PACK RAFT FISHING IN BACKCOUNTRY SKINZ

Pack rafting is growing in popularity, and a new era of backcountry angling is evolving. With technology and apps offering 3D mapping—like OnX, Strava, and FatMap—you can easily plan an adventure and almost know exactly what you're getting into. I've always loved the backcountry angling experience—leaving crowds behind and potentially stepping foot where no one has been before or discovering fish in alpine lakes where other anglers might not.

For me, it’s always been about the adventure. Often, fishing isn’t the main goal—it's about spending endless hours driving, hiking, and floating with no luck. But that’s okay because there’s always the chance of hitting a big catch. When it happens, it keeps you coming back and fuels your excitement for planning another adventure with friends.

Mike and I have always ventured into the backcountry of Banff and British Columbia, trying to locate alpine lakes with colorful trophy fish. It’s become an obsession and planning trips helps us get through the winter here in Alberta. We’ve struggled with gear like waders and boots—either they’re heavy and wear us down or get punctured easily. Each year, we end up spending a lot of money on new gear, with a basic pair of boots and waders costing over $500. We’ve also frozen in traditional flimsy wet wading pants, and dealt with relentless bugs that leave our legs shredded.

Recognizing the pain points in the wading industry, especially for active anglers, we created Backcountry Skinz: technical compression neoprene leggings and socks designed specifically for the hiking or pack rafting angler. Our Skinz are versatile enough for various activities, including drift boat days, surf fishing, or any adventure you can imagine. Pack rafts are fantastic; they allow us to navigate lakes that were previously accessible only from the banks, often hampered by dense brush. Hiking to these lakes with a fish tube or paddleboard would be nearly impossible do to weight, but small, compact rafts that fit in our packs have opened up endless opportunities.

When paired with Skinz, the experience is elevated. In the backcountry, where all four seasons can occur in a single day, having reliable gear provides confidence. Whether it's rain, bugs, or cold weather, the neoprene in our Skinz keeps you warm. They offer safety while floating, and if a whitecap flips us over, we won’t be anchored like with traditional waders—we can swim out in cold water, staying warm. Our pants and socks continuously adapt to our needs. We’ve even slept in them for two nights in a row, which was a lifesaver high in the alpine. Even on hot days, just having them in your pack provides reassurance.

We’re thrilled to support fellow anglers and love hearing their adventure stories or how our gear has helped them in the wild