A packraft is a small but durable inflatable raft that can be carried in a backpack. Some weigh less than 5lbs and many under 10lbs. A packraft can make lake or river crossings easy for the backpacker, even when such a crossing would be next to impossible. A packraft can also allow the hiker a varied trip, where rafting a river can be combined with hiking. Such multi-function gear can make a very complicated route (in terms of logistics) easy and extremely enjoyable.