1/11/2024 0 Comments Who made packrat shoesWhen fully inflated to 3 psi, the area where you sit is pretty snug. Inflation and setup are easy if you’ve used a packraft if not, it’s still pretty straightforward. However, the psi won’t be as high and they aren’t included with the raft. Kokopelli claims you can inflate the raft with the Feather Pumpor inflation bagas well. However, it’s not as light or packable as other options. It’s a well-designed pump that folds, to a degree, for easy packing. Kokopelli includes the Nano Barrel pump (additional 2 pounds) with the XPD, which you need to inflate the packraft. ![]() You can carry it several miles, but if that’s your main use you should opt for a lighter raft. This greatly enhances the raft’s tracking ability, which is something that many packrafts suffer with.Īt 13 pounds, this raft can be stashed in a pack or duffel and carried to the water easily, and it’s ideal for shorter approaches. Newly revised for 2021, the XPD gained a removable 9-inch fin that attaches at the stern with an American Standard Fin Plate. We found the additional air had us sitting higher in the water than Kokopelli’s Rogue Lite, which was preferred. The material also allows you to inflate the raft to a higher psi (3 versus 1.5). It’s considerably burlier (and heavier) than the Rogue-Lite and Twain raftswe’ve used. And you should get more mileage from the XPD than some of the lighter rafts on this list. It’s meant to be versatile and stand up to heavy use. Compared to lightweight rafts, the material feels more like a commercial whitewater rafting boat. Kokopelli designed the XPD using 1,000-denier reinforced PVC material. It worked very well for both, and we were thankful for the extra air pressure and durability as we rode over rocks and logs. 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 four-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. Most Durable Packraft: Kokopelli Recon Self-Bailing.Best Ultralight Packraft: Alpacka Ghost.Best Long Traverse Packraft: Alpacka Whitewater Refuge.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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