HOW TO CHOOSE A PACKRAFT IN 5 EASY STEPS
Choosing the right packraft becomes much easier when you start with the adventures you plan to do most often. Alpacka Raft offers everything from minimalist flatwater packrafts to versatile expedition boats, technical whitewater models and high-volume tandem packrafts.
No single packraft is perfect for every possible situation. We recommend choosing a model that best matches approximately 80% of your intended use. The following five steps will help you narrow down the options.
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START WITH YOUR MAIN USE
First, consider where and how you expect to paddle most frequently.
Flatwater and touring
For lakes, fjords, calm rivers and longer flatwater journeys, look for an efficient hull, comfortable seating and good directional stability. Weight and packed size may also be important if you plan to combine paddling with hiking or public transport.
Lightwater and versatile adventures
If your trips combine hiking, calm water, moving rivers and occasional easy whitewater, a versatile all-round packraft is usually the best choice. These boats provide a useful balance of portability, durability, comfort and paddling performance.
Whitewater
For regular whitewater use, choose a model designed specifically for moving and technical water. Important features include a whitewater hull, thigh straps, a supportive seat, backband and foot brace. These features improve control, edging and your connection to the boat.
Tandem, family and cargo use
For two adults, children, dogs or very large loads, choose a tandem or high-volume cargo model. These packrafts provide more interior space, buoyancy and carrying capacity than standard solo boats.
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SOLO, TANDEM OR EXTRA SPACE?
A solo packraft usually provides the best combination of control, low weight and compact packed size for one paddler.
If you regularly paddle with another adult, a dedicated tandem packraft is the better choice. For one adult with a child, dog or substantial equipment, a larger solo or high-volume model may provide the additional room you need.
Think about your usual passenger and cargo requirements rather than choosing a larger boat only for rare situations.
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DECIDE HOW IMPORTANT WEIGHT IS
A lightweight packraft is easier to carry and pack, making it ideal for hiking, bikepacking and trips with long portages. However, additional durability, volume and whitewater equipment normally increase the overall weight.
Ask yourself:
• How far will I regularly carry the packraft?
• Is minimum packed weight a priority?
• Will I paddle shallow or rocky rivers?
• Do I need whitewater outfitting or additional load capacity?
• Am I willing to carry more weight for comfort and performance?
The lightest packraft is not automatically the best one. Choose the lightest model that still provides the durability, performance and features required for your intended use.
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CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONFIGURATION
Packrafts are available in several configurations. Availability depends on the individual model.
Open boat
An open packraft is simple, lightweight and compact. It is a good option for warm conditions, calm water and trips where low weight is the main priority. It provides no protection from splashes, rain or cold water.
Self-bailer
A self-bailing packraft allows water to drain through holes in the floor. This makes re-entry quick and keeps water from accumulating inside the boat. Self-bailers are popular for whitewater and warm conditions but are generally wetter and colder than decked boats.
Whitewater deck
A fixed whitewater deck offers the best protection from cold water and splashes. Combined with a spray skirt, it provides a warm and dry configuration for technical whitewater and colder conditions.
Removable deck
A removable deck provides flexibility because it can be attached or removed depending on the conditions. It is a versatile option, although it is normally heavier and may allow slightly more water inside than a fixed whitewater deck.
Flatwater deck
Flatwater touring models may use a dedicated deck system designed for protection, comfort and efficient paddling on lakes, fjords and calm rivers.
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CHECK PADDLER SIZE AND TOTAL LOAD
Your height, seated leg length, body proportions and preferred fit all influence the correct packraft size. Whitewater paddlers often prefer a more connected performance fit, while touring paddlers may choose additional legroom for comfort.
Use our Packraft Size & Fit Guide to determine the most suitable size. Always check the model-specific sizing information on the individual product page.
Also calculate your realistic total load:
• Paddler weight
• Clothing and footwear
• Camping equipment
• Food and water
• Bike or additional sports equipment
• Child, dog or second paddler
• Any other cargo
Make sure the selected model provides sufficient capacity for the paddler and all equipment.
For multi-day trips, a Cargo Fly and internal dry bags are highly recommended. They allow equipment to be stored inside the packraft’s tubes, helping to keep the load dry, secure and positioned lower in the boat.
QUICK ALPACKA RAFT MODEL OVERVIEW
Flatwater and touring
Zephyr, Chinook and Aleutian are designed primarily for flatwater use, with different levels of speed, protection, comfort and expedition capability.
Versatile and lightweight adventures
Caribou and Expedition are strong choices for mixed trips. The Caribou is particularly popular for lightweight travel and bikerafting, while the Expedition combines touring versatility with useful whitewater capability.
Whitewater
Mage, Gnarwhal and Valkyrie V3 are designed for whitewater performance. The Expedition is an alternative for paddlers who want one versatile packraft for wilderness travel and moderate whitewater.
Cargo, family and tandem adventures
Mule and Ranger provide additional volume for heavier loads, families, hunting or fishing. Forager and Rendezvous are designed for two-person and high-capacity adventures.
Minimalist flatwater travel
Scout is a compact, minimalist option for calm water and trips where low weight and packed size are the main priorities.
FINAL CHECKLIST
Before choosing your packraft, answer these questions:
• Where will I paddle most often?
• Will I carry the packraft over long distances?
• Do I need a solo, tandem or high-volume model?
• Which configuration suits the water and climate?
• What is my realistic total load?
• Which size provides the best fit?
• Do I need thigh straps, a foot brace or whitewater outfitting?
• Would a Cargo Fly improve my planned trips?
NEED PERSONAL ADVICE?
Still unsure which packraft is right for you? Contact the Packraft Europe team. We are experienced packrafters and can help you compare models, sizes and configurations based on your body size, experience and planned adventures.
What packrafting paddle is best?
Most packraft paddles are light-weight and you can break them down into 2 or 4 pieces. Light, durable and inexpensive - you never can have all 3 of them. Pick your top 2 priorities and that will give you the best paddle for you ;-) See our selection of paddles that we have tried, trust and recommend here.