear, rivers, guiding, instruction, opportunities and how I can help.