04-19-2007, 12:07 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Welcome to the board. Hope we can help you.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As others have already advised, there are a number of issues for you to address. If you want to pack in a tube, with a minimum of weight and bulk, you will have to compromise on other things...like size and floatation. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The top of the line tubes (Like the Trinity) run way over the budget you established. To get properly outfitted with tube, fins and waders for under $200, you will have to stay in the lower end of the features and options.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The aforementioned Uboat is a good choice. With a vinyl air chamber and light construction, it should fold up enough and be light enough to fit your requirements.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you have a Sportsmans Warehouse store near you, or maybe another large tackletorium, check to see if they sell the WW Griggs line. I have seen them stacked and at a good price in the local Sportsmans, and I know a few guys that have them and enjoy them...both for the low price and their basic serviceability. Some models run less than $70, but are open front and have plenty of pocket space for pack in. Not sure of the weight, but I suspect they are quite light. Not many frills.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You are lucky. In the "olden days", when we wanted to take a tube backpacking we had our choice of a round tube or a round tube. Virtually all models came with heavy butyl rubber inner tubes. And, getting in and out of the round tubes was almost enough to make you swear off the sport...almost.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Today you have a lot more options and some pretty good stuff for fairly low prices. Take your time to shop different models and compare prices. Just be aware that the craft you choose for light weight and backpacking will not be a good choice for running whitewater rapids or fishing big lakes or salt water.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As others have already advised, there are a number of issues for you to address. If you want to pack in a tube, with a minimum of weight and bulk, you will have to compromise on other things...like size and floatation. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The top of the line tubes (Like the Trinity) run way over the budget you established. To get properly outfitted with tube, fins and waders for under $200, you will have to stay in the lower end of the features and options.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The aforementioned Uboat is a good choice. With a vinyl air chamber and light construction, it should fold up enough and be light enough to fit your requirements.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you have a Sportsmans Warehouse store near you, or maybe another large tackletorium, check to see if they sell the WW Griggs line. I have seen them stacked and at a good price in the local Sportsmans, and I know a few guys that have them and enjoy them...both for the low price and their basic serviceability. Some models run less than $70, but are open front and have plenty of pocket space for pack in. Not sure of the weight, but I suspect they are quite light. Not many frills.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]You are lucky. In the "olden days", when we wanted to take a tube backpacking we had our choice of a round tube or a round tube. Virtually all models came with heavy butyl rubber inner tubes. And, getting in and out of the round tubes was almost enough to make you swear off the sport...almost.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Today you have a lot more options and some pretty good stuff for fairly low prices. Take your time to shop different models and compare prices. Just be aware that the craft you choose for light weight and backpacking will not be a good choice for running whitewater rapids or fishing big lakes or salt water.[/#0000ff]
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