…we decided on the Dubawnt River. It is long and remote. It flows through forest and tundra, and it has both whitewater and big lakes. And there were rumors of fantastic fishing.
Dubawnt River 2003
For Norwegians who are interested in paddling, fishing and large untouched wilderness areas Canadian rivers have a strong appeal. After studying all the river information we could find, we decided on the Dubawnt River. It has everything we were looking for. It is long and remote. It flows through forest and tundra, and it has both whitewater and big lakes. And there were rumors of fantastic fishing.
The choice of canoe was simple. It had to be a folding one. This way we could fly with the canoes to and from Canada without problems, and previous experience with folding canoes had been good. I found out about Alv through pure coincidence. His canoes gave a good impression, and they filled our requirements in terms of capacity and performance.
We never regretted the choice. Pakboats are compact compared to other similar canoes, and the construction details are sound. The canoes had to go through wind and waves, rapids and quiet lakes. We especially enjoyed the canoes in moving water. They are maneuverable, even with 150 kg (330 pounds) of gear on board. They are flexible and run drier than hard boats. One feels that the boat “lives”. On a long trip like this there is not much opportunity to play in rapids. It is better not take unnecessary risks, but it was tempting because the canoes were so much fun to paddle.
On flat water a stiff canoe is probably better, but I think the folding canoes were better than expected here also. They work with waves in a way that stiff boats don’t, but they do not stay on course as well in wind. In all, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
We used the boats for 55 days this summer, and they will be used on long trips in the future. They came away from the Dubawnt with a few patches, but that in no way reflects on the quality of the canoes.
Aslak Prestbakmo
Norway