Based on Kokopelli’s Rogue-Lite design and done up in a burly material, the XPD is a budget raft that’ll take a beating.ĭuring our testing, we paddled a loaner raft for Class III whitewater laps on a small Wyoming creek and on a Snake River fishing trip. The XPD ($799) is Kokopelli’s rough and tumble river runner, and at sub-$800, it’s a comparative steal when looking at other full-featured packrafts.
With a bloodline that goes back to the very beginning of packrafting, the Alpacka Expedition has been refined and followed the trajectory of the sport to produce a boat that’ll be enjoyable for just about anyone to saddle up in. And, uncommon in many rafts: It’s available in three sizes to fine-tune your fit. It allowed for an open boat configuration with ample room for a kid (or dog) on lazy days at the lake. We loved the removable whitewater deck, which kept us nearly as dry as the standard spray deck in big water. And while it previously came without, every new build is kitted out to the nines with white-water specific features such as 4-point thigh straps, foot brace, and spray skirt. It’s light and packable enough to carry on a long trip, yet perfect for nearly all types of serious paddling. The boat strikes a nearly perfect balance between weight and functionality. And at 10.6 inches, the tubes of the performance Rally Hull give the boat amazing performance in both flatwater and serious whitewater. 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. If you only owned one packraft for the rest of your life, the Expedition wouldn’t be a bad choice - as it was the best overall in our testing. Now, it features 20 years of improvements and a clear focus on the big wilderness that’s the heart of the sport. The Alpacka Expedition ($1,725-1,825) is the modern incarnation of the original packraft Alpacka launched way back in 2000. Best Ultralight Packraft: Alpacka Ghost.Most Durable Packraft: Kokopelli Recon Self-Bailing.Best Backpacking Packraft: Uncharted Supply Co Rapid Raft.Best Whitewater Packraft: Alpacka Gnarwhal.Best Overall Packraft: Alpacka Expedition.We’ve also assembled a comparison chart to weigh your options, as well as a FAQ section to get right to the point. If you need more help choosing a packraft, be sure to check out our extensive buyer’s guide at the end of this article. We also favored boats that are readily available in North America. While testing, we considered the following characteristics: ease of use, weight/packed size, durability, paddleability, and cost/value. They handle all types of water, pack up small, and are fun. Whether heading out on a mega-adventure race or simply looking for an apartment-friendly boat, a packraft will suit you well. Historically, these packable boats were used for more extreme bike/raft adventures, but in recent years have gained a broader fan base. A packraft, simply put, is an inflatable boat that you can roll up and put in your backpack to carry for significant distances.
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