Whitewater packraft. This boat is in a league of its own.
Whitewater packraft Mar 11, 2024 · Also try not to bring a lot of stuff with you. The Caribou is lighter and more compact, especially in the Open build and is a better option for more of a flatwater to lightwater focus. Its perfect for Lightwater and Class III whitewater adventures. Jul 11, 2023 · Alpacka doled out the full complement in making it whitewater-savvy: slapping on a full whitewater deck, four-point thigh straps, foam backband, foot brace, and a stronger 840-denier floor. Starts from King’s River valley with a mix of ATV trails, numerous group river crossings, high alpine passes & a bushwhacking finale into the Chickaloon RIver Valley. 6 Jan 12, 2022 · Many packrafts are rated for use in moderate or even difficult whitewater. Frontier packrafts are very versatile and resistant packrafts. There are many different packraft models, designs, configurations and sizes: From ultra light packrafts to fully equipped whitewater packrafts with a spraydeck and thigh straps to 2 person packrafts. On a recent trip, my friend Bryce and I ran a wilderness backcountry run at bare bone flows. Luckily, that’s where the packraft shines. For our durable river rafts, we also offer a lifetime warranty on our whitewater packrafts and a one-year warranty on our TiZip Storage Zipper. It features modern creekboat style and rocker with a patented planing hull for secondary stability and edge control. The Hurunui also has a TiZip for multi-day adventures. If a packraft is too big, it offers too little support in white water. The Hurunui is our high-performace whitewater packraft. If you like it cozier and more comfortable, you can also choose a slightly larger packraft for calm water and light whitewater. You’ll learn how to: read whitewater and pick routes through rapids, work with the water to steer your packraft in the river—and get where you want to go, swim safely in moving water, safely walk across shallow sections alone and as a team, flip your packraft and climb back in, communicate on the May 15, 2023 · All inflatable kayaks sold at CKS Online are self-bailing, however, we do not currently carry a self-bailing packraft. Courses are listed here. If you are up for whitewater challenges, the packraft you need typically has a minimum of five pounds in weight. The Gnarwhal is our beginner/intermediate focused whitewater packraft. “We’ve been working on high performance whitewater packraft designs for over 15 years,” said Thor Tingey, CEO and co-founder of Alpacka Raft. California Watersport Collective offers packrafting classes and trips on the South Fork American River in Lotus, California. With the spraydeck, spray skirt, and thigh straps, it’s like the packraft is an extension of you. Kokopelli's "bucket boats," like the XPD and Twain models, have sealed floors and are best for flatwater paddling. One day starting near the old Glines Dam and ending near Hwy 101. In places like the one shown a heavier but drier spray deck design is helpful. Note: We're saying goodbye to the Classic, Wolverine and GnarMule in 2025. Self-bailing packrafts are a recent trend that seems to be catching on quickly. Alpacka Raft has done it again, literally redefining the sport of packrafting! Jun 18, 2015 · Feathercraft also offers a packraft model called the Beast, with a capacity rating up to 1,000 pounds. The custom lab offers even more options at The Expedition is a much better whitewater and lightwater performance packraft than the Caribou, which makes it the choice for packrafters looking for a versatile packraft with a whitewater focus. The hope is that we can do two day trips. The hull design is incredibly stable, forgiving and easy to paddle when things start to get wild and you need that extra bit of help to make it through the rapid upright. And at 10. Feb 28, 2024 · But don’t worry, there are other ways to get your whitewater fix and improve your skills before the bigger flows return. The Rally Hull is our highest performance whitewater hull with a center panel stern for stability and forgiveness and a rockered bow for punching over holes and carving eddy turns. For warm water, consider a self-bailing Gnarwhal as a versatile whitewater focused alternative. She's invested in the development of river sports and supporting the water community. Self-Bailing Packraft Floors for a Simpler Whitewater Experience. The Alpacka V3 Valkyrie, released in 2024, is nothing less than a quantum leap, taking whitewater packrafting to a whole other level. Andrew McLemore 1,004 articles. And when you fall out, the self-bailer means you don’t need to go to shore to reset. For anyone who wants to paddle rivers, lakes, the ocean, this is a fantastic boat that you can take anywhere in the world. This boat is in a league of its own. A packraft may have an open deck, like a sit-on-top kayak, or a closed deck, like a sit-inside kayak. And it runs straight! Which for a TPU whitewater packraft is really something! I think it is a fantastic step forward in TPU whitewater Aug 16, 2022 · The Gnarwhal is a whitewater packraft, but with wider side tubes than the Wolverine. Aug 26, 2024 · The Neutron is great for paddlers who want a durable boat that can handle a variety of conditions. With its next generation Rally Hull design, ergonomic seating, and 4-point thigh straps, the Gnarwhal is ideal for building skills and confidence, carrying heavy lo Jule is an ACA certified Packraft & also Whitewater Kayak Instructor. We offer build to order, ready to ship, and custom lab options. The Alpacka Gnarwhal Whitewater Pack Raft with Self-Bailing Floor is the biggest, most stable and most forgiving whitewater packraft in Alpacka's line-up. The Rogue-lite packraft can be rolled up into the size of a roll of paper towels make it ideal from bike-packing and backpacking alike. If you’re newer to whitewater packrafting and value stability over playfulness, the Gnarwhal is a good choice. Our meticulous, handcrafted construction has been made famous by our production team and gives you confidence as you push deeper into your mission. Andrew has more than 10 years of experience covering a range The hard floor really changes the shape and looks to add harder chines and rails. Featuring thigh braces, a detachable backband, a self-bailing floor, and waterproof internal storage, the Neutron feels at home on both smooth cruising waterways and more challenging whitewater journeys. Bring your whitewater packrafts along on your hiking, biking, and camping trips to make your adventures even more exciting. Packraft vs kayak Alpacka Raft was born based on a collective inspiration—a 600-mile packrafting traverse of Alaska's Brooks Range and a design genius who knew she could make a better-performing packraft. Our two day Packraft Whitewater fundamentals course is great for people who are thinking about paddling whitewater or have started paddling whitewater, or those that just want to feel more confident on moving water. Not to mention one of the first trips in the pre-production AIRE BAKraft Expedition. This boat will give you many many years of service. Jan 2, 2023 · Light packers, should go for two to three-pound packraft, but you should sacrifice the whitewater adventure. Maneuver through rock gardens in a sturdy and lightweight whitewater packraft. This is an ideal packraft for big game hunters. If you are going to paddling whitewater at all, we highly recommend that a self-bailing craft. Finally, let’s talk about the big one—the Valkyrie from Alpacka. “We wouldn’t be where we are without Sheri’s design innovations, tester feedback and willingness to take untested shapes into harder whitewater runs, and the entire team’s relentless efforts This packraft is ideal for backcountry river crossings, high alpine lake fishing and wide calm rivers. It’s more stable, with less chance of capsizing. She serves as a board member for the ACA Safety, Education & Instruction Council’s Packrafting endorsement and also the American Packrafting Association’s AK Regional Chapter. A lpacka Raft has launched the all new Mage, a packable whitewater packraft designed for intermediate to advanced whitewater along with updates to four other Alpacka lineups in their 2025 updates. The Introduction to Whitewater for Packrafters class teaches boat maneuvering, paddle techniques, safety, and reading water, progressing from flat water to Class 2 rapids—ideal for beginners in a 2-day format. It is best to learn to paddle either with a beginner whitewater or packraft course, and then work up to an intermediate course, with some practice in between. The most expensive models are rugged boats that can tackle whitewater, rocks, and gravel while still remaining intact. Feb 16, 2023 · A 3 day challenging backcountry route, arguably Alaska’s best “packraft symmetry:” epic hiking followed by engaging class III whitewater. We were surely the first self-supported fat bike packraft trip the river has ever seen. The Feathercraft Baylee is a true whitewater-worthy packraft that is crafted of super high quality urethan that has been electronically welded. Follow these simple 5 steps and find the best packraft for YOUR plans & needs! Oct 11, 2024 · If you want to learn to roll your packraft you need good technique. Packraft Whitewater Fundamentals: 2 days (12hours) 425€* on class II/III rivers - Maximum 4 students per 1 Instructor. The Wolverine is built with Alpacka's Rally Hull, high-performance whitewater rig The Kayak-Style Packraft. If you want to take a complete set of gears with you, add 12 pounds of weight in addition to yours. Alternatively, an inflatable footrest can help. Required Equipment: Whitewater kayak and/or Packraft, paddle, spray skirt, helmet, type III personal flotation device, closed toed shoes, and wet suit or dry suit with appropriate base layers. Once you commit to the whitewater environment, you must commit to a strong, impact-resistant paddle that’s designed to handle the abuse current and rocks will dish out. It’s the whitewater pack raft for whitewater kayakers, plain and simple. May 20, 2025 · On 1st May, 2025, Du Dao organized an open-day event at Slalom Rapids Park in Beijing, guiding both new and experienced participants through a packraft whitewater experience. The Expedition is our lightest and most backpackable whitewater packraft, which makes it more versatile than our other whitewater packrafts. The result is the fastest, smoothest, and most responsive traditional whitewater packraft Alpacka has ever made. 00. If you'd like a packraft that can perform well in more difficult whitewater (Class 4+), you'll probably want to consider a packraft with a deck and skirt, which keeps water out. The packraft is an excellent tool to access remote rivers and whitewater where taking in a hardshell kayak is not an option. This is an exploratory trip on the Elwha River. Apr 23, 2025 · The Neutron is a great intro-to-whitewater packraft and is tough enough to shoulder your on-river screw-ups; (photo/Chris Anders) The NRS Neutron is an impressive packraft from the brand, making a With its next generation Rally Hull design, ergonomic seating, and 4-point thigh straps, the Gnarwhal is our most stable and forgiving whitewater packraft. Our packraft courses cover much of the same material that our whitewater kayaking courses do and add more relevant information and adapted techniques for packrafters. If you’re heading into the backcountry for some challenging whitewater up to Class 3 – 4, this is the packraft for you. Thigh straps highly recommended for Level 2 courses or anyone interested in whitewater paddling; Inflation method Effective “grab loop” on bow (or bow bag) and stern/perimeter grab loop and/or line The NRS Neutron Whitewater Packraft offers a versatile solution for navigating nearly any river environment. From $1,500. The V3 is the lowest volume and most responsive whitewater boat we've ever made. Let us know if you need help sourcing any gear!. Imagine the possibilities presented by this very capable whitewater river runner that packs smaller than a four-slice toaster or can be rolled and strapped to your handlebars. The quality-price ratio makes it a very accessible packraft for any adventure The Valkyrie is the kayaker's packraft—the pinnacle of whitewater performance in an inflatable package. Specific launch location and take-out location are to be determined based on water flow and on-site observations. They can be used in up to class 4 whitewater if you Aug 30, 2024 · Packraft (w/ appropriate whitewater outfitting: combing & spray skirt/self-bailer, foot block, seat, backbend, thigh straps). A whitewater rescue course may also be a good idea. The Rogue-lite is a single chambered packraft and includes an inflatable seat cushion. SALE 300€ OFF The Wolverine is the perfect blend of quick engagement, predictable edge control, and precision handling to hit those tight lines that make the difference between just making it to the bottom and running a rapid with style. This packraft can handle flatwater to Class 3 whitewater. The Gnarwhal is Alpacka's beginner/intermediate focused whitewater packraft. The TPU whitewater packraft is very fast and maintains speed in turbulent water more than any other raft I’ve paddled. The Valkyrie paddles like a creek boat, which means aggressive handling and high responsiveness. It’s responsive, stable, and forgiving, great for whitewater beginners to experts. Shop Now The Gnarwhal is our beginner/intermediate focused whitewater packraft. With a whitewater packraft, the next time you see some rushing rapids, all you Nov 15, 2024 · Additionally, meet the MAGE, our newest whitewater packraft! Designed for Class III/IV thrills, the Mage is fast, fun, and more packable than the Valkyrie. May 21, 2025 · The Expedition comes standard with a whitewater spray deck and internal storage via a waterproof TiZip — a long zipper that provides access to the interior of the packraft tubes. Shop our selection of whitewater rafts for sale and other whitewater products. Includes: Inflation Bag, Stuff Sack, and Basic Repair Kit The Wolverine is built with our Rally Hull, high-performance whitewater rigging, Cargo Fly zipper internal storage system, and Whitewater Deck. Ideal for building skills and confidence, carrying heavy loads, and charging hard on high volume runs. Warranty Dec 10, 2023 · Whitewater Packrafting Gear: Alpacka’s Whitewater Series (02:32) I mentioned earlier we focus on selling whitewater packrafting gear, specifically whitewater oriented packrafts by Alpacka Raft. Frontier packrafts have been used in various expeditions and adventure races with great performance. Mini Shark has a more streamlined hull and a slightly upturned bow, which help it pass through the waves and improves the agility of the packraft in white water. All of them have the ability to be a skirted boat or open as a self baler. Andrew McLemore is a staff writer at AllGear Digital. It feels like an inflatable version of a hard-sided whitewater kayak, yet 1/4 the weight. Alpacka Wolverine SOLDE 300€ DE RÉDUCTION Né d’une fusion entre le Gnarwhal et L’Alpackalypse, le Wolverine est un bateau avec beaucoup de répondant, prédictible en courbes et précis afin que vous puissiez rentrer exactement où vous voulez dans un contre. Lastly, use the right packraft for the right situation. Packraft Whitewater Rugged and ready to be tested along with the will to keep pushing forward. It has the longer whitewater seat, thigh straps and foot rests. It comes with a whitewater deck. II whitewater on the Azul. Sheri and Thor Tingey founded Alpacka Raft in the fall of 2000. Feb 8, 2018 · Ben Scholten shoots a rapid in a Kokopelli Nirvana equipped with a whitewater spray skirt. All of it can be a hazard if you flip. I would suggest learning it first with a whitewater kayak. Note: if you’re interested in renting or buying a Feathercraft packraft, check out our sister company, Jackson Hole Packraft & Packraft Rentals The Hurunui is our high-performace whitewater packraft. The hull design is incredibly stable, forgiving and easy to paddle when things start to get wild and you need that ex Especially if you use the packraft in whitewater, the right size is important. We mainly sell the Wolverine, the Valkyrie, and the Gnarwhal. It’s a self-bailing packraft designed to perform in technical whitewater. The ultralight lake packrafts can hang in some rapids, but if you’re in whitewater, use a whitewater specific raft. If you do bring gear, store it in a deck pack or in TiZip compartment of your packraft. IN STOCK & READY TO SHIP! Get yours while stock lasts. The lightest packrafts tend to be the cheapest. This rare opportunity allowed them to train on an Olympic-level slalom course, the same whitewater circuit used in competitive events. They can be used in up to class 4 whitewater if you The Mage is a next generation whitewater packraft, combining evolutionary improvements to the legendary Gnarwhal hull with performance features from the groundbreaking Valkyrie. C’est un bateau pour ceux qui souhaitent faire la différence en Whitewater Packraft - Elwha River. Feb 29, 2024 · Packraft price is largely driven by what the packraft is designed to handle. Aug 30, 2024 · Packraft (w/ appropriate whitewater outfitting: combing & spray skirt/self-bailer, foot block, seat, backbend, thigh straps). Alpacka Valkyrie: Whitewater Pack Raft Royalty. A rowing frame and oars are optional add-ons. The tube is smaller than other models, which makes it easier to get back in the raft after capsized. NEW for 2025 is the Mage, the highest performance whitewater packraft available in a traditional packraft shape. We knew it was going to be low… really low. Some decked packrafts have outfitting that allows experienced paddlers to roll them like a kayak. It’s our favorite do-it-all Alaska style packraft. Our build to order models allow a larger selection of models, colors, sizes and build configurations while our ready to ship options allow you to get a packraft in just a few days. Mini Shark is MRS' latest kayak-style whitewater packraft. Jun 17, 2021 · "The Nirvana spraydeck is my go-to packraft for whitewater. Our packrafts are built by hand in our workshop at the base of the San Juan Mountains in Mancos, Colorado. Colorado-based Alpacka Raft was founded in 2000 by Sheri and Thor Tingey, a mother and son team, and the rafts are designed and handmade in Mancos When you’re looking to tackle just about anything nature throws at you with one watercraft, the Neutron Packraft’s thigh braces, detachable backband, self-bailing floor and waterproof internal storage let you cruise the calm and charge more advanced whitewater. Apr 3, 2024 · Whitewater River Runner: Werner Sherpa or Powerhouse; Aqua Bound Shred Hybrid or Shred Carbon; Whitewater Packrafting. What Grade of Whitewater Can You Use a Packraft in? Packrafts that have decks and are designed to be used with a skirt can handle some really challenging whitewater. Jan 6, 2025 · Kayak Paddling alpacka raft packraft whitewater. jnov vljknr veax tua jdopv jgwlf axvvu kvytennuz toyiw ytpwz