Northern Tibet with Anfibio Equipment

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Anfibio equipment in the Chang-Tang Plateau and remote parts of Kunlun Shan

During my solo expedition in 2024 across the remote Chang-Tang plateau and the virgin passes of the Kunlun Mountains, I relied on a carefully selected set of lightweight gear. Anfibio’s equipment, including the Delta MX packraft, Vertex Tour paddle, Buoy Boy inflatable vest, Life Patch, and folding bottle, proved indispensable in navigating the challenges of this extreme environment. Below, I review their performance, focusing on how they helped me tackle the unique obstacles of this expedition.

Carrying everything on my back across vast plateaus, high-altitude passes, and saline lakes required a balance between weight, robustness, and versatility. Anfibio’s ultralight gear, combined with an ultralight helmet from Petzl, provided – again, also in this setting – what I consider the ideal setup for unsupported trekking and packrafting in such remote and harsh conditions.

While the Kunlun’s wild rivers remained unexplored due to an unexpected encounter with a wild male yak—an attack that broke my paddle—I still had opportunities to use the equipment extensively. Crossing saline lakes and avoiding aggressive herds of wild yaks made the gear essential for navigation and safety.

Anfibio Folding Bottle

I start surprisingly with the folding bottle, as it was more critical this time than ever before.

Chang-Tang and Tibet is much different from the Arctic in certain respects.The folding bottle was perhaps one of the most critical piece of gear for this expedition. The Chang-Tang plateau is notorious for its lack of drinkable water—rivers are often saline or muddy, and lakes are frequently undrinkable. This bottle (well, a few of them), with its 2.5-liter capacity, allowed me to transport clean water across long stretches without reliable sources.

The bottle’s compatibility with ultralight Sawyer water filters was a game-changer. I used it heavily to filter and carry water for extended treks. Its compact design meant it could be folded away when empty, saving valuable space in my pack.

Expedition Highlights:

  • Essential for water logistics: Enabled the transport of clean water across a region with few potable sources.
  • Lightweight and space-saving: Folded compactly when not in use, reducing pack weight.
  • Filter compatibility: Worked seamlessly with Sawyer water filters, ensuring access to clean water.
Compatibility with UL filters

Anfibio Delta MX Packraft

The Delta MX packraft performed admirably despite the unexpected challenges of the expedition. Lightweight and portable, it was a critical piece of gear for navigating the region’s saline lakes and bypassing obstacles such as herds of wild yaks that blocked narrow passages.

The packraft’s compact size and easy portability made it ideal for an unsupported trek where every gram mattered. Despite carrying everything on my back for weeks, the Delta MX never felt like an unnecessary burden.

Expedition Highlights:

  • Essential for lake crossings: Provided a reliable means of travel in an area where water sources were often undrinkable or impassable.
  • Compact and lightweight: Allowed me to carry it through high-altitude passes without adding significant weight to my pack.
  • Durability: Withstood the rigors of harsh environments and remained a dependable tool throughout the journey.

Anfibio Vertex Tour Paddle

The Vertex Tour paddle proved both its worth and its limitations during the expedition. Unfortunately, a wild yak attack left the paddle cracked, but its resilience was surprising—it didn’t shatter completely, which says something about its durability under extreme force.

Even after the incident, the paddle performed well during crossings, offering a smooth and efficient stroke. Its lightweight and collapsible design made it easy to pack and carry, crucial for such a remote, unsupported journey.

Expedition Highlights:

  • Tough construction: The paddle cracked under extreme force but still maintained partial integrity—a remarkable feat given the circumstances.
  • Portability: Easy to carry and assemble, ideal for trekking in remote regions.
  • Ergonomic design: Comfortable to use during long paddling sessions.
The paddle nicely fits on the side part of the backpack
This guy run after me, knocked me down into the ground, and unfortunately broke my paddles – I didn’t risk paddling a virgin river after that.

Anfibio Buoy Boy Inflatable Vest

The Buoy Boy vest provided essential safety while adding minimal weight to my gear. Its compact design made it easy to pack, and it was quick to inflate when needed. While it is not a certified life jacket, it provided adequate buoyancy during lake crossings and ensured safety without compromising mobility.

Its short-cut design allowed for freedom of movement, which was particularly helpful when navigating tight or complex water passages.

Expedition Highlights:

  • Lightweight and compact: Easy to carry without adding bulk to my pack.
  • Freedom of movement: Enabled efficient paddling while maintaining safety.
  • Quick inflation: Provided immediate buoyancy support during crossings.


The vastness of Chang-Tang