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Anfibio

Anfibio, founded by friends Marc Kreinacker and Sven Schellin, shares a passion for outdoor activities and water sports. Their mutual love for the outdoors led to a lasting friendship, and their interest in packrafting, combining ultralight hiking and paddling, inspired a community of like-minded adventurers. The brand name “Anfibio” reflects their commitment to versatile packrafting and their multifaceted roles as bloggers, specialist dealers, and packraft developers, incorporating Greek alphabet names into their product offerings for a unique touch.

Established in 2011 in Leipzig and Dresden, Anfibio empowers people to embark on land and water adventures while placing a strong emphasis on social and ecological responsibility. They prioritize human rights in their supply chains, advocate for nature protection, and maintain transparency in their actions and future plans. Guided by the United Nations Global Compact's ten principles, Anfibio supports sustainable corporate governance and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Anfibio Packrafting differ from other packrafts?

Anfibio Packrafts are known for their high-quality construction and innovative design features. They are made from high-grade materials that are extremely durable, yet lightweight, and they are designed to be easy to inflate and deflate. Additionally, Anfibio Packrafts have a unique shape that makes them more stable and maneuverable than other packrafts.

What are some of the features of the Anfibio Packrafting?

Some of the features of the Anfibio Packrafting include:

  • High-grade materials that are lightweight and durable
  • Easy-to-use inflation and deflation valves
  • A unique shape that makes the raft more stable and maneuverable
  • Multiple attachment points for gear and accessories
  • A range of sizes and styles to suit different types of adventure travel

What materials does Anfibio use in their products?

Anfibio uses state-of-the-art lightweight materials such as fiberglass, carbon, TPU, and nylon in all components of their products. Most are composite structures such as coated nylon for boats, clothing, and bags, laminated fiberglass for paddles, and fiber-reinforced injection-molded plastic for accessories.

Anfibio exclusively uses TPU-coated nylon fabric with varying fiber strengths and coating thicknesses for their boats and many accessories, depending on the requirements and area of use. This material class provides excellent basic properties for packraft construction. Anfibio uses a translucent TPU coating for their tube materials to save weight and cost by reducing the use of color pigments. The color comes exclusively from the colored nylon base fabric, which is colored anyway. The smooth and shiny surface of the transparent tube coating is especially scratch-resistant.

Anfibio's special textile fabric with different yarn thicknesses and weave densities achieves high tear resistance. The interaction of these properties results in a unique ratio of weight to durability, which is demonstrated through continuous measurement and test procedures to verify adhesion and tear resistance.

What advantages does TPU nylon have over other materials used in packraft construction?

The advantages of TPU nylon include being light and robust, non-aging and softener-free, UV-tolerant, weldable, and flexible even at low temperatures.

How can I determine which packraft is the best fit for my needs?

Selecting the appropriate packraft is highly dependent on individual preferences. It is recommended to consider the following questions before making a decision:

  • Will I be paddling alone or with a partner, or do I need a packraft that accommodates both?
  • What is my height and weight, and how much gear do I plan to carry?
  • How will I transport the packraft (backpack, bike, public transport, car), and how small and lightweight does it need to be?
  • What kind of water conditions (calm, saltwater, whitewater) and seasons am I planning for, and do I need a spraydeck?

For an initial overview of the packraft range, you can refer to Anfibio's packraft comparison chart, which provides a summary of the essential information for all packrafts. For more detailed information on each model, it is recommended to review the respective product descriptions.

How can I identify if my boat is losing air and why is it no longer staying firm on the water?

Air loss is not impossible, but very unlikely. Usually this is the result of the effect of the cooling water (tempering). If the difference between air and water temperature is significant, the warm air used to fill the boat cools and contracts on contact with cold water. As a result the air pressure inside the boat drops and it feels less firm. In this case, you should simply inflate the packraft again a little after the first half hour on the water or temper it already before starting to paddle.

If you are still unsure if your boat is losing air, a leak test can be conducted. First, fully inflate the boat and ensure all valves are tightly secured. Then, leave it overnight in a temperature-controlled room. The following morning, it should still be fully inflated. If not, there may be a leak that needs to be identified and repaired.

Why is my spray skirt not fitting tight?

If you find that the spray skirt on your MRS Alligator 2S, MRS Nomad S1, or MRS Barracuda R2 Pro packraft is coming loose during use, it may be due to a lack of tension in the coaming. These packrafts are delivered with an untightened coaming from production. To tighten it, try re-pulling the cord by about 10 cm and knotting it again, as shown in the picture. This will help to increase the tension in the coaming. It may be a bit difficult to do, so it is recommended to tighten the cord without the coaming segments and the boat uninflated. Use a pair of pliers to pull the thin cord, if necessary, but be careful not to pull against the channel to avoid tears.

Why does the spray deck keep coming off the side tube?

The spray deck on the MRS Alligator 2S, Nomad S1, and Barracuda R2 Pro models can come loose from the side tube due to the inside connection between the two. This connection is only fixed with a double-sided adhesive tape during the manufacturing process, which has no function afterwards and remains on the boat. However, the actual outer welded tape holds well and should keep the spray deck securely attached to the side tube.

Can hitting a rock cause damage to a packraft?

Generally, hitting a rock should not harm your packraft. This is because the inflatable design allows the boat to yield and absorb the energy of impact. Additionally, the scratch-resistant polyurethane coating on the exterior of the boat is able to resist mechanical stress such as contact with rough stones. The underlying fabric also has appropriate tear strength, unlike film materials that can be easily punctured. All packrafts on the market meet basic requirements for durability and safety. However, it is important to note that there are still limits and differences between models based on factors like the size of the payload and the type of rocks you may encounter. It is also important to avoid placing hard objects in the boat, as this can increase mechanical stress and potentially cause damage.

Do the packrafts have resistance to salt water?

Yes, all the packrafts we offer are suitable for use in salt water and are resistant to seawater. Salt water cannot damage the material of the boats. However, we recommend rinsing the packraft with clean water and drying it after use in salt water to prevent the build-up of salt residue in hard-to-reach areas between the tubes and the floor, and to keep the valves free from salt.

Can you provide recommendations for the most effective methods of transporting luggage while packrafting?

One of the classic ways to transport luggage on a packraft is to tie it down over the bow or directly in the boat using waterproof bags. However, there are now various options for transporting your gear inside the tube, such as using ISS, TiZip, TubeBags, or RTC systems.

What packraft would be suitable for bikerafting?

When choosing a packraft for bikerafting, it's important to consider the bike's size and weight, the type of trip you're planning, and your personal comfort requirements. The Anfibio Alpha XC is a good option for short trips, while the Anfibio Sigma TX is also a popular choice for its versatility. When transporting your bike on the packraft, make sure it is securely lashed and avoid any pointed or sharp parts pressing directly on the tube.

Is it possible to bring a dog along in a packraft?

Yes, it is possible to take your dog with you in a packraft. The material of the packraft is not harmed by the dog's claws, so there is no need to worry.

What is the process for attaching a fin or skeg to a packraft?

Attaching a directional fin, also known as a skeg, can improve the directional stability and speed of your packraft. To do this, you'll need to attach the appropriate mount, which can be glued to the packraft using the right adhesive. Instructions for self-assembly can be found in the guide, which can be translated using any translation plug-in.

How can I perform repairs on my packraft?

Even though packrafts are durable, they can still get damaged, and it's always a good idea to have a repair plan in place. In case of an emergency on the field, we recommend using the Lifepatch for a quick repair. For more permanent repairs, the instruction manual that comes with each packraft provides detailed guidance.

What are some important safety instructions to keep in mind while using a packraft?

It is important to remember to avoid navigating through water sections that are beyond your swimming abilities to ensure your safety and to always be aware of potential dangers. It's important to become familiar with your packraft, its capabilities, and its limitations before heading out.

What is the proper way to pack a packraft for storage or transport?

There are different ways to pack up a packraft depending on your preference, purpose, and time. However, we recommend the following procedure to take advantage of the packraft's small pack size:

  1. Start by deflating the packraft, releasing the air from the main chamber first, followed by the floor.
  2. Fold the packraft in half lengthwise and then in half again.
  3. Fold the ends towards the center to form a compact bundle.
  4. Secure the bundle with the straps or the bag provided.

For packrafts with an integrated luggage zipper (ISS), you need to be extra careful. Make sure to dry the zipper thoroughly after each use and avoid packing it wet for more than 48 hours as this can cause mold growth that can damage the zipper coating and lead to leakage. By following proper care instructions, the ISS system can have a long lifespan.

Can you suggest some tips for storing and caring for my packraft?

To ensure your packraft lasts a long time, proper storage and care are important. After use, rinse the packraft with clean water and let it dry completely before storing it. This prevents mold growth and unpleasant odors. When storing the packraft for an extended period, choose a dry place out of direct sunlight. Keep the valves open to prevent moisture buildup inside the boat. Avoid exposing the boat to heat sources and solvents. When folding or rolling the boat, be sure to do it loosely to avoid creating pressure points that could cause damage. Lastly, keep sand and dirt away from the valves as they could cause leaks.

If your packraft has an integrated luggage zipper (ISS), it requires extra care. The TiZip zipper needs to be greased periodically on the port (slider) and the outside (but not on the teeth). Use the original TiZip sliding grease included in the delivery or a comparable product.