What Is Packrafting?
A packraft is a lightweight, durable inflatable boat — typically under 3 kilograms — that rolls up small enough to fit inside a backpack. You hike to wherever the water is, inflate the raft on the riverbank, paddle a section, deflate it, and carry on. It is one of the fastest-growing adventure sports in Europe because it solves a problem every paddler has thought about: how do you reach the wildest sections of a river when there is no road to the launch point?
In Albania, packrafting unlocks parts of the Vjosa and Osumi that almost nobody has paddled. We hike in through forest and gorge, drop into water no operator runs commercially, and paddle out through scenery you cannot reach any other way.
Our Packrafting Routes
Upper Vjosa Hidden Bends
Difficulty: Class I-II + 4 km hike
A short forest hike brings us to a remote bend of the Upper Vjosa that no road touches. Calm, scenic, perfect for first-time packrafters who want the experience without the technical demands.
Lengarica Tributary
Difficulty: Class II-III + 6 km hike
Hike alongside the Lengarica canyon, past natural hot springs, drop into the river, and paddle through tight limestone walls. A genuine wilderness adventure in one of Albania's most beautiful canyons.
Osumi Hidden Stretch
Difficulty: Class II-III + 5 km hike
A longer hike rewards you with a section of the Osumi Canyon that commercial rafts cannot reach. Wider gorge walls, deeper pools, and the kind of silence that only exists where there are no roads.
What Is Included
- Packraft, paddle, dry bag, and pump
- Helmet, life jacket, and wetsuit
- Lightweight hiking backpack
- Certified guide with packrafting experience
- Topo maps and route planning
- Transport to and from trailheads
- Lunch on multi-section days
Who Is Packrafting For?
Packrafting suits people who love both hiking and water. You should be in reasonable shape — a 4-6 km hike with a 5 kg pack is part of every tour — and a confident swimmer. Previous rafting experience helps but is not required. If you have never been on whitewater, we recommend a Vjosa rafting day first so you know what river dynamics feel like, then come back for a packrafting tour.
For longer trips, we can combine packrafting with one of our multi-day rafting packages — for example, two days of classic rafting followed by a third day of packrafting into a remote canyon.