Packraft Hire on Loch Lomond: Paddle-Anywhere in the Trossachs

Read the full experience

On the wind-scoured shores of Loch Lomond and within the rolling hills of the Trossachs, Packraft Hire offers a nimble way to join water and land in a single day. Based in Callander, this hire service supplies single‑person inflatable pack rafts that you can carry under a daypack, inflate at a chosen launch and then paddle across sheltered bays, tree-lined inlets, and narrow river mouths before stowing your craft and continuing on foot or by bike. The result is a fresh, flexible loop that feels more like exploration than transport. The loch and surrounding forests are defined by glacially carved basins, rocky shorelines, and pockets of native oak and Scots pine; wildlife includes otters slipping between reeds and raptors quartering the sky. Packrafts are especially well suited to this landscape — lightweight PVC or polyurethane hulls that weigh little, pack into a sack, and tolerate rocky shingle. Because you can move between land and water without a boat ramp or car, routes expand: a high ridge walk can finish with an unexpected paddle back to your start. Practical details matter. Rentals are available for 4- and 8‑hour windows and are collected from the shop in Callander; delivery can be arranged for an extra fee. Each craft is single-seat and sold per person. All participants must be able to swim; children travel only with an accompanying adult. Staff supply basic advice on inflation and reboarding, but this is largely a self-guided experience—great for confident walkers and cyclists who want to add a watery stitch to a longer route. Why packrafting here stands out: the Trossachs combine freshwater lochs with small, sheltered bays, making them less exposed than open sea packrafting yet more adventurous than lake rentals that stay put. The craft’s portability makes multi-surface loops practical, letting you access shorelines and river mouths that larger boats cannot reach. For photographers and wildlife watchers, the low profile of a packraft brings you close without disturbing shy animals. Preparation is straightforward: waterproof layers, shoes that shed sand and river rock, a dry bag for essentials and a waterproof phone case are recommended. Weather shifts fast in central Scotland; check forecasts and plan conservative paddling distances. Local knowledge—ask at the Callander shop—will point you to sheltered launch points and quieter coves. Packraft Hire converts the idea of a day on Loch Lomond into a hybrid adventure, one that rewards curiosity, light packing and a taste for improvisation. Accessories such as spray decks, buoyancy aids and drybags are available to hire from the Callander shop; reserve equipment in advance, check the weather window on the day, and carry a map and compass or GPS so that you can link paddles and hikes into secure, enjoyable circuits.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

4–8 hours.

Fitness level

Moderately fit: you should be comfortable hiking or cycling multi-kilometre routes and able to paddle for periods up to a few hours; swimming competency required.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I pick up the packraft?

Pick-up is at the Callander shop; delivery to a launch point can be arranged for an additional fee—contact the operator to schedule.

Do I need prior paddling experience?

No formal experience is required, but you should be comfortable swimming and able to handle basic paddling and reboarding techniques.

Can children hire a raft?

Children can use packrafts only when accompanied by at least one adult; check age and supervision requirements with the shop before booking.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

Location and plans may change due to weather; staff will advise on safe launch points and may cancel or alter hires for safety.

How long can I hire a raft for?

Rentals are offered in 4- and 8-hour windows to match short loops or longer multi-surface adventures.

Are accessories like spray decks or buoyancy aids available?

Yes — the Callander shop lists hire accessories such as buoyancy aids, drybags and spray decks; pre-book to guarantee availability.

Local insights

Wildlife

otter
sea eagle (occasional)

History

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs area became part of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park in 2002, protecting its lochs, hills and native woodlands.

Conservation

Practice leave-no-trace, avoid transporting non-native species by fully drying and cleaning kit between water bodies, and use existing launch points to minimize shoreline damage.

About Roll Outdoors Ltd

Roll Outdoors Ltd is an outdoor activity company based in Callander, Scotland, offering a range of hire and guided experiences across Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The company provides kayak hire with hassle-free kayak delivery and expert safety briefings for an 8-hour loch adventure, MEGA SUP sessions on a 4-person stand-up paddleboard with gladiator challenges, and lightweight single-person pack raft hire for exploring hills, forests and waterways. Equipment options include mountain bike hire (half-day and full-day 8-hour rides), e-bike hire, Canadian canoe hire, paddle board hire with two-hour, half-day and full-day rental choices, and dedicated kids paddleboard tasters for ages 8–12 led by a certified instructor. Guided bike tours are available for all skill levels, and social Paddle Out sessions offer two-hour group paddleboarding on the loch. Roll Outdoors Ltd focuses on providing well-maintained rental equipment, flexible hire durations, and location-specific experiences that suit families, groups and solo adventurers. Safety briefings and instructor-led sessions are part of several offerings to build confidence on the water and trails. Based in Callander, the business operates within the scenic Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, delivering outdoor adventures that combine exploration, teamwork and memorable moments. All activities are designed for accessibility across skill levels, from beginner paddleboarders to experienced mountain bikers seeking full-day routes. Booking options include flexible hire periods and instructor-led bookings for groups and families. Detailed equipment briefings and local route advice are provided to help guests plan safe, enjoyable outings in Callander and throughout the national park year-round.

Base locationCallander, Scotland

Tours offered11+

Adventure tips

Wear quick-dry shoesChoose soft-soled trainers or water shoes that shed sand and grip wet rock; avoid stiff hiking boots that hold water.

Check wind and weatherLoch Lomond’s sheltered bays can become exposed in a blow—pick launch points on the leeward side and shorten plans if wind rises.

Carry a dry bag for essentialsStore spare layers, snacks, and a charged phone in a dry bag so you can switch between paddling and walking without soggy gear.

Practice reboarding on calm waterBefore heading out, inflate and try reboarding techniques in a sheltered cove so you’re confident if you capsize.

Recommended gear

Buoyancy aid (life jacket): Provides flotation and is required for safety on open water sections.
Waterproof dry bag: Keeps clothes, food and electronics dry when switching between land and water.
Quick-dry shoes or water shoes: Protect feet on rocky shorelines and allow easy transition between hiking and paddling.
Waterproof jacket and layered clothing: Scotland’s weather changes rapidly; breathable waterproofs keep you warm and dry.